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Compared to Buffalo, gas is MUCH cheaper in Fort Mill. Taxes are MUCH cheaper for property tax. You have to pay a car tax in NC/SC so that sux. Car insurance can't be compared because I had a lot of tix and was youunger in WNY, but it went up after moving from NC to SC. I don't care what anybody says; groceries even out in the long run. Also, in WNY, the salt and cold weather are hell on your car and your car rusts, brake lines snap, gas lines rot out, bolts fall off, etc, so even with the car tax, operating a car here is cheaper. Water is somewhat high for me because I am outside of town limits, but it's not "expensive." My utilities are much cheaper here. Have you ever had a $700 heating gas bill for a 1300 sq foot house even WITH visquine (plastic) on the windows. To me Charlotte area is cheaper and I make 2x as much here as I did in WNY. And I also agree that winter clothing is cheaper cuz all you need is a coat (usually).
Also, do not forget you don't have heating bills that take a year to pay off. Atleast we have about 3-4 months where it chills down or get's cold enough to snow but nothing where your on a payment plan until your 5th child is 19. It's crazy up there. Water is cheaper but your surround by it.
One thing that would keep me away from moving back to NY is the senator. Her last name is very famous, just don't like those politicans or snow.
Plus, up there you still work in a noreaster, just suck it up and leave 3 hours earlier then normal. Atleast Charlotte becomes myham nad it's so much fun to watch the people spin out and try to drive in the treterous conditions.
I think it depends. We moved from Chicago and our rent went down three hundred dollars and we have twice as much space here. Also I was offered a job making the same amount I made in Chicago. Eating out at nice restaurants is literally fifty percent less here than it was in Chicago. We eat at great places and it cost 20-45 dollars. In Chicago it was impossible for two to eat out at less than 100 bucks.
I'm from MA and I think the cost of living is much cheaper here. We can afford a much nicer home, our utility bills have been lower and gas is cheaper. As for groceries, we just try and buy things on sale etc. I think it all depends on where you came from.
Also, do not forget you don't have heating bills that take a year to pay off. Atleast we have about 3-4 months where it chills down or get's cold enough to snow but nothing where your on a payment plan until your 5th child is 19. It's crazy up there. Water is cheaper but your surround by it.
One thing that would keep me away from moving back to NY is the senator. Her last name is very famous, just don't like those politicans or snow.
Plus, up there you still work in a noreaster, just suck it up and leave 3 hours earlier then normal. Atleast Charlotte becomes myham nad it's so much fun to watch the people spin out and try to drive in the treterous conditions.
Oh, yes I remember those Payment Plans. Turn the heat on in November thru April; pay all year for it. That senator's famous hubby is going to be in Rock Hill Monday at 4pm.
I did not have Con-Ed, but had LIPA and they charged every two months? Was Con-Ed that way too, or every month? Because then the bills would be about the same! Just questioning.
We to had LIPA. Our bills are so much cheaper then LI...except WATER!
All & all a nice place to live but I really want to visit Long Island but my husband says "NO". I miss my best friend Sheila!
I did not have Con-Ed, but had LIPA and they charged every two months? Was Con-Ed that way too, or every month? Because then the bills would be about the same! Just questioning.
It was every month...my heart would literally do flip flops knowing the bill would be in the box at any moment!!!
This is why we're moving to NC from LI - Our property taxes are 11K (and believe me, we have no property), Homeowner's Ins - $2100, Auto Ins - $2800, LIPA (electric) $461 a month!, Gas - $89 (a month). Our water bill is quarterly and runs approx $115 - $230 depending on the time of the year. Could expenses possibly be more in NC?
I suspect your water bill will be higher here, but doubtful that the others will even come close...we moved 9 years ago and for monthly bills we are still paying less than we did in NY (for everything except water) at prices nine years ago...
I agree that housing and insurance are cheaper, however daycare, state taxes and the food are horrible. I had never paid taxes on food until I got here. I do feel it is a better way of life and many will enjoy it. But, like the other person said, some may be in for a rude awakening if they only come for that reason (cost of living). Most professional jobs have comparable salaries, and if you move here with your current job it is comparable as well. The jobs however are hard to come by.
Living in Charlotte is cheaper, or lets just say you get more bang for you buck. Some industries and careers the pay is very comparable. But what you pay for a studion in NYC $1000 to $1300, you could be renting or owning a 3br 2ba house in Charlotte. Car insurance is a lot cheaper, groceries are cheaper, cigarettes are cheaper, dinner and drinks at restaurant are cheaper. I dont think the orginartor of this post is being realistic, sounds like to me, he doesnt have his finances in order. Now if you are talking about comparing Charlotte and cities like Buffalo, Albany or Rochester NY etc. then you might have a valid point.
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More Bang for your Buck
