Possible relocation to DFW area (Dallas: rent, car insurance, how much)

[Hysteric]

Hello

I work for a government contractor in New Jersey (southern) and we have a position open in Dallas that I am concidering. I have been to Dallas a few times before for Quakecon (computer gaming event), so I am kind of familiar with the area. Anywho, my biggest concern is the difference in the cost of living. I tried a few cost of living calculators out, but there isnt a real consistant answer as to what the difference is.

I am 24, I live with my parents, and have a 2006 F150 4x4 (probably my largest expense as far as bills go). I feel like I would save a ton on insurance; right now I'm paying about $140/mo for full coverage. I still need to find out how much of a raise it will be to go out there.

Any advice or pointers on this would be great.

Thanks!

[Squirl]

It will cost more to live here unless your parents move, too.

[Hysteric]

:P Gee thanks.

Guess I am wondering if anyone in the Dallas area has also lived in Jersey. That way I can have a more direct comparison on things like groceries, etc.

[loves2read]

there is no way that you can live as cheaply after you move as you do now--
3 people living together is always cheaper than just one-as long as you are not the one carrying all the load

you will have to pay all your rent, all your groceries, utilities--

and your insurance is likely to be just as expensive if not higher
there are some insurance companies that do online quotes--
find one and put in your info with several different Dallss zip codes to see
TX has some of the highest utility and insurance costs in the nation

[Twincam666]

I have lived in NJ and NY and your insurance will not be that much cheaper at your age.
Foods cheaper but you"ll have rent and other expenses too...It's cheaper to live here than NJ in general, but if you're living at home it will cost you a lot more than you're probably spending now.

Maybe chime in when you know what you can earn here and then discuss it

[TurtleCreek80]

Don't count on your car insurance being any cheaper in Dallas. We have one of the highest percentage of uninsured drivers on the roads here and that drives insurance rates up.

Minimum rent on a 1 br in a safe neighborhood- $700-750/mo with cable/Internet/electricity/ other bills being another $200-300/mo
Minimum rent in a more exciting neighborhood with nightlife- $900-1,000 with similar bills

Food costs won't be too different- maybe 10-20% less. Used to live in NYC so that is what I am comparing
Sales tax is 8.25% but no state income tax
Beer is about $4-5 and mixed drinks are $6-8 or $9+ in lounges/upscale places
Gas is currently $3.70/gallon or so.

You can use paycheckcity.com to estimate your take-home pay after taxes & other deductions.