“As life changes, living in urban VS rural areas costs different amounts. Knowing these differences helps us choose where to live. City living is usually more expensive because there are more people, while the countryside can be cheaper but might not have as many services.”
Factors Affecting the Costs of Living
Housing Costs
I’m currently living in Cumbria, a county in North West England. The cost of living in the countryside is much lower compared to the city. Renting a place in urban areas can be really expensive, which is why a lot of folks opt to move out.
This holds true not only in England but also in other parts of the world. Cities generally offer more job opportunities and better-paying jobs, but the housing costs are sky-high. This means you’ve got to be smart about budgeting, as housing expenditures can eat up a significant portion of your salary.
Check out the info below according to ons.gov.uk
Transportation Expenses
In cities, it’s easier to use public transportation because there are more routes due to the high population. Some people prefer walking or biking to work to avoid traffic jams. Buying a bike or electric scooter could help save money on transportation.
In rural areas, it’s better to have a car because public transportation is limited. Ridesharing is an option, but it can be expensive when you’re charged per mile or kilometer. Not all transportation methods work the same everywhere. For example, walking in rural areas isn’t practical due to long distances.
Transportation costs can take up a big chunk of your salary, from 5% to 40%, depending on where you live and how you get around. This includes owning a car, paying for gas, maintenance, taxes, and insurance. It’s important to consider transportation expenses when budgeting, as they can add up fast.
Services and Amenities
Living in a city means having everything within reach, like supermarkets, schools, healthcare facilities, and leisure centers. There’s also plenty of dining, entertainment, and shopping options compared to rural areas. While it’s convenient, it can also lead to more temptations to spend money on unnecessary things.
On the other hand, living in rural areas may have fewer amenities and services, but it’s a chance to save money, especially if you have many financial responsibilities like sending money back home or paying taxes and a mortgage.
Utilities and Internet
In today’s world, having internet is a must. City areas usually get better and cheaper internet because of good infrastructure. But living in rural areas means paying more for things like water, gas, and electricity.
Quality of Life and Work-life Balance
Living in the city can be costly, but it does come with the perk of shorter commutes and flexible work arrangements, which can really help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. On the flip side, living in the countryside gives you more space and a tranquil environment, so you can easily enjoy nature without having to plan extravagant vacations.
People in the city often take short breaks (2-5 days) to escape the noise, while those in rural areas may visit local attractions in the city occasionally, although transportation expenses can add up.
Educational and Healthcare Services
Living in the city means more school options for kids – public, private, and specialized schools provide a wide range of opportunities. City schools have better facilities because they get more funding, have access to advanced technology, and offer more extracurricular programs and well-trained teachers.
If you’re a parent in a rural area, you’ll need to budget extra for your child’s transportation to school due to limited access. Kids in rural areas may have fewer opportunities and might consider looking for better schools in the city for more future career options. Parents should also start saving early for their child’s university expenses, including accommodation and transportation, if their child decides to study in the city.
Living in rural areas doesn’t just affect education but also impacts healthcare access. Challenges such as outdated medical equipment and fewer specialists are more common in rural areas compared to cities.
Living in the city or the countryside comes with a lot of differences. Urban areas offer more job opportunities, but you’ve got to think about the higher cost of living – like housing and other expenses. On the other hand, rural areas can help you balance your income and expenses. Balancing the pros and cons of living in either place requires some careful planning.
