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Want to learn how to sell DVDs online and near you? Here’s how you can make extra money selling used DVDs.

Do you have a stack of DVDs taking up space in your home? If so, you can sell DVDs online as a way to declutter and put some extra cash in your pocket.

While you may no longer need or want the DVD, there are people still buying DVDs out there.

This guide on how to sell used DVDs includes tips on:

  • The best places to sell DVDs online
  • How to get started selling DVDs online
  • How to make the most money selling DVDs
  • How much you can earn selling used DVDs online

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started and teach you how to sell used DVDs online.

Related content on ways to make extra money from home:

Best places to sell DVDs online

There are many online platforms and vendors where you can sell DVDs. Before choosing a platform, make sure to find out what fees and payment methods (for example, some may only pay via trade-in credit, whereas others may pay cash) each website provides, as well as what the customer reviews say.

Here are the most popular options for selling DVDs online.

1. eBay

eBay is one of the largest online marketplaces and lets you list both new and used DVDs. You can set your own prices and choose between auction-style listings or fixed-price listings. eBay is user-friendly and the site is easy to navigate and create listings.

My sister has sold on eBay plenty of times, and it is easy.

It’s important to accumulate positive feedback as you complete transactions because it will improve your ratings, which increases your visibility on the website.

2. Amazon

Selling new DVDs on Amazon can be a great way to get started.

Amazon has a massive reach and customer trust. Everyone knows what Amazon is!

Sellers can list DVDs as individual items or in bulk. You can choose between an individual seller account or a professional seller account.

For individual sellers, this account is best for people who are not selling regularly. You pay per-item fees for every sale. A professional seller account is different. You pay a monthly subscription fee to have this account and it’s designed for people who are selling regularly on Amazon. With this account, you can list an unlimited number of products.

With Amazon, you can choose between Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) or Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM). Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) means Amazon will store, pack, and ship your products to customers. Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) means you have to handle the fulfillment process yourself and ship products to customers. 

There is also the Amazon Trade-In program that you may want to try too.

3. Decluttr

Decluttr is a platform that buys and sells items, including new and used DVDs. The website and mobile app are incredibly easy to use.

All you have to do is scan the barcode of your DVDs and you’ll get instant price quotes. Decluttr stands out from the other platforms on this list because the app provides a quick valuation process. This makes it quick and easy to get an idea of how much you can earn for your DVDs.

Decluttr even provides you with a free shipping label, so all you have to do is pack the items in a box and ship them to Delcuttr. Decluttr covers shipping costs making the process easy for sellers.

Keep in mind that you are likely to receive lower profits since Decluttr is doing a lot of the work for you. You will likely earn more money if you decide to sell directly to consumers on a different platform. But, you’ll also have to do more work on other platforms.

4. Bonavendi

Bonavendi is a website that lets you compare different platforms for your used items like DVDs. Bonavendi works as a price comparison tool so you can see which site will pay you the most for your item. 

To find out how much you can receive for a DVD, all you do is enter the barcode of the item you’re selling. A list pops up with each platform and how much each site offers for the DVD.

This saves you a ton of time and helps you make more profit since you’ll know which platform is best for selling your DVDs.

5. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is an easy way to list DVDs to sell to local buyers in your town or neighborhood. If you already have a Facebook profile (which most people do), you can start creating listings immediately on Facebook Marketplace and in local buy and sell groups. Simply provide accurate information on your listing and maintain good communication on the platform. 

Make sure to choose a public and safe location for the exchange, like a police station parking lot. You may even consider bringing a friend along or letting someone know where you are meeting this person. This is important when using Facebook Marketplace because you are personally meeting up with a stranger from the internet and exchanging money.

Facebook Marketplace is a great option for people who do not want to deal with the hassle of shipping and want to sell an item as quickly as possible.

6. Etsy

If you have collectible DVDs, Etsy is a great place for selling your items to a niche audience. Etsy is known for selling items that are handmade, vintage, or unique. Keep this in mind when you consider selling DVDs on this platform. You probably can’t just sell a DVD without it being unique in some way (although, I did check Etsy and I did see just normal DVDs listed on the site).

DVDs that are a good fit for Etsy should have a unique or collectible aspect. This could be a DVD with special packaging, limited editions, or signed copies by a director or actor.

7. Craigslist

Craigslist is similar to Facebook Marketplace as it allows you to sell to local buyers. It’s quick and easy to list DVDs on Craigslist. It’s also important to have good communication and be responsive to emails about your items. People generally like to hear back quickly (the same day if possible).

Once you’ve connected with a buyer, determine where you will meet and what time. Make sure to choose a safe location like a police station or public space. You may even want to bring a friend or let someone know where you are meeting the person.

One idea for Craigslist is to simply list all of your DVDs in a single listing, which can make it easier instead of making separate listings for each DVD that you have.

8. SellDVDsOnline.com

Sell DVDs Online is a platform that allows you to sell DVDs directly to SellDVDsOnline.com. The process is easy.

To get started, all you have to do is enter the DVD’s UPC code, which is usually on the back of the DVD by the barcode. You’ll receive an instant price quote. Sell DVDs Online offers free shipping and you never come in contact with customers. 

9. EagleSaver

Eagle Saver is a website that lets you sell books, CDs, DVDs, and games for cash. Eagle Saver has a free app so that you can scan your DVDs and value your items faster.

Benefits of selling DVDs on EagleSaver.com include getting paid quickly, risk-free quote guarantee, no fees, and free shipping. With EagleSaver.com, all orders qualify for a free FedEx shipping label, tracking number, and $100 of packing insurance.

10. Yard sale

Though yard sales aren’t online, they are a quick way to get rid of your DVDs and blu-ray movies. You can gather all of your DVDs into one place so buyers can browse through them quickly. Price them competitively at $1 for standard DVDs or $2 for special editions. 

Then, organize your DVDs neatly so buyers can go through them without any problem. You may even want to consider offering bundle deals, like “Buy 5 DVDs for $3”. This can encourage garage sale buyers to buy more DVDs.

To sell more DVDs, you could even have a DVD player and TV set up so you can demonstrate that the DVDs are in working condition. This is going to help the buyer feel confident and make their purchase.

Make sure to promote your yard sale through local community groups, local yard sale apps, social media, and by placing signs around your neighborhood.

11. FYE

FYE is an entertainment retailer that sells new and used music, DVDs, video games, and more.

While their online store is not currently accepting used items, most of their store locations currently are. You can use their store locator to find a store near you. This can be an easy way to sell your items in person by simply bringing a big stack with you.

How to get started selling DVDs online

Now, we’ll talk about how to get started selling DVDs online, so you can start making money from selling DVDs ASAP.

1. Gather your DVDs together

Grab all of your DVDs and sort them into one area. Go through each DVD and make sure they are in good condition with intact cases and minimal scratches. Open up the case, of course, and make sure there is a DVD in there (sometimes they disappear over the years).

2. Research what is selling

Do research and find out which DVDs are in demand and what they are selling for. Some of the sites above will give you an idea of how much you can get for a used DVD.

3. Pick a platform to sell DVDs

One of the most important steps on this list is choosing a selling platform. For example, Bonavendi is a great tool for comparing different platforms and getting the best price on a DVD. Facebook Marketplace or a garage sale may mean selling an item very quickly, though, and in person.

4. Create DVD listings and set pricing

If you plan on selling the DVD yourself, you will need to create a listing for each DVD. Make sure the listing is accurate, detailed, and has clear photos of the DVD, case, and any special features. 

Next, you will set a competitive price based on the research you do. Keep in mind the DVD’s condition, rarity, if it’s a set, and market demand when pricing the DVD.

5. Payment methods

Once you know which platform you’re going to use to sell DVDs, make sure there is a secure payment method for the platform. If you’re selling DVDs on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, expect to receive payment as cash or through a platform like Venmo.

Personally, I would not accept a check for a small payment such as a DVD from a person I met on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for example, as though are common scams.

6. Customer service

When selling used DVDs online, try to keep your reviews and ratings high on platforms by responding to questions and solving any problems (reading your reviews can also help you to improve your process). Remember, positive reviews are important for selling a lot of DVDs online so that future buyers can trust that your DVDs work. For example, if you have a lot of reviews that mention that the DVDs do not work, this may prevent other people from buying from you.

7. Shipping and packaging

Figure out how you want to ship, which carrier you want to ship with, and if you want to ship at all. You may prefer skipping shipping altogether and meeting customers in person to sell DVDs.

If you do decide to ship your DVDs, they need to arrive in good condition. Make sure to use proper packaging materials and be transparent about delivery times and shipping costs in your listing.

8. Keeping track of inventory

Whenever a DVD sells, take down the listing immediately if it isn’t done automatically. This is going to help you avoid any issues with other customers trying to buy the same item and save you time and headaches. 

 

Best tips for selling DVDs online

Here is a list of the best tips for selling DVDs online.

  • Optimize your DVD listings by using high-quality images of your DVDs and writing clear and detailed descriptions
  • See what similar DVDs are selling for and set competitive pricing
  • Bundle similar titles and offer a deal to encourage buyers to buy more items at once
  • Be honest about the condition of the DVDs and disclose any scratches or missing items (like original cases or inserts)
  • Mention special edition DVDs and other collector’s items you have (if you have one of these)
  • Use multiple platforms to reach a broader audience
  • Provide tracking information to buyers

 

How much can you make selling DVDs online?

What you can earn from selling DVDs online depends on a few different factors, such as the condition of the DVDs, the rarity of the DVD, demand, which platform you use, and what’s trending in the DVD market.

Here are a few things that may impact how much money you can make from each DVD:

  • Condition – If your DVD is brand new, unopened, and wrapped in plastic still, the DVD may be able to be priced higher. However, if your DVD has scratches or dented cases, those things can impact pricing.
  • Market demand – If you have a DVD that is rare, a special edition, or a collector’s item, this DVD will sell for a higher price due to the rarity and increased demand for the item.
  • Platform – The platform you choose has a big impact on your profits. Some platforms have fees, some don’t, and others have more dedicated DVD collectors, while others don’t.

 

FAQs about selling used DVDs

Here are answers to common questions about selling used DVDs online and locally.

Are used DVDs worth anything?

Yes! You can actually make money selling used DVDs and blu-rays. If you have a DVD collection, you may want to think about going through it and seeing what movies you can sell. After all, with Netflix and Hulu being around, there’s a good chance that you haven’t touched your DVD collection in a long time.

How do I know if my DVD is valuable?

You can check some of the different websites that sell DVDs to see what they are selling for.

Where is the best place to sell DVDs? Where can I sell DVDs?

Some of the best places to sell DVDs online and locally include eBay, Amazon, Decluttr, Bonavendi, Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, Craigslist, SellDVDsOnline.com, Eagle Saver, and having a yard sale. A used bookstore may buy used DVDs as well. Some of the easiest online sites will work right from an ios or Android device too, meaning you can sell DVDs from your phone!

How much can you sell a used DVD for?

The amount you can sell a used DVD varies, but generally, you can earn about $0.50 to $20. It depends on what you are selling (for example, box sets or TV series usually will earn you more money).

You will want to think about costs for the different selling sites, as things like shipping fees can add up quickly.

You may receive money through PayPal, direct deposit, paper check, trade-in credit (yes, you may be able to trade in movies), store credit, or even cash by selling your old DVDs.

Is Decluttr a trusted site?

Yes, Decluttr is a trusted site to sell used DVDs online. You can even sell your used video games, textbooks, video game consoles, tablets, or old cell phones on this site too.

How much do pawn shops pay for DVDs?

Pawn shops usually pay around $0.50 to $5.00 for used DVDs.

 

Sell DVDs online – Summary

Now you can get started selling DVDs online and making extra money with this side hustle. Selling your used DVDs online has so many benefits, including decluttering, freeing up shelf space, and making extra cash for vacations or paying off debt.

If you’re no longer using your DVDs, put them to good use by selling them to people who want to buy them and use that money to reach your financial goals.

Have you ever sold DVDs online? What was your experience like?

Source: makingsenseofcents.com

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An interesting thing happened to a pair of Ocean City, New Jersey homeowners recently.

Residents Bill and Barbara Doughten received an anonymous handwritten note from a real estate agent who took offense to them parking the car on the front lawn of their property.

Apparently the elderly couple parked their car sideways on the front lawn instead of using their driveway, something that can be seen as crude to some.

“I’m Trying to Sell Million Dollar Homes”

Unfortunately, the real estate agent didn’t take the time to investigate the why of the matter, and instead left the scribbled note expressing his or her disgust for the seemingly tacky move.

The agent expressed intense frustration in having trouble selling million-dollar homes because of the unsightly parking situation, writing, “You have a driveway – use it.”

But little did the individual know that the reason the homeowner parked on the lawn was because of their old age/health, with the lawn parking spot making for a shorter trip inside the home.

After receiving the note, the incensed granddaughter of the couple took to Facebook to set the record straight.

Stephanie Powley asked whether the agent actually took the time to think before writing the note, and called the person a “true coward” for staying anonymous.

She added that her grandparents have been living in the home for longer than the agent has probably been alive, noting that the rest of the community understands the parking situation and has no problem with it.

Real Estate Agent Irony

I felt this story was noteworthy (no pun intended) for a few different reasons. For one, writing a handwritten, inflammatory note, as opposed to knocking on the door or writing a formal letter, seems very unprofessional.

In fact, it could be seen as on par with someone who parks their car on the front lawn, assuming they don’t have a good reason to do so.

So in that respect, by penning the note the agent was essentially acting in the very same way that they loathe.

Second, it makes you wonder if real estate agents sometimes go too far. I get it; agents have a big job to do. They need to sell prospective buyers on a neighborhood that is often foreign to them.

And when we’re talking about million-dollar homes, it can be embarrassing when you turn the corner and see a car on the front lawn. Or some other eyesore.

But agents should also remember that these neighborhoods belong to the residents, not the agents who often live miles away and are only there for a month or so to sell a property and move on.

Sure, this was just one agent, and not representative of an entire group of people, but perhaps it’s a good lesson for the rest of them. Heck, they could have even earned a referral in the process if they handled it a bit differently!

(photo: JenniKate Wallace)

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

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The process of getting into college actually starts long before you fill out your first application. In fact, soon after you start high school, it can be a good idea to start laying the groundwork for college, from choosing the right classes to thinking about where you might like to go to figuring out how you’re going to cover the cost.

What follows is a simple five-step, pre-college plan that can help you find, get into, and pay for your dream school.

Preparing For College: A 5-Part Checklist

For many things in life, preparation is the key to success. And this is certainly true when it comes to getting into college. Here are five steps that can help you set yourself up for a successful college experience.

1. Research Your Dream School

One of the first parts of preparing for college is deciding which college or university is right for you. The good news is that there is a school out there for just about everyone. The bad news is that you have so many options that you might be overwhelmed with choices.

Some students know right away that they want to go to the same school their parents went to, while others may be limited to choosing between a few in-state campuses. Regardless of your position, there are some questions you can ask yourself to help narrow down your college search:

What Type of Career Do You Want to Pursue?

One of the first things you might consider is what you hope to do with your degree. If you already know that you want to be an urban planner, then you may want to focus your college search on schools with stellar urban planning programs. Think your dream is too niche?

Whether you want to study auctioneering or Egyptology, there’s likely a program for you. If, on the other hand, you aren’t sure what you want to major in, you may want to look at bigger schools with many different programs where you will be able to take a wide variety of classes.
💡 Quick Tip: When shopping for a private student loan lender, look for benefits that help lower your monthly payment.

Where Do You Want to be Located?

You may also want to consider what type of location you’re looking for in a college experience. Maybe you want to get as far away from home as possible, or maybe you would be more comfortable on a campus within driving distance of your family. Some students choose to live at home and attend a local college in order to save money on living costs. Once you narrow down a location, you can start searching for schools in that area.

Recommended: Should I Go to Community College?

How Many Schools Will You Apply To?

It’s not a bad idea to apply to multiple schools even if you have your heart set on just one. Your dreams and goals can change through the college application process, and a different school may be a better match when it comes time to make a final decision. Plus, the application process can be competitive, and applying to more schools may give you more chance of success in your application.

Recommended: College vs University: What’s the Difference?

2. Plan For the SAT and ACT

Once you know where you want to apply, it is time to get down to business and start preparing for college entrance exams. Some schools require the Scholastic Aptitude Test, known as the SAT, and some schools require American College Testing, known as the ACT. Many schools will accept either one.

The key to working towards a killer score on either test is preparation, preparation, preparation. Whether you’re taking an after-school prep class or studying by yourself, there are lots of resources available online to help you succeed. Both the SAT and the ACT offer free practice tests, and Khan Academy offers a free SAT practice program .

Taking practice tests can help you not only learn the material but can help you get comfortable with the format of the test. This can help you stay calm and confident when test day rolls around.

Recommended: Do Your SAT Scores Really Matter for College?

3. Get Involved In Extracurriculars

In between all that studying, you may want to consider taking some time to get to work in your community. One thing many colleges look for are multi-faceted students who are interested in more than just academics.

That means that getting involved in the community could potentially help you write a strong college application, and it may also help you decide what you want to do with your life. Sports obsessed? You might consider taking up a new sport to round out your classes or volunteering to coach a local youth team.

More into classic literature than shooting hoops? Many schools have programs where you can volunteer to tutor younger students, which can not only help sharpen your skills, but may look great on an application. Whatever you’re into, don’t be afraid to branch out and try something new — you might discover you have a passion for marine biology after organizing a beach clean up day with your classmates.

Recommended: College Planning Checklist for Parents

4. Consider Taking AP Courses

Many schools offer Advanced Placement or “AP” courses. Taking these classes may help you get one step ahead when it comes to college. AP courses allow you to tackle college-level material while you’re still in high school, and at the end of the class (if you pass the AP exam), you could be rewarded with college credits. Why try to rack up college credits in high school?

The more credits you earn from AP classes in high school, the more intro classes you may be able to skip in college. So if you take AP English in high school, you may qualify to skip out on the freshman level English class once you’re at school.

Depending on the school, that may mean that you have more opportunity to take specialized classes in your major, or it could even lead to the opportunity to graduate early.

5. Figure Out Your Finances

There’s no denying that college can be expensive. For the 2022-2023 academic year, the average tuition at a public college was $11,744 for state residents and $21,928 for out-of-state students. The average tuition and fees for a private college was $27,796. Keep in mind: These numbers don’t include the cost of housing, food, text books and supplies.

According to the Sallie Mae How America Pays for College 2023 , parent income and savings covered 50% of college costs. So, even if you’ll get some help from your family, you may need more funding to cover some of the cost of college. Fortunately, there are many ways to finance your education.

A good place to start is by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will let you know if you are eligible for financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work study, and federal student loans. If those do not cover your costs, you may also consider private student loans.

Private student loans are available through private lenders, including banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Rates and terms vary, depending on the lender. Generally, borrowers (or cosigners) who have strong credit qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind, though, that private loans may not offer the borrower protections — like income-based repayment plans and deferment or forbearance — that automatically come with federal student loans. But if you are looking for supplemental funding for your education, private student loans are an option.
💡 Quick Tip: Parents and sponsors with strong credit and income may find much lower rates on no-fee private parent student loans than federal parent PLUS loans. Federal PLUS loans also come with an origination fee.

The Takeaway

The college application process can be overwhelming. Breaking it down into smaller steps and goals can make it feel a little bit easier. Consider researching schools, making a plan for standardized testing, expanding your involvement in extracurriculars, and taking AP level courses. Getting into college is half the equation, however — the other half is paying for it.

When federal financial aid, scholarships, grants, and savings aren’t enough -– student loans may be one option to consider to help fill in the gaps.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Source: sofi.com

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One of the safest states in the U.S., Utah has a lot going for it. The weather gives you solid seasons, with warm summers and cold (ski-friendly) winters. Outdoor activities abound beyond the mountains, with plenty of rivers and lakes to explore. Low unemployment rates and a growing stake in the tech industry provide ample opportunities. There’s also a large population of young professionals seeking Utah out as their new home, so the community is energetic, educated and ready to go.

The list can go on, but already with so many traits recommending Utah, we bet we’ve piqued your interest. But, don’t pack your bags yet. Before you can call Utah home, you’ve got to make sure you can afford to live here. By looking at some key cost of living components, in a few central Utah cities, we can help you with figure out if your budget matches up.

Utah housing prices

Most Utah cities recommend themselves as some of the best places to live in the state. There’s not much that isn’t interesting and scenic. However, everything appealing about Utah has a price tag, and most cities have costs that exceed the national average. Thankfully, when it comes to the cost of living in Utah for housing, you’ll never go too far over, but on the whole, expect to have to pay to call this state home.

Cedar City

Combining a small-town feel with an urban setting, Cedar City changes things up with as many ranches and farms as there are college residences. It’s a great combination of the best parts of Utah and at an affordable price. Housing prices in Cedar City are 7.3 percent below the national average.

The average rent for a two-bedroom is affordable, at $775 per month, and home prices are even going down. The median home price in Cedar City is $322,00, down by 6.7 percent over last year.

Ogden

Known for its professional opportunities, Ogden is the place to go if you’re looking for a government job. The professional stability combined with the city’s proximity to ski resorts means it’s all about working hard and playing hard. This explains why housing prices in Ogden are 6 percent above the national average.

Rents in Ogden are rising pretty significantly year-over-year, keeping prices up. The average one-bedroom apartment saw a 26 percent increase over last year and is currently $1,305 a month. Two-bedroom apartments are rising at a slower rate, up only 14 percent over last year. The current average rent per month is $1,499.

Home prices are also rising, up 17.1 percent over last year. The median home price in Ogden is $410,000.

Provo

One of many college towns in Utah, Provo is home to Brigham Young University. Run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, both the student population and many of the city’s residents are members of the church. Provo has a heavy focus on family life and is full of many young people and new families.

This popular city has housing prices that average 15.8 percent above the national average. The average rent for a two-bedroom is $1,495, and home prices are up 17.6 percent. The median home price in Provo is $450,000.

Salt Lake City

Perhaps the best-known city in Utah, Salt Lake City has it all. It’s the perfect package of a place to live, with a strong city center, plenty of jobs, fun things to do and the great outdoors to enjoy. You’ll never be without something to do or see here, whether you’re going to a free summer concert, cheering on the Utah Jazz at a basketball game or simply exploring the city. For all its popularity, Salt Lake City housing prices aren’t too high, but they do hit above the national average by 26.3 percent.

Steady growth in the rental market has led to some pretty high prices in Salt Lake City. A one-bedroom apartment has an average monthly rent of $1,513, up 20 percent over last year. A two-bedroom will set you back an average of $1,831 per month, which is 16 percent higher than last year.

Home prices are rising even faster, up 36.2 percent over last year. The median home price in Salt Lake City is $613,000.

Utah food prices

Another cost of living in Utah is food. Utah residents spend an average of between $200 and $233 per month on groceries. Judging by the local favorite foods, a large portion of this could be on fresh produce. Yes, the state is famous for fry sauce and pastrami burgers, but it’s also well-known for honey, tomatoes, raspberries, corn and Green River melons. Yum.

Compared to the national average, most Utah cities hit very slightly above average.

  • Ogden is 4.4 percent below the national average
  • Provo is 0.1 percent above the national average
  • Cedar City is 0.9 percent above the national average
  • Salt Lake City is 6.3 percent above the national average

This could impact your overall grocery bill, but might not make everything you buy more expensive in one city over another. Lettuce, for example, costs 20 cents more in Cedar Lake than Salt Lake City. Peaches are 20 cents more in Ogden, the only city with food prices below the national average than in Cedar City.

Where food pricing gets predictable is when you look at the average cost for a romantic dinner for two. A three-course meal, for two, costs $72.50 in Salt Lake City, but only costs $35 in Ogden. That means you’re paying 52 percent more to eat the same meal in Salt Lake City.

Utah utility prices

Across the state of Utah, you’ll be happy to hear, utility prices are all below the national average. That’s good news for the cost of living in Utah.

  • Provo is 10.9 percent below the national average
  • Ogden is 7.5 percent below the national average
  • Salt Lake City is 7 percent below the national average
  • Cedar City is 2.7 percent below the national average

This means energy bills typically range between $140 and $165 per month, coming from both electricity and alternate energy sources.

Utah transportation prices

Although utility prices are on the lower side when compared to the national average, transportation prices in Utah do the exact opposite. They’re all slightly above.

  • Cedar City is 1.4 percent above the national average
  • Provo is 3.3 percent above the national average
  • Ogden is 4.5 percent above the national average
  • Salt Lake City is 5.9 percent above the national average

Even though Salt Lake City tops the list in cost, it also gets the highest scores when it comes to walkability (67) and bike friendliness (73).

Although it’s easy to get around Salt Lake, and Provo is often considered somewhat walkable itself, living in Utah most likely means you’ll need to either own a car or rely on public transportation (or both.)

The Utah Transit Authority

Stretching well beyond a single city, this network of vehicles really goes the distance. Yes, there are solid transportation networks throughout Utah that cover smaller areas, but the UTA takes the cake. It encompasses Salt Lake City, Ogden and Provo through its commuter rail service.

In Ogden, specifically, UTA buses cover the downtown area, Weber State University and routes to major employment centers. There’s also a ski bus that gets you to Snowbasin and Powder Mountain.

In Salt Lake City, a bevy of buses come regularly, with special routes during rush hour. There are also buses heading up to Snowbird Alta and Solitude Brighton for skiing.

Fares vary based on transportation type. For the local bus or streetcar, a one-way fare is $2.50, and a monthly pass is $85. If you want a premium pass, to have access to all types of transportation UTA offers, except the PC-SLC Connect, you can get a monthly pass for $170.

Utah healthcare prices

Shifting gears to look at healthcare, a tricky area for anyone’s cost of living total, all of our Utah cities fall below the national average.

  • Cedar City is 10.5 percent below the national average
  • Ogden is 9.9 percent below the national average
  • Provo is 8.5 percent below the national average
  • Salt Lake City is 5.7 percent below the national average

Healthcare costs include doctor’s visits, medications, getting your eyes checked and those two annual visits to the dentist each year. Individual prices won’t always align with how overall rank, though. The least expensive city, on average, for a doctor’s visit isn’t Cedar City, but Provo, the only city with a doctor’s visit bill under $100.

Utah goods and services prices

Goods and services are a wide category when it comes to the cost of living in Utah total. All the extras, that maybe don’t feel so extra, fit here. These are things you want but don’t necessarily need, and in Utah, they’re all slightly above what you pay on average.

  • Cedar City is 2.8 percent above the national average
  • Ogden is 4.8 percent above the national average
  • Salt Lake City is 6 percent above the national average
  • Provo is 9.9 percent above the national average

To better understand how these averages impact specific goods and services you might partake in, this chart breaks things down.

Provo may have the highest combined prices, but that isn’t the case for every individual service. A vet visit, for example, will be more in Salt Lake City on average, and a movie ticket is more in Cedar City.

Another key service in this category, with a high price tag, is childcare. Even if you don’t need to use this service now, prices can vary greatly, making it something you might want to think about. For a full-day, private preschool, you’ll pay $362.50 in Cedar City, but $783.33 in Salt Lake City. That’s a 54 percent difference that could easily stretch your budget.

Taxes in Utah

When it comes to taxes, Utah residents pay both individual income tax and sales tax. The income tax rate is 4.85 percent, and the state sales tax rate is 4.85 percent. Localities can then add up to 3.35 percent more onto the sales tax, which means the most you’d pay in any Utah city is 8.2 percent. That means for every $1,000 you spend shopping, $82 goes right to taxes.

None of the cities on our list max out the sales tax.

  • Cedar City has a 6.2 percent sales tax rate
  • Provo has a 7.25 percent sales tax rate
  • Ogden has a 7.25 percent sales tax rate
  • Salt Lake City has a 7.75 percent sales tax rate

At 7.75 percent, when you shop in Salt Lake City and spend $1,000, $77.50 is what you’ll pay solely in taxes.

How much do I need to earn to live in Utah?

To effectively calculate how much you need to earn to afford the cost of living in Utah, and if it will work with your ideal budget, plug in specific numbers to our rent calculator.

For some quick estimating, you can look at how much you need to earn to afford the average rent in the state. Rent should only take 30 percent of your annual income. So, with the average rent in Utah at $1,571, you’d need to make $62,840 per year.

This is highly likely to work out since the average salary in Utah is much higher, at $89,300. That means you’ll not only be fine looking at average-priced places to live but have wiggle room to get something with more amenities (or square footage).

Living in Utah

Utah is growing in population, so there are a lot of people out there, like you, who’re discovering this beautiful place full of activity and opportunity. To really get the ball rolling on deciding if Utah fits your budget, it’s best to look at the cost of living across the state.

Could you afford to live, eat and play in any specific city? If the numbers align, it might be time to start packing those boxes and preparing for a new adventure.

Related articles:

The Cost of Living Index comes from coli.org.
The rent information included in this summary is based on a calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Rent. as of June 2022.
Rent prices are for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

In the hillside neighborhood of Los Feliz, in the greater Hollywood area of Los Angeles, California, lies a unique architectural property that’s been holding headlines for decades. 

With its distinct design and colorful history, the striking Sowden House is a stunning example of Mayan Revival American architecture, bound to capture the attention of anyone passing it by.

Also known as the “Jaws House” – due to its unusual facade that many say resembles the gaping open mouth of a great white shark – or the “Franklin House”, the property has gained a much darker notoriety over the years, now often being referred to as as the “Black Dahlia house” – and for good reason. 

So let’s take a closer look at the grim history of the Sowden House, the unique 6,000-square-foot neo-Mayan mansion set in the heart of modern Hollywood.

The Sowden House at 5121 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, Calif. Photo credit: Los Angeles, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s son

If the house looks eerily similar to legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s projects – particularly the Ennis House (aka the Blade Runner house) – there’s a good reason for that.

The Sowden House owes its unique design to Lloyd Wright, the son of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Carrying on the legacy of his father, who worked with molded concrete tiles and blocks to create structurally innovative buildings, Lloyd Wright used concrete textile blocks to erect the Sowden House. The technique, just like in the case of his father’s best works, created a unique structure that’s reminiscent of ancient Mayan temples.

Infamous for its distinctive design, the 1926-built Sowden House is rectangular in shape, with four connected wings looking in on an enclosed central courtyard. 

The Sowden House, pictured in a 1940 Historical American Buildings Survey photograph. Photo via Wiki Commons

Lloyd Wright built the unique house for his personal friend John Sowden, a painter and photographer who wanted a showplace where he could entertain his friends in the Hollywood film community.

So Wright fitted it with a stage, secret room, central courtyard, and ornamented concrete blocks. But despite the architect’s stellar work, John Sowden didn’t live long in the Franklin Ave. house. By 1930, Sowden was likely fed up with the public’s reaction to his uniquely designed house and sold it.

Related: The Derby House, the second most famous home ever designed by Lloyd Wright Jr.

The house traded hands a few more times before its most famous owner took residence here.

The Black Dahlia house: the property’s ties to one of the most famous unsolved murder mysteries in history

Fifteen years after Lloyd Wright’s friend, John Sowden, parted ways with his unique Los Feliz abode, the Sowden House was purchased by Dr. George Hodel.

Hodel had a thriving practice as a physician and was well-connected within social and intellectual circles in Los Angeles.

He was known for his eccentric behavior and interests, which reportedly included an affinity for the arts and surrealism. George Hodel had ties to people in the entertainment industry and reportedly hosted gatherings at his residence that attracted a mix of artists, writers, and socialites.

With its unconventional design and purported secret passageways, the Sowden Houses added to the air of mystery surrounding Hodel.

Photo credit: Wright, LloydMoore Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A controversial figure (his own 14-year-old daughter once accused him of assault and incest), Hodel was known to throw sex parties in his Hollywood abode, giving way to many rumors surrounding his wild lifestyle.

The Sowden House became intertwined with the Black Dahlia case due to claims and rumors that George Hodel may have been involved in the murder of Elizabeth Short. These claims were made by Hodel’s own son, Steve Hodel, who was a retired Los Angeles Police Department detective.

Steve Hodel alleged that his father, George Hodel, was responsible for the Black Dahlia murder and possibly other unsolved crimes — and even write a series of books about his suspicions and findings, called Black Dahlia Avenger.

He pointed to various pieces of circumstantial evidence, including alleged connections between George Hodel and Elizabeth Short, as well as interpretations of surrealist art and photographs that he believed implicated his father.

Inside the Sowden House at 5121 Franklin Ave in Los Angeles. Photo credit: Wright, LloydMoore, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Later on, it was discovered that Hodel had indeed been investigated in the Black Dahlia case.

However, it’s important to note that the claims made by Steve Hodel are highly controversial and have been met with skepticism from other investigators and experts. The Los Angeles Police Department has never officially named George Hodel as a suspect in the Black Dahlia case, and the case remains officially unsolved.

The connection between the Sowden House and the Black Dahlia murder remains largely speculative and has generated considerable public interest and media coverage over the years — so much so that people have started calling the Lloyd Wright-designed home “the Black Dahlia House”.

But despite the intriguing theories and allegations, the true identity of Elizabeth Short’s killer has never been definitively proven, and the case continues to be a subject of fascination and mystery.

The Sowden House in recent years

While the structure at 5121 Franklin Ave in Los Angeles — which is now known as Lloyd Wright Jr’s best work — retains its unique facade, many things have changed at the Sowden House.

Designer Xorin Balbes purchased the property in 2001 for $1.2 million, then invested an additional $1.6 million to restore and upgrade it. According to Atlas Obscura, Balbes restored the stonework, converted the three-room kitchen into one, installed a pool and spa in the central courtyard, and added new upscale bathrooms.

Following Balbes’ renovations, the house traded hands quite a few times in recent years.

Now a 4-bedroom, 6-bath home worth over $6 million, the Sowden House is owned by Nate Daneshgar, whose family owns Grand Central Market in downtown Los Angeles. Daneshgar paid $6.16 million for Lloyd Wright’s neo-Mayan masterpiece back in 2022.

Movies and TV shows filmed at the Sowden house

  • The Aviator – Martin Scorsese’s Academy Award Winning Hollywood biopic includes scenes at the Sowden House, with scenes filmed here featuring Kate Beckinsale and Leonardo Di Caprio (as Ava Gardner and Howard Hughes). The property played the part of Ava Gardner’s (Kate Beckinsale) house in The Aviator.
  • L.A. Confidential (1997), the classic film noir directed by Curtis Hansen filmed two scenes at the Lloyd Wright-designed home, including a dramatic scene set in the kitchen of the house.
  • I Am the Night limited series starring Chris Pine and directed by Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins, which tells the story of Fauna Hodel — an American author and motivational speaker who wrote the true-crime memoir One Day She’ll Darken: The Mysterious Beginnings of Fauna Hodel. Fauna was Dr. George Hodel’s granddaughter.
  • The 1998 adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s dystopian novel Brave New World starring  Peter Gallagher and the late Leonard Nimoy was also filmed here – and the design of the house is very fitting for the futuristic totalitarian utopian society Huxley envisioned. 
  • Other movies and TV series that filmed scenes here include Ruby Sparks (2012), America’s Next Top Model (Episode: The Top Thirteen Are Chosen, 2006), Nip/Tuck (Episode: Gala Gallardo, 2006), and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (Pilot episode, 2006).

More stories

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin house and its three (tragic) lives

Infamous JonBenét Ramsey house in Colorado is on the market for $7 million

13 Real-Life Houses Haunted by Their Dark Past

Source: fancypantshomes.com

Apache is functioning normally

Living in Oklahoma is more than just OK. This warm, welcoming South Central state has everything from booming industries like agriculture and aviation to vibrant cities full of country music, sports and delicious barbecue. Outside the cities, prairies, forests and lakes offer spots for outdoor recreation and learning about the state’s deep and rich history. So, yes, Oklahoma is more than just an OK place to call home.

On top of all that, the cost of living in Oklahoma remains low and affordable. Nearly all cost of living categories, from housing to groceries, falls below the national average. But some cities and towns are more affordable than others. This cost of living guide breaks down what it costs to live in different places around Oklahoma so you can find the best place for your lifestyle and budget.

Oklahoma housing prices

Housing is one of Oklahoma’s most affordable cost of living areas. Housing prices in all major cities and towns are well below the national average. In some areas like Muskogee, it’s as low as 47 percent below the national average. But rental rates and the cost of buying a house can vary widely throughout the state. Luckily, Oklahoma has plenty of cheap places to live. Let’s look at the average rents and housing costs in cities and towns around Oklahoma.

Broken Arrow

Located in the northeastern part of the state, Broken Arrow is a popular suburb of Tulsa. The area is full of family-friendly things to do like exploring the Ray Harral Nature Park and spending time shopping and dining in the historic Rose District.

Another reason Broken Arrow is such a popular place to live in the Tulsa area is because of its affordable housing. The cost of housing here is 21.1 percent below the national average. Its attractively low housing costs appeal to everyone from families to young professionals working in Tulsa.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,096 per month, up 10 percent from last year. The cost for a two-bedroom apartment is up 13 percent to $1,284. However, three-bedroom units are down 57 percent to $900. At those prices, it’s better to rent the larger space and use the spare bedrooms as a home office or get roommates.

Compared to the national median home price of $430,982, buying a house in Broken Arrow is also very affordable. The housing market here is up 20.4 percent from the previous year. If you’re looking to become a homeowner in Broken Arrow, the median sale price here is $277,000.

Edmond

Edmond forms part of the larger Oklahoma City metro area. Located along the northern part of the metro area, an abundance of parks, low crime and safe neighborhoods endear this city to families. While all the big-city attractions of O.K.C. are close at hand, Edmond has its own active social scene, with dining, art and nightlife.

Overall, Edmond’s housing costs are 20.1 percent below the national average. If you’re looking for affordable housing within the O.K.C. metro area, Edmond is a great option. One-bedroom apartments are available for $852 a month and two-bedroom units for $1,037. There hasn’t been a lot of growth in the local rental market. These rates have only climbed 7 percent and 1 percent, respectively, since last year.

The housing market in Edmond has seen a bit more growth, climbing 16.1 percent from the previous year. With the median sales price of $358,750, Edmond is the most expensive city to buy a house in our highlighted Oklahoma cities.

Enid

With just over 50,000 residents, Enid is Oklahoma’s ninth-largest city. Located in the north-central part of the state, the city is well-known for its long-running symphony. Full of parks and family-oriented activities like children’s museums, it’s heralded as a great place to raise kids in a safe, friendly community.

Housing prices here are also 25.1 percent below the national average. Your friends in major coastal cities won’t believe what you pay for an apartment. One-bedroom apartments go for an average of $525 per month. Two-bedroom apartments are around $625. Both these numbers have held steady since last year, with no growth or decrease.

Enid is also an extremely affordable place to purchase a house. The housing market here has dropped significantly over the past year, decreasing an astonishing 82.7 percent. The median sale price for a house in Enid is only $39,900. If you have dreams of owning a home in Oklahoma, Enid is the place to set down roots.

Oklahoma City

Oklahoma’s capital city is a hub for eclectic art ranging from galleries to street art murals, culture, dining, history and entertainment. It’s also the largest city in the state. Locals living here have access to everything from world-class museums to cheering on their hometown sports teams. The city is affectionately referred to as O.K.C. and its overall cost of living is one of the most affordable in the state.

Housing costs here are 30.4 percent below the national average. You can find a one-bedroom apartment for $997 and a two-bedroom unit for $1,327. These numbers are up 7 and 24 percent, respectively, from the previous year.

O.K.C.’s housing market is also experiencing growth, rising 15.2 percent from last year. If you want to buy a house in the state capital, $265,000 is the median sale price.

Tulsa

Known for its dazzling Art Deco architecture, sports and arts and culture scene, Tulsa is Oklahoma’s second-biggest city. When not learning about the city’s history at venerated institutions like Greenwood Rising, which documents the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, or partaking in the multicultural food scene, locals spend time hiking, fishing and boating outside the city in the lush “Green Country” region.

The cost of housing here is 36.5 percent below the national average. But rates here have been climbing over the past year for both rent and home ownership. The cost of a one-bedroom apartment has risen 34 percent to $929. A two-bedroom apartment comes with a price tag of $1,109 per month, which is 24 percent higher than last year.

Compared to other major OK cities like Oklahoma City, buying a house in Tulsa is the most affordable in a big Oklahoma metro area. Rates have risen 18.4 percent from last year, making the median sales price $225,000.

Oklahoma food prices

From fried okra to barbecue to Indian tacos, Oklahoma is famous for its homegrown cuisine and dishes. Oklahoma also has a booming agriculture and farming industry. Overall, food costs in Oklahoma fall 5.4 percent below the national average. With Okies spending between $200 and $233 per month per person on food, that puts Oklahoma among the lowest states for food costs.

This is how food costs in these different Oklahoma cities compare to the national average:

  • Edmond is 11.5 percent below the national average
  • Oklahoma City is 7.8 percent below the national average
  • Enid is 7.3 percent below the national average
  • Tulsa is 5.6 percent below the national average
  • Broken Arrow is 4.5 percent below the national average

Food costs here are closer to the national average than in other areas like housing. Edmond is the least expensive city for groceries in the state. Broken Arrow is the most expensive. Buying a dozen eggs in Edmond costs $1.38 compared to $1.85 in Broken Arrow. But lower or higher averages may not always be reflected in prices for specific items. A half-gallon of milk actually costs less in Broken Arrow at $2.18. In Edmond, it costs $2.28. A half-gallon of milk is most expensive in Enid, costing $2.48.

With so many different and delicious kinds of food available around the state, Oklahomans have plenty of opportunities to dine out. Going out for a three-course meal for two will cost more in a big city compared to a small one. You’ll pay the most for a nice date night meal out in Tulsa at $46.50, followed by Oklahoma City at $45. But in Edmond, it will only set you back $25.

Oklahoma utility prices

When paying for the cost of living in Oklahoma for utilities like water and electricity, Okies pay less than the national average throughout the state. Oklahoma gets the majority of its electricity and energy from natural gas and coal. But renewable energy like wind power and hydroelectricity are starting to account for more of its energy production. As the song goes, “when the wind goes sweeping down the plain” also makes for a significant renewable energy resource.

Here’s what you can expect to pay for utilities compared to the national average in these Oklahoma cities:

  • Broken Arrow is 6.9 percent below the national average
  • Tulsa is 6.9 percent below the national average
  • Oklahoma City is 6.5 percent below the national average
  • Edmond is 3.8 percent below the national average
  • Enid is 2.6 percent below the national average

Residents of metro areas like Tulsa and Oklahoma City pay less for utilities than more remote, isolated cities like Enid. In Broken Arrow, the monthly total energy bill comes out to around $150.78. As one of the priciest cities for utilities, total energy bills in Enid are around $163.59. The average water bill around Oklahoma is $33.

Internet is also another important modern utility. Internet is less expensive in big cities like Tulsa, where a 60 megabits-per-second package costs $66.22. But in Edmond, the same level of spend and access costs $77.

Oklahoma transportation prices

Using public transportation is a great way to reduce commuting time and save money on gas and other vehicle costs. It’s also more environmentally friendly. Most Oklahoma cities and towns offer some form of mass transit to their citizens. For the most part, the cost of using public transit in Oklahoma cities is below the national average. Here’s how these different cities stack up to the national average:

  • Enid is 12.8 percent below the national average
  • Broken Arrow is 12.2 percent below the national average
  • Oklahoma City is 10.1 percent below the national average
  • Tulsa is 7.4 percent below the national average
  • Edmond is 6 percent below the national average

Public transportation costs are lowest in Enid, where the city operates an on-demand rideshare service costing $2 per ride. Edmond’s Citylink bus service is free to the public, with five different bus routes through the city and connecting to Oklahoma City. Let’s dive further into the more extensive mass transit systems in Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Broken Arrow.

Tulsa Transit in Tulsa and Broken Arrow

Tulsa Transit offers bus-based public transit to Tulsa and nearby Broken Arrow. It has 21 different routes throughout the area. Service is limited within Broken Arrow, but residents have access to a Park & Ride express that connects Broken Arrow to downtown Tulsa. Starting fares are $1.75 for a two-hour pass. A full-day pass costs $3.75 and a monthly pass is $45.

If you prefer to use your car to get around Tulsa and Broken Arrow, you may have to pay tolls on the Creek Turnpike. This 33-mile toll road forms a beltway around the eastern and southern parts of the city. Traveling the full length of the turnpike in a standard 2-axle passenger vehicle costs $3.00 with a PikePass and $3.75 without.

However, having a car may still be a necessity in Tulsa and Broken Arrow. Tulsa’s transit score is only 25. This means that most locals don’t live close to public transit or say that it’s necessary to have a car here. Broken Arrow scores even lower at 17. Tulsa fares slightly better for walk and bike scores. Although not the most walk- and bike-friendly cities overall with scores of 44 and 49, respectively, there are still pockets of town you can navigate by foot or bike. Broken Arrow’s walk and bike scores are even lower at 20 and 33. So, while you can definitely get around the Tulsa metro area by bike, you should have a car, as well.

EMBARK in Oklahoma City

Consisting of buses and streetcars, EMBARK provides public transit throughout Oklahoma City and its metro area. Riders have a choice of 22 different fixed bus routes and two different streetcar routes around the city center. A single trip costs $1.75 for a bus ride and $1 for the street car. You can use both buses and street cars with an unlimited pass, which cost $4 for a day, $14 for a week and $50 for a month.

Ferries and water taxis also travel along the Oklahoma River in the heart of town. The public transit ferry travels between five different landings along the river. Using this service costs $12 a day. The Bricktown Water Taxis travel along the river through the popular Bricktown District, costing $13. However, both these services are primarily aimed at tourists and are not the most economical or efficient means of commuting or getting around town.

While there are no toll roads within Oklahoma City, there is one outside of town. The Turner Turnpike connects Oklahoma City to Tulsa. Using the full toll road costs $4.50 with PikePass and $5 without.

Most likely, it’s necessary to have a car in Oklahoma City, as well. The transit score is a low 22. Some districts and neighborhoods, especially in the city center, are good for walking and cycling. But Oklahoma City’s walk and bike scores are still low, with the walk score is 43 and its bike score is 48.

Oklahoma healthcare prices

Healthcare is one of the few cost of living areas where some Oklahoma cities exceed the national average. Overall, Oklahoma ranks among the bottom states for quality of healthcare, access and public health in general. It’s important to note that determining an accurate healthcare average is difficult due to how variable healthcare costs are per person. Due to factors like pre-existing conditions or insurance plans, some people within a certain city may pay far more for healthcare than other locals.

Although personal circumstances vary, it’s recommended to see your doctor, dentist and optometrist on an annual basis. This allows you to stay on top of your health. Here’s what it costs to go to the doctor’s office in these different Oklahoma cities:

  • Enid: $150
  • Tulsa: $128.67
  • Oklahoma City: $104.67
  • Broken Arrow: $98.83
  • Edmond: $96.41

Enid soars above the other cities with the priciest doctor visits while Edmond takes the lowest spot. You’ll also be paying a lot to visit the doctor in different metro areas. Considering Enid’s high healthcare prices, it’s no surprise that its healthcare average tops the national average. Here’s how the other cities fare compared to the national average:

  • Broken Arrow is 11.4 percent below the national average
  • Edmond is 7.4 percent below the national average
  • Tulsa is 1.4 percent below the national average
  • Oklahoma City is 1.1 percent above the national average
  • Enid is 2.5 percent above the national average

Healthcare costs in Broken Arrow are the lowest below the national average. Right in its own metro area, though, Oklahoma City’s healthcare costs peek over the national average. But the cost of specific types of care does vary by city, as well. For example, Enid has the lowest price for a dental check-up. Going for a cleaning and check-up in Enid costs $85. But in Oklahoma City, it’s $118.

Oklahoma goods and services prices

The final cost of living category to consider is miscellaneous goods and services. This category covers important but non-essential activities and goods. Some relate to leisure and lifestyle, like going out to the movies. Others are for buying goods like toothpaste.

Since Oklahoma is overall an inexpensive state, for the most part, these goods and services fall below the national average in terms of cost:

  • Oklahoma City is 13.5 percent below the national average
  • Enid is 11.6 percent below the national average
  • Edmond is 7.9 percent below the national average
  • Broken Arrow is 6.4 percent below the national average
  • Tulsa is 3.3 percent below the national average

But it’s not completely black and white. Individual costs do vary by city, though. The most expensive place to get a haircut is Broken Arrow at $21.75. Edmond offers the cheapest price at $16.17. Going to the movies costs $6.09 in Enid compared to $9.84 in Tulsa.

With its wide-open landscapes, friendly cities and low cost of living, Oklahoma is a popular place to raise kids and have a family. If that’s the case for you, you also need to consider childcare costs as part of a monthly budget. You’ll find the most affordable childcare in bigger cities. A month of private preschool or kindergarten for one child costs $795.86 in Tulsa and $500 in Oklahoma City. But in a smaller city like Edmond, you’re looking at a big price jump to $1,000.

Taxes in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s state sales tax is 4.5 percent. To put that into real-life figures, for every $1,000 you spend on delicious Oklahoma barbecue, you’re paying an extra $45 in tax.

Some cities and counties add their own local taxes to the statewide rate. In some areas, the number jumps significantly.

  • Enid has a combined tax of 9.1 percent
  • Broken Arrow has a combined tax of 8.42 percent
  • Oklahoma City has a combined tax of 8.63 percent
  • Tulsa has a combined tax of 8.517 percent
  • Edmond has a combined tax of 8.5 percent

As you can see, you’ll be paying the most sales tax living in Enid. Instead of $45 in tax for every $1,000 spent, you’d be spending $91. That’s a big jump.

How much do I need to earn to live in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma’s cost of living is low and likely within the budget of a lot of people. But there’s one way to determine if living in Oklahoma fits your budget. Experts recommend that you only spend 30 percent of your gross monthly income on housing. This is because housing is usually your biggest monthly expenditure. By only paying 30 percent, you leave plenty left over for other necessities like groceries, taxes and fun activities.

Since the average rent in Oklahoma is $797, you’d need to make $2,656 monthly or $31,872 annually to fit the 30 percent rule. Oklahoma’s median household income is $53,840, so most residents should comfortably afford housing and all other cost-of-living essentials here.

To figure out what city in Oklahoma best fits your budget, use our rent calculator.

Living in Oklahoma

With low prices for everything from housing to groceries, the cost of living in Oklahoma is just one of the benefits of living here. In addition to saving more on essentials, you also get to live in a state that offers equal-parts exciting cities full of history and culture and vast landscapes. As the song goes, the land we belong to in Oklahoma is grand and affordable to boot. You’re doing fine, Oklahoma!

Related articles

The Cost of Living Index comes from coli.org.
The rent information included in this summary is based on a calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Rent. as of June 2022. Rent prices are for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

Bungalow, a new residential real estate platform, recently launched, announcing it has secured $64M in funding: a $14M Series A led by Khosla Ventures, Atomic VC, Founders Fund, Cherubic Ventures, and Wing Ventures, alongside a $50M debt facility.

Over the past several decades the price of rent has dramatically decoupled from income while student loan balances have reached record highs, putting new strains on early career professionals. Not only is housing this group’s largest expense, but the rental experience remains outdated. Though many early career professionals aren’t looking to live alone, finding roommates on traditional ad platforms is fraught with financial and personal risks. Plus, the existing housing stock is dominated by studios and one bedrooms built when most early career professionals lived with spouses.

“My co-founder and I felt the pain of renting in a new city. It was hard to find a great home and even harder to build a supportive community away from friends and family,” said Andrew Collins, co-founder and CEO of Bungalow. “We founded Bungalow to give early career professionals the ability to live in a beautiful and affordable home, in the neighborhood they want, and with a great community surrounding them.”

Bungalow utilizes existing housing supply by signing long-term leases with homeowners, and offers beautiful, multi-bedroom homes in some of the most desirable neighborhoods in cities throughout the U.S. Bungalow expertly matches potential roommates, provides furnished common areas, and takes care of utilities including WiFi and monthly cleaning services. The company also hosts monthly events for its residents, creating an instant community for those new to a city or who are looking to expand their social circle. This two-sided platform significantly reduces the friction of the rental process for both residents searching for a home and homeowners looking for a source of income without taking on the responsibilities of a landlord.

“One major challenge of today’s residential real estate market is the lack of desirable and accessible rental options for young people in urban areas, a problem that will become more pervasive in years to come,” said Keith Rabois, managing director at Khosla Ventures. “Bungalow is taking a full-stack approach that uniquely addresses the rapidly evolving needs of both renters and homeowners, while creating economic value by more effectively utilizing housing inventory.”

Bungalow has been quietly operating for the last year and a half after its founding in early 2017. Since beginning operations, the company has quickly scaled to hundreds of properties and over 750 residents across five urban areas including: the Bay Area, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, and Seattle. Today, the company is announcing two new markets to its platform: Portland and Washington, D.C. Bungalow is currently on track to be in 12 major U.S. metro markets by the end of 2018 with plans for global expansion in 2019.

“Bungalow is taking on the $650 billion rental market for early career professionals and it may prove to be a bigger total market size than travel and taxis,” said Jack Abraham, founder and managing partner at Atomic. “By leveraging the existing housing stock and connecting demand with compelling long-term leases, Bungalow is poised to continue its growth to the rest of the country and around the globe.”

Mike Wheatley is the senior editor at Realty Biz News. Got a real estate related news article you wish to share, contact Mike at [email protected].
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Source: realtybiznews.com

Apache is functioning normally

College is a great place to make lifelong friends. In college, students bond over shared interests, have fun times together, and help each other through some challenging times, cementing bonds that can last for years after graduation.

When you first arrive on campus, however, making friends in college can seem intimidating. Exactly where and how do you meet people? It can feel especially challenging if you go to a large school or you’re in unfamiliar territory, like a college that’s far away from home.

Don’t stress. Making friends in college can be easy. The key is to get involved early on, put yourself out there, and always try to be your true self.

Here are some ways you can go about making friends in college.

Hang Out With Your Roommates

Whether you chose your roommate or went with a random pairing, you may or may not have a lot in common with this individual, at least from the outside. Nevertheless, it can be a good idea to try to forge a connection with your roommate. This will not only make your living situation more enjoyable, but you’ll be able to turn to your roommate when you need support.

You can bond with your roommate by cooking meals, watching favorite shows, and studying together. It can also help to be considerate and respectful of your roommate by not making too much noise late at night or early in the morning, cleaning up after yourself, and chipping in for shared supplies. By respecting your roommate’s boundaries and establishing ground rules for the room, you’ll be more likely to have a good relationship, and perhaps even become good friends, with your roommate.
💡 Quick Tip: Fund your education with a low-rate, no-fee SoFi private student loan that covers all school-certified costs.

Join a Fraternity or Sorority

If you join a fraternity or a sorority, you’ll have the opportunity to make a lot of new friends. While some fraternities and sororities may have bad reputations because of their hazing practices and emphasis on parties, many focus on philanthropy and building friendships instead.

Just keep in mind that joining Greek life can cost $100 to $1,000 per semester, since you are generally required to pay fees or dues. The cost will vary depending on the school and chapter you join, and there may also be additional fees for first-year membership.

You’ll also need to apply to get into a sorority or fraternity and go through a recruitment process to ensure it’s going to be a good fit. Then, if you’re accepted, you will typically live with your fraternity or sorority in a house on campus and socialize and volunteer with them on a regular basis.

Recommended: 11 Strategies for Paying for College and Other Expenses

Get Involved in Clubs

Another easy way to make friends in college is to join a club. At the beginning of the school year, colleges will typically have club fairs, where club leaders set up booths and give information about their clubs to incoming freshmen and transfer students. This is where you can learn more and sign up for an initial meeting.

Some of the various types of clubs you can join include religious, political, academic, cultural, media, and community service clubs. For instance, students can join the school paper, radio or TV station, participate in math and science groups, join an on-campus religious group, find the school’s Republican and Democrat clubs, and volunteer at local animal rescue organizations or homeless shelters.

If you can’t find clubs you’re interested in, you may be able to start one of your own. You’ll likely have to go to the proper office on campus and follow the guidelines for establishing a new club.

Recommended: How to Get Involved on Campus in College

Find Study Buddies in Your Classes

Another avenue for making friends in college is through your classes. You might start or sign up for a study group, which allows students in the same class to do homework and study for tests together. If you make a connection with another student in a study group, you might suggest hanging out after the group is over or meeting up for a coffee or meal on campus another time.

Sign Up for Sports

One of the ways that many students go about making friends in college is by joining a sports team or an intramural sports club on campus. The sports teams are for athletes who are interested in playing on schools’ official teams, while intramural sports clubs are just for fun. Schools offer a variety of different sports like basketball, football, soccer, golf, tennis, and swimming. You can check out the campus life and sports section of your school’s website and look into the options.

Audition for the School Play

Theater clubs or the theater department on campus may hold auditions for school plays. You might consider auditioning for a part and making friends with the cast and crew members during rehearsal. Putting on a play can be a strong bonding experience, allowing you to cultivate lasting friendships.

Recommended: 10 Ways to Prepare for College

Go to Campus Events

Schools are always putting on events. This might include concerts, talent shows, guest speaker series, music festivals, stand-up comedy, and more. You might ask acquaintances to go to an event and/or meet new friends there. If the event is crowded, you might need to be a little more outgoing and start up conversations with the people nearby in order to (hopefully) make friends.

Connect With Other Student Workers

If you have a job or internship on campus, you might try to strike up conversations with your colleagues, as long as it doesn’t interfere with your work. Some places students may work on campus include the college’s admissions office, the endowment office, the dining hall, the coffee shop, the art museum, and the library.

Recommended: Am I Eligible for Work-Study?

Go to Social Gatherings

If your roommates or friends are holding a social gathering or going off campus to check out a local movie theater or restaurant, consider tagging along. This can be a great way to strengthen the bonds you already have, as well as meet new people. Just keep in mind that while parties can be fun, they can also distract from schoolwork and you could end up with lower grades if you are partying too often.

Recommended: The Ultimate Guide to Studying in College

Ask People to Hang Out One-on-One

Whenever you meet potential new friends in classes or through clubs, consider inviting them to hang out one-on-one to get to know them better. For example, you might ask them out for coffee or a meal, to an on-campus concert or show, to work out at the gym, or to a sports game. While this involves putting yourself out there, the rewards of making a new friend can be well worth the risk that they’ll say “no.”

The Importance of Being Yourself When Making Friends in College

Although you may be worried about making new friends in college, you generally don’t want to change your personality or hide who you really are in order to fit in. It may be a little tough at first, but by joining clubs you’re interested in and finding people who accept you for who you are, you could make lifelong friends. It can take some time and might not always happen within the first semester. However, you’ll want to keep trying to meet and connect with new people throughout your four years at college.
💡 Quick Tip: Even if you don’t think you qualify for financial aid, you should fill out the FAFSA form. Many schools require it for merit-based scholarships, too. You can submit it as early as Oct. 1.

Affording College

College is where you can set yourself up for professional success as well as make wonderful new friends. However, if you don’t know how you’ll pay for it, you might feel even more anxiety before embarking on this exciting next step in your life.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways to cover the cost of attending college, including grants, scholarships, work-study programs (which are also great for making friends), and subsidized and unsubsidized federal loans. If you get your financial aid letter and still have gaps in funding, you might also consider a private student loan.

Private loans are available through banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Unlike federal student loans, they require a credit check. However, if you have solid credit (or can recruit a cosigner who does), you may be able to qualify for a competitive interest rate. Just keep in mind that private loans may not offer the same protections that come with federal loans, such as income-driven repayment plans and forgiveness programs.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Source: sofi.com

Apache is functioning normally

The devastation wrought by wildfires is exacerbating a long-running housing crisis on the island of Maui, pitting locals and Native Hawaiians — many of whom rent — against billionaires and real estate developers, the Washington Post reported Monday.

The future of Lahaina, an island community that is a spiritual and cultural capital, is of concern for many locals who are uncomfortable with the encroachment of wealthy outsiders. Tamara Paltin, who represents the area on the Maui County Council, said the crisis may accelerate a process where wealthy outsiders squeeze out locals by snapping up properties.

“If all those people from outside with a lot of resources come in and rebuild Lahaina the way they want it to be, it won’t be Lahaina anymore,” Paltin told the Post. “We don’t want to make it like Anywhere Else, USA.”

Last Tuesday and Wednesday, the fires destroyed approximately 3,000 structures, with Lahaina most acutely devastated by the disaster. As of late Monday night local time, the death toll stands at 99, but officials expect the figure to rise as searches continue. 

Some locals are reluctant to talk to opportunistic real estate agents offering to buy fire-affected properties, the report said. Even before the crisis, rising property prices risked displacing locals and Native Hawiaiians, with Hawaii having the highest cost of living across U.S. states. A family of four earning less than $93,000, for example, would be considered low income.

“We want to make sure that we’re able to keep Lahaina Lahaina, and Lahaina strong,” Archie Kalepa, a Native Hawaiian community leader, told the Post. “We don’t want it to be Lahaina was.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has activated its disaster relief housing programs, which include providing funds for displaced residents to temporarily stay in hotels. A local real estate agent organization is also seeking out vacant vacation homes to lodge survivors.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, pledged to be “very creative” in the way the agency will exert its authority, acknowledging that disaster relief approaches on the U.S. mainland may not work in Hawaii. Bringing tiny homes or other transitional housing units to the island are on the table, but such relief isn’t likely to resolve longstanding housing problems. 

As mega-fires continue to threaten communities amid climate change, the gap between rich and poor is expected to get wider, the report said. Native Hawaiian families whose houses were passed down through generations could experience significant financial strain: Many of these properties don’t have mortgages and thus aren’t required to have insurance.

The community is pulling together to combat changes that may affect their future on the island. 

“When it’s time, we will all rebuild one day at a time,” said Doreen Buenconsejo, a Maui local whose parents lost their home, to the Post. “I know our community is so strong that we will pull together and help each other to clean up our lands.”

Source: housingwire.com

Apache is functioning normally

The chasm runs the full length of the condominium complex, from the shuttered tennis court to the shuttered pool. Measuring more than 500 feet long and 20 feet wide, the gash divides the complex in two, its weed-choked perimeter cordoned off with chain-link fencing. A grimy trickle of water oozes along the chasm’s concrete floor a dozen feet below, like some ugly open wound that just won’t heal.

Welcome to Coyote Village, a 70-unit condo complex in suburban La Habra whose residents have been living out a homeowner’s nightmare. Over the last four years, portions of the tree-lined greenbelt that once shaded the complex have violently collapsed into a concrete maw below. That’s because, unbeknownst to most residents, the greenbelt wasn’t built on solid earth. Running beneath it is a cavernous flood channel that decades ago was sealed with a concrete lid then topped with mounds of soil and landscaped with pine trees.

The first collapse of the concealed lid came in January 2019, when a section of the greenbelt near the tennis court caved in, exposing the flood channel below. The second implosion came in March, when heavy winter rains saturated the greenbelt and the concrete lid couldn’t handle the weight of the soggy soil and towering pines. This time, the collapse took out a huge swath of the greenbelt near the community pool.

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Most residents were shocked to learn that their complex was built on top of a private canal that plugs into Orange County’s larger Imperial Channel, which routes storm water out of La Habra, Brea and Fullerton. It stood as the only covered private channel in the county’s 380-mile public storm drain system.

And that “private” designation is where the residents’ encountered another chasm, in the form of a years-long legal battle.

After the 2019 collapse, the county did some cleanup work at the site and provided security fencing around the exposed portion of the channel. Following the March 15 collapse, La Habra brought in construction crews to excavate the channel, which at that point was clogged with dirt, tree limbs and concrete that the city worried would create a damming effect in the broader drainage system during future storms.

But the city’s work stopped there.

Over the last four years, portions of the tree-lined greenbelt that once shaded the Coyote Village condo complex have collapsed into a concrete maw below. That’s because, unbeknownst to most residents, the greenbelt wasn’t built on solid earth.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

La Habra officials have argued since the first collapse that the channel belongs to the complex. And worse, that the channel’s concrete lid had been improperly covered with a breadth of landscaping that violated what had been approved in the city permitting process. According to the city, the homeowners association that represents Coyote Village is responsible for repairing and rebuilding the channel.

The Coyote Village Homeowners Assn. has challenged that stance in a running legal battle, started in 2020, contending the channel is integral to a larger public system and was damaged by public use without just compensation. It has sued the city, the county and the county flood control district, among others, for relief.

“While the conduit runs through the HOA property, the water is public,” said John Peterson, an attorney representing the homeowners group. “The public needs to share in the responsibilities.”

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State Sen. Josh Newman, a Democrat whose district encompasses La Habra, tried to broker a solution last summer and was able to secure $8.5 million in state funding to repair the flood channel. “The residents were wholly unprepared and financially unequipped to deal with this,” Newman said. “I was happy to secure those funds.”

But a year later, that money remains unspent.

La Habra initially questioned the propriety of expenditure, asking the state Atty. General’s Office if the allocation could be considered an improper gift of public funds. The state’s Legislative Counsel determined it was not. In the months since, the city and homeowners association have haggled over who would run the major construction project, with the HOA concerned it does not have the expertise and city officials reluctant to take charge of repairs on a canal they consider private property.

Residents have watched in a mix of frustration and resignation as the saga has unfolded.

Jan Duncan, an HOA board member, said she put her Coyote Village loft on the market in June and received six offers the first week. Then came questions about the flood channel and why it hasn’t been fixed in four years. In short order, every offer was rescinded.

“I cannot give buyers anything in writing to guarantee that this is going to be resolved,” she said. “Without that, they’re uncomfortable. I can’t blame them.”

Justin Marinello, who has a 4-year-old son, is among the parents who worry about the safety risk the exposed channel poses for children.

(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Justin Marinello is among the parents in the complex who worry about the safety risk the exposed channel poses for children. His condo looks out on the gritty channel and his 4-year-old son had a front-row view of the city’s excavation work after the March collapse.

“My son enjoyed watching the construction because he likes giant Tonka toys playing with dirt,” Marinello said. “But it would be nice to be able to open the door up and just have some grass for him to run on.”

On the other side of the chasm, Lizeth Ruiz knew about the exposed channel when she moved to her condo in 2019 but figured it would be quickly repaired. Instead, she finds herself fending off mosquitoes that breed in the canal’s dingy water. “Now, I keep everything closed and have to be more mindful about wearing pants instead of shorts,” Ruiz said, holding her newborn baby tight.

As the summer heat soars, the concrete channel is lined with dry weeds that rise taller than the 6-foot safety fencing. The channel itself is defaced with graffiti. Residents continue to pay $390 in monthly homeowners fees even though the channel’s collapse has sidelined amenities like the tennis court and pool.

It marks a wrenching chapter in the life of a property with an eccentric history.

In mid-century La Habra, a ranch owner flooded a portion of the area to create a lake and islet, deemed “Monkey Island,” where he let feral monkeys roam free. He also eyed the land for a track that would host ostrich races. At the time, ostrich farms were a popular tourist attraction in Orange County.

Later, the lake was drained and La Habra city leaders opted to go a development direction they considered more forward-thinking, erecting a shopping plaza and post office on the site.

In 1978, developer Loren Hendrix proposed an adjacent 70-unit condominium complex, when such communities were still novel in Orange County as an affordable alternative to single-family homes. Without yards to maintain, he envisioned residents being able to stroll along a landscaped creek — a dressed-up version of the flood control channel that crossed the property — as a key selling point.

But Hendrix faced stiff questions from city staff about how he planned to protect children from hazards posed by the channel-turned-creek. Archival records show the county flood control district rejected Hendrix’s creek design. The district recommended design changes Hendrix considered too costly. Instead, the complex would host an enclosed flood channel masked with landscaping.

La Habra City Council members approved the development in April 1979 on the condition that Hendrix’s design be approved by the city’s chief building inspector and the county flood control district. A year later, the building inspector wrote that the complex was “substantially in compliance” with applicable codes. It’s not clear in county records whether the flood control district ever approved the design.

In any case, the condo development and greenbelt were built. And for 40 years, storm runoff flowed through the underground channel unbeknownst to most residents until the 2019 collapse.

La Habra city officials say the cave-ins are more about what was built on top of the channel than what lies below.

Deputy City Atty. Gary Kranker contends that at the time of the 2019 collapse the soil piled above the channel ran 9 feet deep — 6 feet more than the greenbelt design approved by the city — and that the pine trees that by then stood 80 feet tall contributed to the channel lid’s failure.

“It’s the obligation of the individual constructing the channel, or in this case, the channel roof, to make sure it was done properly,” he said. “Based upon the calculations that we have, it would have been done properly had it only had 3 feet of soil.”

And he faults the homeowners association for failing to take aggressive action to alleviate the risks between the first cave-in and the implosion in March. “To be quite candid, [they] did not do anything to try and alleviate this condition,” he said. “They could have hired someone to remove the soil, one wheelbarrow at a time.”

The second collapse of the storm drain channel at Coyote Village came in March, when heavy winter rains saturated the greenbelt that concealed its concrete lid.

(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Last year, the homeowners association sued Hendrix, the complex developer, for fraud. The complaint alleged that he concealed the channel and any maintenance responsibilities from the association so he could sell condos “more quickly and at higher prices.” Peterson, the association’s attorney, said a settlement agreement compels Hendrix to find the insurance policies that covered the development and assign the rights over to the association.

Hendrix did not respond to requests for comment through his attorney.

Last week, representatives for the city and homeowners association said they were closing in on an agreement for moving forward with repairs that would free up the $8.5 million in state funding. Once a resolution is reached, the canal’s reconstruction is expected to take at least a year.

Roma Damo, who has lived at Coyote Village for 35 years, doesn’t see much light at the end of the tunnel — or flood channel, in her case.

“I’m seriously thinking about renting this condo out and getting myself an apartment,” said Damo, 88, eyeing the degraded channel outside her condo windows. “I don’t want to spend the rest of my life here looking at this.”

Source: latimes.com