It’s easy to see why people flock to major metropolitan areas from small towns and rural communities. In addition to having more culture and career opportunities, big cities simply have a lot more to see, do and experience than areas that are more sparsely populated. However, all these perks come with a catch – i.e., increased cost of living. Not only are rental rates and home prices considerably more expensive in major metropolitan areas, basic necessities like food and gas tender to be pricier, too. This isn’t to say that these areas are completely unaffordable, but in order to live comfortably in a big city, you may need to get a little creative with your finances.
Rent a Storage Unit
It’s no secret that rental rates in big cities are expensive. So, unless you have an amazing job lined up or a substantial amount in savings, your options are going to be fairly limited when it comes to apartments. There’s also a good chance that the places you’re able to afford won’t be large enough to comfortably house all of your possessions. This is where a good storage unit can come in handy. Renting a secure storage unit will provide you with a place to store things you have no consistent use for, thereby clearing up space in your apartment. Anyone who will soon be relocating to the “Oil Capital of the World” should check out storage units in Tulsa.
Learn to Cook for Yourself
Upon moving to a big city, you’re likely to find yourself awestruck by the incredible amount of dining options. For recent transplants, the temptation to dine out (which is ill-advised due to the current pandemic) or order in on a near-nightly basis can be overwhelming. However, regularly giving into this temptation can put a huge dent in your finances. While there’s nothing wrong with ordering takeout every now and then, it should not be your go-to option when it comes to dining.
Even if you don’t have much experience cooking for yourself, it’s never too late to learn. Furthermore, don’t allow yourself to get discouraged if you make a mistake or two. Although some people have more natural talent for food prep than others, learning to cook typically involves a fair amount of trial and error. As the adage goes, “Nothing tastes better than a meal you make yourself.”
Stick to a Workable Entertainment Budget
Part of the appeal of big cities is their plethora of entertainment options. Young adults, in particular, are drawn to major metropolitan areas by the exciting nightlife and energetic club scene. However, hitting the town every night is liable to quickly eat away at your personal finances. Popular clubs and bars generally aren’t inexpensive establishments, and you’re unlikely to have much fun when visiting them unless you’re prepared to spend a fair amount of money. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the occasional night out, indulging in such outings on a nightly basis will leave your monthly budget thoroughly depleted.
With this in mind, make a point of drawing up a manageable entertainment budget and sticking to it. This will likely mean going out on a more infrequent basis than you’d prefer, but it will also go a long way in helping you build your savings. Furthermore, while big cities can be expensive places to live, many of them have an abundance of free entertainment options. From large museums to picturesque parks, it isn’t hard to enjoy free outings in a major metropolitan area.
Furthermore, with the COVID-19 pandemic raging on, outside-the-home recreation is generally ill-advised for the foreseeable future. Not only will frivolous outings place your health and safety at risk, they also stand to endanger the various people you interact with. Anyone looking to save money and stay safe for the foreseeable future would be wise to focus on at-home entertainment and get to work on their media backlog.
There are many perks associated with city life. No matter what field you work in, you’re liable to find more job opportunities in a major metropolitan area than a small town. Additionally, you’ll have a much larger variety of options when it comes to dining, culture and entertainment. However, since all these amenities come with an increased cost of living, finding convenient ways to save money should be a priority for anyone who will soon be relocating to a major metropolitan area.
