Many believe that it’s cheaper to live in the suburbs than a big city, despite the commuter costs, because you can save on housing and other costs. However, that’s not always the case.
The Center for Neighborhood Technology has mapped costs in various areas throughout the country, including a number of areas where the suburbs have become a popular alternative to living in the city. Included in their analysis is the Bridgeport, Stamford/Norwalk and Danbury.
I found the gas comparison most eye-opening; the amount the average person is paying for gas leapt between 2000 and 2008, no matter where in the state you lived, and although gas prices have come down from those 2008 highs, they’re still very much higher than they were a decade ago, and as such raise expenses for a commuter.
It’s an informative comparison for those who are trying to figure out where to live vs. where they work, and as the maps show, it’s all about location, location, location.
SOURCE: CNT via Consumerist
I assume city jobs pay better than suburban jobs, which would factor in. There’s another quality of life bonus, too: Fresh Direct. They serve very few zip codes in the ‘burbs.
Comment by Lee — March 29th, 2010 @ 9:53 am