It’s not only the real estate markets that differ from town to town — the Cost of Living does, too.
Insurance costs, tax bills and just plain, day-to-day living will dent a household budget differently depending on where that household is. It can be a nerve-wracking fact for families moving from Washington across county or city lines. The cost of utilities can vary from Seattle to Olympia….The cost of car and homeowner’s insurance can vary between Centralia and Olympia ask your insurance agent for details.
As an aid for the budget-aware, Bankrate.com keeps a Cost of Living Comparison Calculator on its website. The calculator asks 3 questions: (1) Where do you live now, (2) To where you are moving, and (3) What is your salary. It then spits out a detailed, 58-item cost comparison list between the two cities.
Some of the key costs compared include:
- Everyday groceries
- Energy bills
- Routine healthcare
- Home ownership
- Clothes
- Sporting goods
The Cost of Living Comparison Calculator is thorough, with data culled from the ACCRA. You’ll be surprised at how granular the list can get. On the ACCRA website, you can buy a similar report for $5.
On the Bankrate.com site, the data is free. Or ask your Realtor for information on the local utility providers and your local insurance agent to quote you an estimate of your annual insurance costs from one city vs. another.
