There are many reasons to move to a big city. The opportunity for career growth, meeting new people, and living where the action is can’t be matched by smaller cities or towns. Densely populated cities around the world are often divided into groups of people who can afford to live a lavish lifestyle and those who cannot. This is because costs are much higher in places like London, New York, Tokyo, and Beijing due to several factors, including competition for living space and rent. If you are tempted to move to a big city but are concerned about what it might cost, here are a few ways that you can reduce your spending and make smart financial decisions so you can enjoy being in the thick of it.
Learn to Cook For Yourself
Big cities are packed with restaurants of all kinds, from fast food chains to Michelin-star venues. The convenience of eating at a restaurant or ordering food to your home might be compelling at first, but you will soon start to see the toll it takes on your bank account. Instead, buy your own ingredients and learn some recipes that can act as staples in your diet. If you love eating out too much to sacrifice it completely, make a line in your budget for dining at restaurants so you can monitor your spending better.
Share a Living Space
Living alone in a big city will be far more expensive than splitting rent with other people. Fortunately, there are ways that you can reduce the costs of renting by sharing with others. If you would like to live in New York, for example, you can look for coliving NYC opportunities that are designed to make it easier for people to live in this expensive location. If you have friends or family who are willing to move with you, this can also help to bring the price of your rent down. Research the areas you want to live in carefully before making any firm decisions since changing your mind and moving can cost a lot.
Buy Second Hand
Save money by avoiding purchasing brand-new items such as furniture or clothing and instead look for what you need in second hand stores. Not only is this a fantastic way to keep your costs down, but it also allows you to reduce your carbon footprint while finding unique items to add to your wardrobe or home. You can always sell your unwanted belongings online as well for additional income.
Ride Public Transport
Owning a car comes with plenty of financial baggage, especially in a big city. Trying to find somewhere to park and paying for fuel when it is only being burned up in traffic makes public transport a much more appealing option. In big cities, these transport methods are often highly efficient and frequent, making it easy to get around without a car. Of course, you could always walk or cycle and appreciate all the big city offers.
