Potential job offer...living cost comparison

[Faster10154]

Originally Posted by buffalo2012

Hello, I live in upstate NY and may be offered a job in Flagstaff with a major employer. I did go to the cost of living comparison websites and they all show that Flagstaff is more expensive. I was wondering if I could the perspective of local people in Flagstaff.

Currently, I make $80K, I have 4 bed /2 bath house (2000 sq ft). The mortgage is $1700, utilities are $200 (gas + electric). Cable is $45 and internet is $30. I am a single earner.

If I receive comparable salary in Flagstaff would I be able to afford similar lifestyle in terms of housing etc...

I did check on the forum and mostly I found posts about apartment rents and home rentals.

Thanks for everyones input.

Buffalonian.

Here's a good resource: Cost of Living comparison calculator

[Charlie Prime]

Interesting calculator. Thanks!

[buffalo2012]

Thanks, I will check the calculator out. I am especially curious about the difference in utility costs as I have read a lot on this forum that they are much higher in flagstaff than other places.

[cooks2010]

Thanks for this thread, I did want to post an additional question about utilities. For a family of 2, in a 1700 sq ft home (3bed/2bath) how much would the electricity and gas bills be around in flagstaff? I know its usually based upon personal usage, but on average.

Currently I pay $50 - $70 electricity and $180 heating in winter (in Detroit) for a similar sized house.

[ohazco]

I can't give you a good comparison for utilities, however as an FYI, for just $20 bucks you can get a permit to cut up to 4 cords of wood from the national forest, and up to 10 cords total ($5 per cord after 4). If you get on it early enough there are even some areas where you can cut for free. So if you get a house with a woodstove or fireplace with an insert or something, you can save some major money that way.