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I moved from Charlotte to Phoenix and for me Charlotte is definitely more expensive. I find in Phoenix that groceries/gas/rent are definitely cheaper. I definitely see the savings.
You sure about that? I think it's pretty close and one of the great things about Charlotte is the proximity to SC. You can drive down to SC and save on some items if you plan accordingly
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if you would pay 2.5x's that amount a month for a place in Boston that should be your proof. Sure gas is expenses and I have no idea why but that rent/mortgage and taxes are where the real savings are in Charlotte.
Again, from my other post, that's NOT to say you can't find places to live in Boston for $650. I was comparing how I get the modern luxury down here for $650/month (with roommates) and if it was up North, it would cost me 2.5x's. But if I paid $650 up North, I'd just be living in an average apartment.. no frills, no pool, no gym.
I'm a single young prof, living with roommates and plan to until I get married/purchase a house. If I was working up North, paying $650/month for an 'average' apt but saving on groceries, gas, etc. then living cost isn't all that diff.
Now buying a house with a family, MAYBE that's a different story.
Again, from my other post, that's NOT to say you can't find places to live in Boston for $650. I was comparing how I get the modern luxury down here for $650/month (with roommates) and if it was up North, it would cost me 2.5x's. But if I paid $650 up North, I'd just be living in an average apartment.. no frills, no pool, no gym.
I'm a single young prof, living with roommates and plan to until I get married/purchase a house. If I was working up North, paying $650/month for an 'average' apt but saving on groceries, gas, etc. then living cost isn't all that diff.
Now buying a house with a family, MAYBE that's a different story.
But you admittedly aren't comparing apples to apples. The same "average" apt in Boston that you can pay $650/month for with roommates is still probably 1.5-2x more than a similar "average" apartment with roommates in Charlotte.
NC is one of the highest taxed states.
That cost of living chart is nothing but crap. I haven't seen any of those prices in years.
Housing is cheaper. Auto insurance used to be but has gone up every year and now I am paying more here than in PA. Utilities are not much cheaper plus Duke and Piedmont Gas keep jacking the costs up. Now we are about to pay for their problems as well. Internet and cable are about the same as the NE.
Food is not cheaper and restaurants are very expensive here for the quality of food you get. No difference in movies or entertainment.
NC is one of the highest taxed states.
That cost of living chart is nothing but crap. I haven't seen any of those prices in years.
Housing is cheaper. Auto insurance used to be but has gone up every year and now I am paying more here than in PA. Utilities are not much cheaper plus Duke and Piedmont Gas keep jacking the costs up. Now we are about to pay for their problems as well. Internet and cable are about the same as the NE.
Food is not cheaper and restaurants are very expensive here for the quality of food you get. No difference in movies or entertainment.
The COLA depends on where you live in PA or anywhere for that matter (urban vs rural). Everybody clamors for certain amenities to be like back "home"....guess what comes with that? - back home prices. Charlotte has grown leaps and bounds in 20 years and so have many other sleepy little southern metros. Pick any large or urban metro in the northeastern corridor and everything up there is more expensive....not to mention the traffic woes to get to anything....restaurants, entertainment, etc.
The south is still a much better bang for the buck....Northern VA has it all...great restaurants, shopping, close to DC, etc...but it's one big parking lot.
Again, from my other post, that's NOT to say you can't find places to live in Boston for $650. I was comparing how I get the modern luxury down here for $650/month (with roommates) and if it was up North, it would cost me 2.5x's. But if I paid $650 up North, I'd just be living in an average apartment.. no frills, no pool, no gym.
I'm a single young prof, living with roommates and plan to until I get married/purchase a house. If I was working up North, paying $650/month for an 'average' apt but saving on groceries, gas, etc. then living cost isn't all that diff.
Now buying a house with a family, MAYBE that's a different story.
It's definitely easier to get ahead financially in the south and the serious young professional can amass much more wealth in a shorter amount of time (all things being equal). It all depends on what a person values or opt to do in their leisure time. If the south is a good fit, I say go for it and don't look back.
For me, privacy (no roommates) was a priority once I reached 25+ and wish I had done it sooner, schools out, time to grow up.
Again, from my other post, that's NOT to say you can't find places to live in Boston for $650. I was comparing how I get the modern luxury down here for $650/month (with roommates) and if it was up North, it would cost me 2.5x's. But if I paid $650 up North, I'd just be living in an average apartment.. no frills, no pool, no gym.
I'm a single young prof, living with roommates and plan to until I get married/purchase a house. If I was working up North, paying $650/month for an 'average' apt but saving on groceries, gas, etc. then living cost isn't all that diff.
Now buying a house with a family, MAYBE that's a different story.
You keep changing the story...
Luxury vs average apt.
You could get an average apt with 1 roommate for $425 in University
But you admittedly aren't comparing apples to apples. The same "average" apt in Boston that you can pay $650/month for with roommates is still probably 1.5-2x more than a similar "average" apartment with roommates in Charlotte.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Feltdesigner
You keep changing the story...
Luxury vs average apt.
You could get an average apt with 1 roommate for $425 in University
Well, if you want to compare 'apples' to 'apples' then it really isn't that much cheaper, that is comparing the luxury directly in DT Charlotte and the luxury in DT Boston. I really lucked out with my apartment because I got the Specials, having 2 roommates, and while it is close to Uptown and in a 'gated' complex, it's not exactly in the greatest areas of Charlotte (28208).
And I know you can pay cheaper rent in the University area but who would want to live out there, especially if you are young and new to the city lol. All the young prof I know who relocated all either live in/close to Uptown or in the South End. Anyways, what one of the previous poster said just makes sense with the uprising cost of apartments in the area. They jack up the prices because they can, with all the influx of people from other areas who are used to paying higher rent.
I'm just really surprised at the cost of everything else- sales tax, gas, etc. I'm not sure what the prices of gas is back up North now but when I first arrived, I noticed gas down here was at least 10 cents more.
It's definitely easier to get ahead financially in the south and the serious young professional can amass much more wealth in a shorter amount of time (all things being equal). It all depends on what a person values or opt to do in their leisure time. If the south is a good fit, I say go for it and don't look back.
For me, privacy (no roommates) was a priority once I reached 25+ and wish I had done it sooner, schools out, time to grow up.
Haha, I like Charlotte but I just don't think it's for me. I'm only down here for a year or 2 so it's nothing permanent. I really miss the variety of ethnic food choices where some is not even heard of here.. although, those choices are available in the bigger Southern cities which I haven't been to (Houston, Atlanta). Maybe I should move there instead before I pass judgement on the whole Southern part
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