Big City Survival Guide - ForumDaily
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Big City Survival Guide

Photo: depositphotos

Photo: depositphotos

People move to big cities for a variety of reasons. But big cities have high prices, which makes life in them not easy.

Of course, living in a big city is good with a big salary. But in most large cities, a comfortable life costs several times more than the average family income. According to a recent GoBankingRates study, you'd need to earn $119 a year to live comfortably in San Francisco, even though the median income is $570. And in Los Angeles, you'd need to earn $78, but the actual median income is $378.

If you are thinking about moving to a big city or struggling to make ends meet, there are a few tips on how to ease the financial burden and reduce the cost of living in an expensive city.

  1. Don't live alone
Photo: depositphotos

Photo: depositphotos

If you want to quickly reduce the cost of renting a house, get a roommate.

In some major cities, a renter can save more than $800 a month by sharing a room with a roommate, according to SmartAsset analysis. It saves not only on the cost of rent, but also on the cost of utilities, internet, cable TV and electricity, which eats up 5% to 22% of after-tax income, according to ACCCE.

2. Agree on the best price with the landlord

Photo: depositphotos

Photo: depositphotos

If you do not want to share your living space, you can negotiate a lower rent with the landlord.

For example, if the landlord asks for $ 1300, offer him $ 1100. After all, many do not even ask, but immediately agree on the set price.

Before negotiating, research the area and analyze the proposal. Sites like Zillow and Trulia offer rental options in the area you're interested in. If you find cheaper apartments nearby, you can ask for a better price.

Additionally, a tenant with a good rental history or high credit rating can use this data to request a good price. A good tenant who is financially responsible, pays rent on time, takes good care of the property and respects other tenants is always worth his weight in gold.

And you can also request a lower rent if you offer to rent a property for a longer period.

3. Choose a suitable time to move.

Photo: depositphotos

Photo: depositphotos

The best time to look for housing is winter. Typically, people are less likely to look for housing during the winter and holiday months.

According to research conducted by RentHop, rent rates in New York City are lowest in December and January and peak during the summer. The difference is typically 4-5% for a one-bedroom apartment, or about $140 per month.

In Los Angeles, rental prices drop 2% during the winter. But the peak season begins in April and ends in October. In Miami, the fluctuation is more noticeable. In May and June prices fall by 4-5%, and from September to January - by 2%.

If you are unable to choose the time of the move, use seasonal trends to your advantage. For example, if you move in the summer, avoid areas that are popular with students. In these months, there is a great demand for housing near colleges, and prices are usually inflated.

4. Rest for free

Photo: depositphotos

Photo: depositphotos

If you do not know where to find the best free events, you can refer to popular applications or use ForumDaily calendar.

5. Limit eating out

The cost of catering is growing throughout the country. In fact, in restaurants, prices have risen by 2,8% since August 2015. In addition, the USDA predicts that the cost of cooking at home will fall below the average of the historical 20-year low.

Sit down and analyze where and when you go most often. Try to buy products yourself and cook for yourself. If you are going to be friends, invite them to your place and invite everyone to prepare food and cocktails together, instead of going to a local bar.

6. Think about which transport is better to ride

Photo: depositphotos

Photo: depositphotos

In a big city, transport is one of the most important aspects of life.

For some, a car is an additional expense. In addition to the car itself, you need to pay for insurance, parking, and fuel. On average, you spend over $600 extra per month.

In some large cities it is better to travel by public transport. These include Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Boston, Chicago and New York. These cities are lucky enough to have very affordable public transport prices.

In DC, Metrobus the fare for a regular route is only $ 1,75, and the express route will cost you $ 4.

A CharlieCard in Boston costs $2.25—but you can get a LinkPass for unlimited subway and local bus rides for $84,50 a month. The train to Chicago costs $2,25 one way.

And finally, in the subway in New York, you can drive for $ 3, which is the most expensive on this list. But you can get an 25% discount when you buy multiple trips. You also get a bonus in 11% for every $ 5,50.

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