Big City Life for Less: San Antonio, Austin, Atlanta, and Denver
Big city life is expensive. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $2,650, and in Los Angeles, it's $2,362, states Business Insider. Maybe you just graduated without a lot of extra cash, or perhaps you have a steady career but are looking to find a more affordable place to live. However, you don't want to leave the city life behind just yet.
You're in luck because there are plenty of wonderful cities to live in, regardless of budget. There are job opportunities, great nightlife, and top restaurants in many urban areas around the country with the same quality of life as LA or New York, just at a more affordable price.
Having trouble trying to find the perfect city to live? Take a look at our top recommended most affordable places to live in the United States.
San Antonio, TX
Texas is a very affordable place to live. From the zero state income tax to the cheaper produce at grocery stores, life seems to be simpler and less expensive in the Lone Star state. With hugely popular Austin just about an hour and thirty minutes away, San Antonio is often a city that flys under the radar. And maybe that’s a good thing?
According to Zillow, the median list price for a home in San Antonio is $124 per square foot. In neighboring Austin, the price is a whopping $232. This shows how affordable the current San Antonio market actually is in comparison to the rest of the state of Texas.
On top of that, the average price for a 1-bedroom apartment in San Antonio is just under $1,050. While the price to rent a similar-sized apartment in San Francisco, Chicago, New York well exceeds $3,500. What a deal!
The weather is fantastic all year and the San Antonio River Walk is a great place to start for outdoor adventures. Add in the Museum of Art, Ranger Creek Brewing and Distillery, El Mercado, McNay Art Museum and many others and you’ll be sure to find something you enjoy doing all year round!
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Austin, TX
Texas is a more manageable place to live in the USA than in New York or California. You can search nearly every town in the state, mentions UMoveFree, but Austin is the place to be.
Imagine every weekend going for a BBQ or great TexMex at a low-cost. There are BBQ restaurants that offer a massive serving of ribs or brisket with sides for $10. If you thought that was a steal, some TexMex places are offering tacos for $3 for beef or chicken, with a variety of other meals for $10 or less.
Besides the food, Austin has fair prices for rent. The average cost is $1,174, which is more than $1,000 savings from LA or New York.
The weather is warm all year long, so you'll have all the time in the world to enjoy the many outdoor activities. You can go for walks with your pup, a bike ride around the neighborhood, or visit one of the beautiful parks around the city.
The Butler Trail is a local favorite for hiking and bike riding. You can rent a kayak or buy one of your own to use on the weekend at Lady Bird Lake, too. There are so many places to enjoy with your family.
Atlanta, GA
If you're looking for some Southern comfort and city life, Atlanta, Georgia is the perfect place for you. Is your favorite soft drink Coca-cola? Atlanta is the home of the World of Coca-Cola, where you can try all 100 different sodas they offer on a free weekend.
On top of that, Atlanta has other great options for entertainment, including visiting Centennial Olympic Park, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, and the Underground Atlanta, which are all free activities.
If fried chicken is one of your favorite foods, you'll love the prices at the restaurants. The average cost for a meal with sides is about $10. Perfect for eating out with the family.
The entertainment isn't the only affordable thing; the average rent there is $1,467, with the cheapest apartments only being around $700 a month.
The job market is excellent, as well. The best jobs in Atlanta are in marketing management, database administrator, or computer network architects.
Denver CO, USA
When mountain life is more of what you're looking for, Denver is the place to move. You can spend most of your weekend's skiing or snowboarding. When you get the year pass to a ski resort and use it religiously, you'll get the best deal. Investing in your own gear will save you some money in the long run.
The average rent is $1,674 for Denver, which is a great price when you have mountains surrounding you wherever you look.
If you enjoy drinking a cold beer on the weekends, the Coors Brewery is located just outside of the city. The brewery tour costs $5 and lasts about 30 minutes. There you'll learn about how to brew and try samples as you go. It’s the perfect cheap and fun activity to do on a sunny Saturday.
The Bottom Line
City life isn’t for everyone, but a lot of us enjoy the hustle and bustle and all that there is to keep you busy. The job opportunities are vast, the restaurant options are endless, and the entertainment is in abundance. You don't have to pay top dollar for these experiences either.
Three of the most affordable cities in the United States are Austin, Texas, Atlanta, Georgia, and Denver, Colorado. The rent is fair, and these cities have so much to offer.
Photos via https://unsplash.com/photos/RebOwsAwHPE
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