Can you imagine waking up to a quaint forest as your backyard and driving into a cute town plaza for coffee? Or do your thoughts lean more towards opening your balcony windows to a bustling city and going to a trendy cafe for breakfast? If you’re torn between moving to the big city or a small town, here are some comparisons that can help you decide:
Cost of living
The most obvious difference between living in a small town and a big city is the cost. If you look at the hottest Monte Carlo properties for sale, they are generally less expensive than houses in the city. That’s just one example. Apart from the housing prices, the cost of living is also cheaper in a smaller city or town. Groceries, services, restaurants, education, and other things are generally more affordable, unlike in the big city.
However, there may be more job opportunities with higher salaries in a bigger city. You can opt to commute from to and fro, but this may defeat the purpose of saving money.
- Big city – more job opportunities, higher salaries
- Small town – more affordable basic needs
Transportation
If you don’t have a car, living in a small town may not be ideal for you. Public transport in small cities tends to be limited or only operate in the centers. That said, many people in small towns do a lot of walking or use bicycles to get around.
On the other hand, using public transport in the big city is much easier and much more accessible compared to a small town. Even if you don’t have a car, you can get to places via trains, buses, taxis, or ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft.
- Big city – more accessible public transport, lower transportation costs
- Small town – shorter distances for travel (unless you have to work in the big city) but less accessible public transport
Pollution
Another reason people want to live in small towns is that there’s less pollution there. Unlike big cities with a dense population, small towns tend to have more nature and less pollution (air, water, and noise) because of the lower population.
- Big city – generally more polluted
- Small town – close to nature, less pollution, better for families with kids
Activities
Small towns often get the stereotype of being boring, and that’s because it’s true (most of the time). While big cities are always bustling with activity, small towns tend to have fewer choices for everything, including daycares, restaurants, entertainment, playgrounds, and others.
- Big city – more choices, activities, and opportunities
- Small town – less busy, fewer options for everything
After mulling over these comparisons, it all boils down to your preference. Do you want to live in a small town to keep your kids away from the pollution and give them a quieter life? Or do you want to be in a big city where there are more options to advance in your career? If you are having trouble deciding, make a list of your priorities and base your decision on it.
