Moving from Paducah, KY, to Maryland (Gaithersburg: apartments, insurance, living)

[Bamanut]

I am looking to take a job offer in Gaithersburg ...I now live in Paducah Kentucky and the research I have done says that the cost of living difference is about 45% higher in Gaithersburg Maryland can someone tell me if that sounds accurate and what are some of the pitfalls to look for other then housing cost?

Thank you
Bamanut

[beilart]

45% sounds just about right. Also, your electric bill will be higher, your auto insurance will be higher, gas bill higher, and probably even groceries. Not sure about the water bill costs but no doubt higher.

Originally Posted by Bamanut

I am looking to take a job offer in Gaithersburg ...I now live in Paducah Kentucky and the research I have done says that the cost of living difference is about 45% higher in Gaithersburg Maryland can someone tell me if that sounds accurate and what are some of the pitfalls to look for other then housing cost?

Thank you
Bamanut

[Richard Martin]

Originally Posted by Bamanut

I am looking to take a job offer in Gaithersburg ...I now live in Paducah Kentucky and the research I have done says that the cost of living difference is about 45% higher in Gaithersburg Maryland can someone tell me if that sounds accurate and what are some of the pitfalls to look for other then housing cost?

The biggest pitfall I can see is you are in for a major, major culture shock. If the City-Data info on Paducah is close to accurate then it is completely and totally different from Gaithersburg. You're going from a large town/small city into an area with over a million people in it. The traffic is significantly heavier, almost everything will be much more expensive, the people talk and act differently. Even the food is different. Good Luck!

[knoxgarden]

I've lived in Maryland and spent some good times in Paducah (nice dirt track and love the quilt museum).
You're in for a very major cultural shock. It's at least 45% more expensive, it's going to seem more like 100% until you figure out where to get bargains and how to save. Traffic and crowds will drive you crazy until you get used to them.
Just give yourself time to settle in and adjust. In many ways it will be like moving to a foreign country. You'll have a lot of things to get used to. People will be very different, not as open and friendly.

[schoolrn]

I used to live in Maryland and cost of living will be higher. I now have a daughter who is looking to move to Paducah for a job. Any insights on where to look for apartments when we come to visit in 2 weeks or so.