There’s no perfect answer but I like the idea of a boots on the ground approach through vacationing or a seasonal rental. Once you determine you actually like living somewhere new, then it’s time to make the big move. Research is part of the fun and here’s one way to get you on the road again. Glenn Ruffenach at The Wall Street Journal gives potential movers a way to compare destinations:
So, as you indicate, combining results from several resources generally works best. Here are some good places to start:
The nonprofit Council for Community and Economic Research in Arlington, Va., has published, since 1968, a Cost of Living Index, which, each quarter, measures relative price levels for consumer goods and services in about 300 metro areas. (Note: Data are drawn from the top 20% of earners.) For $7.95, you can compare two sites; up to four sites can be added to the initial comparison for $4.95 each.
But several outlets use figures from the council (if not always the most recent figures) to create their own cost-of-living calculators, which generally are free. See, for instance, Bankrate.com, CNN Money and NerdWallet.
Yes, Sperling’s BestPlaces offers a wealth of information about destinations across the country, including cost-of-living data. Among other resources that cast a wide net:
— American FactFinder, a service of the Census Bureau that provides “popular facts” about destinations large and small.
— The Milken Institute, which publishes a survey (updated in 2017) of “Best Cities for Successful Aging.”
— NeighborhoodScout, whose profiles (for $29.99 each) of communities nationwide feature more than 600 statistics in five categories: real estate, demographics, crime, schools and trends and forecasts.
Finally, if you’re interested in comparing taxes (and you should be), check out the Tax Foundation, Kiplinger and RetirementLiving.com. All three sites examine and compare tax burdens in different locales.
Read more here.
Willie Nelson / On The Road Again
Originally posted on Yoursurvivalguy.com.
