The cost of living in a major city can be astronomical, and unless you make multiple six figures, you might struggle to find a decent place to live in the best parts of the city. But don’t despair, because there are ways to help you live more affordably in the city and enjoy everything that living in one can offer. From networking opportunities to career options to enjoying the nightlife when you’re not working, the city is a fun and busy place to be. In this post, we’ll break down some key tips for finding more affordable places to live in major cities so that you can enjoy all their amenities – without breaking the bank!
Consider Coliving
What is coliving? Coliving is a new trend in housing, and it’s quickly becoming popular among young adults. It’s not the same as getting a roommate and renting a place together, but it offers many of the same benefits. Coliving spaces are like communes for adults. You share your living space with other people who have similar interests and goals. It’s a great way to meet new friends and make sure you’re getting the most out of your city experience.
In a coliving situation, you are only responsible for your portion of the rent whether someone moves out or not. This means that even if one of your coliving mates leaves, you won’t pay more rent than you already do and you won’t need to worry about getting kicked out because of it.
Find Roommates
Of course, there is always the traditional route of moving into an apartment with a roommate. Sometimes roommates are people you find in your professional sphere, in college, or even through church and community postings. When you find roommates, you can more easily afford a decent place to rent in the better parts of town. You can find them online, or through your personal and business connections.
Get Creative About Transportation
Living in the city usually means that you may not need a car, especially if you can easily get to work using public transportation. Because of ride-sharing apps, taxis, trains, buses, and other public transportation options, you can save a lot of money on getting around. You won’t need a car payment, insurance, gas, or repairs if you aren’t driving your own car. Plus, there are even carpooling options that are sometimes free. People will pick up others at a park and ride and bring them into the city just so they can use the carpool lane. Of course, biking and walking are options as well. But if you aren’t paying a lot of car expenses, you can better afford a nice place to live in the city.
Shop at Discount Stores
If you’re looking for a way to save money in the city, discount stores are your best bet. They offer a huge selection of items at very low prices. Shopping for discount items, instead of always looking for luxury and convenience ones can save you money. In the city, you also want to avoid shopping at convenience stores because they can be much more expensive. Shop sales, shop with cash when possible, and do your best to stick to a budget for food and household items. Doing this can make city living more doable.
Live in a Lower-Cost Area of Town
While safety is important when you live in a big city, there are pockets of town that are more affordable than others and still provide safety when needed. Look for areas where rent is cheaper and the cost of living is lower, such as neighborhoods that are less popular with tourists or investors. If you’re looking for an apartment, consider those in transition like places where new development has started but isn’t complete just yet.
Consider the Suburbs Nearby
If you’re looking for a cheaper living situation and don’t mind being farther away from the city, consider the suburbs. In some areas, you can find safe and affordable housing in areas that are a little further from the city. Sometimes there are trains from the suburbs that can bring you into the busy parts of the city a few times a day.
Invest in a Condo and Rent Out the Other Rooms
If you are looking for an affordable living situation in the city, consider purchasing a condo and renting out the other rooms. You can sometimes even get a business loan to do this. This is a great option for someone who really wants to live in the city, but needs some more cash to make it work.
