pizza

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From the largest intact collection of Victorian homes to reimagined warehouses serving as modern-day apartments, the neighborhoods in this city offer their share of architectural eye-candy, innovation and culture.

Running through Richmond is the James River, where residents take advantage of white water rafting, boating or hanging out on the river. The river also offers great views whether you’re hiking one of the many trails in the city or living on waterfront property.

You may want to live in an area that’s full of history and pride, or in a community where the social scene is the only thing on your mind. A place full of stories, wherever you live in Richmond, it will feel like home.

Where to live in Richmond, VA

When you know where to live, looking for apartments in Richmond, VA gets a lot easier. Which part of the city is right for you? Take our quiz and find out.

Who’s coming with you?

Which one neighborhood characteristic can you not live without?

What’s your idea of quality downtime?

Which of these best describes your current life stage?

Your personal style could be best described as:

Which of the following is most important to you in choosing an apartment?

Where to Live in Richmond

Downtown

Buzzing with energy, Downtown Richmond is a place to live if you love standing out. Here’s where individuality and creativity feel limitless. Downtown residential buildings have a unique style impossible to find anywhere else. This is because many of the old buildings are now new residences in innovative and exciting ways. Can you imagine living in a renovated tobacco warehouse, school or car dealership? It’s possible in this neighborhood. A foodie lover’s kind of neighborhood, you’ll have access to world-class dining that’s diverse and acclaimed. It’s no surprise the nightlife is pretty spectacular, too. On First Fridays, the restaurants, galleries and shops on Grace and Broad Marshall Streets don’t close, expanding the energy of the lively crowds and vibrant atmosphere.

Find Apartments Downtown

The Fan

Image Source: 1708 Park Ave

The Fan is iconic. Named for the way the streets fan out as you move west, the famous neighborhood is elegant and cozy all at once. With shops, markets, galleries, parks, cafés, bakeries and restaurants literally at your doorstep, The Fan is one of the most walkable places you can find an apartment in The Fan. The Fan is known for its historical residential houses, and while they’re a sight to behold, the cornerstone of life is the local businesses that are among them. Locally-owned businesses are the majority in this area and each one is full of its own charm and character. In the summer, the gorgeous-tree lined streets offer shade to residents during some of the city’s most anticipated events, including the Monument Avenue 10K and the Easter Parade.

Find Apartments in The Fan

The Museum District

Image Source: 3028 Kensington Ave

If the thought of having six blocks of museums to explore and a huge selection of eateries and drinking establishments to choose from sounds impossibly unaffordable, think again. The Museum District has affordable areas and offers great culture and nightlife. The Museum District is not just for the young and trendy. Places like the Capital Trail and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts attract people of all ages with easy access to a variety of activities. The neighborhood also offers some pretty stylistic housing. From contemporary to more traditional sensibilities, The Museum District has everything from Tuscan condos to Colonial row houses. Families have a lot of schooling options, too, with multiple pre-schools and elementary schools, a private school, high school and middle school. The area is also one of the safest in the city.

Find Apartments in the Museum District

Scott’s Addition

Image Source: The Summit

Scott’s Addition isn’t the biggest, but it does pack a punch. Sprawling with apartment buildings, bustling breweries and restaurants, this neighborhood is highly walkable and provides residents with a unique area that’s never dull. Scott’s Addition breweries draw people from all over town. You’ll have more than 15 distilleries, breweries and even cideries to enjoy, not to mention some of the coolest places to dine in Richmond. Everyone can have a good time here. Park365 is a playground and park that seemingly leaped out of a child’s wildest imagination and The Circuit Arcade Bar has contemporary games and classics. One of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in the city, Scott’s Addition is the place live if you want all the fun for all ages.

Find Apartments in Scott’s Addition

Shockoe Bottom

Perfect for people who love up-and-coming neighborhoods, Shockoe Bottom’s entrepreneurial growth and continued development will bring you in contact with like-minded people in the city. Located on the James River, Shockoe Bottom is one of the city’s most historical and eclectic neighborhoods, with a charming and industrial vibe. Restaurants, breweries and art studios full of people keep the neighborhood alive with vibrant energy. Lined near the water, there are numerous stores to shop and restaurants to experience. A revival is underway thanks to a flood of small businesses that have entered the area. More people are choosing Shockoe Bottom as more small businesses flock to the area for growth and opportunities. The housing in the area is a mix of current and classic architecture. There are brownstones, converted warehouses and brand new buildings.

Find Apartments in Shockoe Bottom

Carytown

Image Source: 2709 W Cary St

Carytown is a premier hotspot, nestled in the heart of the city. Carytown places a strong emphasis on locally-owned small businesses, which is why the shopping and dining atmosphere isn’t found anywhere else. The quirkiness of Carytown lures residents from every part of the city. The Byrd Theatre is historic and still plays movies and every store on Cary Street could be classified as a hidden gem. While there are a few residential blocks in the neighborhood, keep your eyes open for apartments found in multi-units and right above storefronts speckled throughout the area. For those who crave a quirky and vibrant place to live, Carytown is a neighborhood you’d thrive in.

Find Apartments in Carytown

Bon Air

Image Source: 2228 Early Settlers Rd

An enclave just outside of Richmond, Bon Air is an eclectic place that offers convenient access to the city but is just far away enough to make the city feel long gone. Its origins as a resort destination are found in some areas, with some neighborhoods featuring clubhouses and community pools. Huguenot Park is a place where adults and children find themselves for a relaxing break from the daily grind. The park has 53 acres of hiking trails that snake through the forest and a playground that kids of every age can’t get enough of. With access to good shopping and dining options, you’ll never feel like you’re missing out on Richmond’s atmosphere. For families, the schools and amenities make Bon Air a great choice to consider.

Find Apartments in Bon Air

Short Pump

Image Source: The Atlantic at Twin Hickory

A rural town turned suburban metropolitan, Short Pump may have succumbed to the sprawl of Richmond, but it has done it with style. Short Pump offers its residents access to upscale dining and shopping, which includes an open-air mall. The Children’s Museum of Richmond and Deep Run Park are great nearby amenities. The small-town charm of Short Pump has made it popular with young families, as well as the countless activities there are. The area is seeing large amounts of growth as more businesses come to the area. With the abundance of the area, it’s often suprising how affordable Short Pump is. Housing in the area covers all ranges, just look for neighborhoods that fit your budget. It’s all here in Short Pump.

Find Apartments in Short Pump

Rebecca Green is a content editor and writer for RentPath. She enjoys interior design, dogs and can tell you where to find the best pizza in Brooklyn. You can see some of her other published work on Apartment Guide.

Source: rent.com

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Italy has given us pizza, Aperol spritz, the Colosseum, Vespa scooters and Michelangelo, so it’s no wonder people visit the boot-shaped country in droves.

When calculating your budget for a vacation, you might be wondering how much to tip in Italy. Fortunately for travelers, you won’t need to tip much.

When in Rome, you can say “buongiorno” to finger-licking food and “arrivederci” to the tipping culture that we’re so accustomed to in the U.S.

Do you tip in Italy?

Let’s get it straight. Tipping in Italy isn’t compulsory nor is it expected. Italian workers are paid a salary and don’t rely on gratuities to survive, as they do in the U.S.

However, if you feel that excellent service has been provided and you’d like to thank your server with a monetary gift, you can do so, but the amount you leave doesn’t have to be high.

If you insist on tipping, let’s discuss how much to tip in Italy in various situations.

Tipping in Italian restaurants

Let’s say your travel companion and you split a perfectly cooked Margherita pizza, a delicious spaghetti Bolognese and wash it all down with a bottle of a nice Chianti at a sit-down restaurant.

You’re ready to keep walking the charming streets of whatever Italian city you’re in, but one thing stops you in your tracks. The bill comes out, and you’re not sure how much to tip.

The rule of thumb is to round up to the nearest increment of five — e.g. rounding up to €30 on a €27 bill — and leave a few euros on top of the total amount. If you pay with a card, leaving a few coins is enough.

At some restaurants, you might notice something called a “coperto” (cover charge) on the bill. It’s the fixed amount that you’re charged (usually no more than €5, or around $5.50) for a tablecloth, silverware and a bread basket that often comes out at Italian restaurants.

The cover charge gets added to the check on a per-person basis. Keep in mind that this fee goes to the restaurant and not the waitstaff.

If you see a coperto charge on your bill, there’s no need to cause a scene even if you didn’t eat the “free” bread. Expect it when budgeting for a meal at a sit-down establishment.

Tipping in Italian coffee shops or bars

If you order a beverage at a coffee shop or a bar in Italy, you could leave your barista or a bartender extra change from the bill.

However, it’s not customary to tip more, and nobody at the counter is going to flip an iPad at you awkwardly, asking for a 15%, 20% or 25% tip.

Tipping at Italian hotels

If you’re staying at a hotel and want to acknowledge housekeeping for tidying up your room and changing your towels, you can leave €1 euro ($1.10) per night of your stay. And if you’ve packed lots of outfits and a kitchen sink in your luggage, then a euro per bag is appropriate for a porter who delivers your bags to the room.

Tipping taxi drivers in Italy

Do you tip taxi drivers in Italy? Again, you don’t have to, but if you feel compelled to leave something, tell the driver to keep the change.

For example, if your ride was €18 euros (roughly $19.80), handing them €20 before you hop out of the cab is fine.

Tipping tour guides in Italy

Tipping your tour guide is probably the only exception to tipping rules in Italy. Whether it’s a paid excursion or a free tour, you should tip your guide.

We recommend adding a gratuity of €5 ($5.50) per person for a half-day tour and €10 ($11) per person for a full-day tour. As always, if you absolutely loved the excursion and the information provided, feel free to tip more at the end.

Tipping in Italy recapped

As mentioned above, waitstaff in Italy get paid a living wage and there’s no cultural expectation of tipping. However, if you’re so inclined to leave a little thank you for a job well done, no one is going to stop you.

In fact, the cash will be appreciated. Just keep in mind that the tip doesn’t have to be a large one for you to seem grateful for the service provided.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

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In our latest real estate tech executive interview, we’re speaking with Tom Few from Vivint Smart Home.

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Tom Few. I’ve been in the smart home industry for the better part of three decades. I’ve spent the past six years helping Vivint Smart Home identify new business opportunities and markets. This led me to my current role as general manager of the multifamily group at Vivint.

As a leader in the smart home technology market, Vivint has been a close friend to the real estate community for 20 years. A few years ago, we recognized rental and multifamily communities as the next frontier of smart home innovation. Today’s renters are savvier than ever and want a modern, services-filled living experience. We purpose-built a suite of products that would make it easier to add smart home technology to both new and existing properties. Vivint Smart Home benefits property operators and exceeds the expectations of modern residents. We also make the leasing process easier for both the leasing agent and the resident.

2. What problem does your product/service solve?

Millennials and centennials are digital natives. As they drive up demand for rental housing, smart home technology is becoming a must-have for any successful property. Millennials are currently the largest living generation and, according to Pew Research, 74 percent of them rent. But they want more than just a home with connected devices — they want a truly intelligent home. Creating a magical smart home experience that will entice them to sign a lease requires more than a smart speaker that plays music and lets them order pizza, and more than just the ability to control their lights and thermostats from their phone. It requires everything working together to make their lives more convenient and efficient.

We launched our solution for the multifamily industry in 2017. Our smart home systems allow a resident to use a single app to control lights, locks and temperature; arm and disarm their security system; and view live video and recorded clips from anywhere.

We also built Vivint Site Manager, an interactive dashboard designed specifically for the time-taxed property manager. The dashboard enables an onsite team to use all the smart home technology in the community to quickly and seamlessly onboard new residents as well as manage service requests and vacant apartment homes. However, our suite of services doesn’t stop there. Only Vivint offers Smart Home as a Service. This includes handling the installation and all ongoing service needs for every system we install.

3. What are you most excited about right now?

When we introduced Vivint to the multifamily industry in 2017, we had to spend a lot of time educating property owners and managers—and their leasing agents—on the benefits of smart home technology. We had the opportunity to shape the conversation and we’re honored to continue that conversation and drive even more innovation in the industry.

4. What’s next for you?

We just introduced zero down financing to help property owners and managers add smart home technology to their properties with no upfront cost. Nearly any property owner or manager can now afford smart home, whether for a new build or to retrofit
existing properties. This dramatically increases access to smart home technology and levels the playing field for the multifamily community.

We’ve also spent a lot of time perfecting the resident and property manager experiences with our technology. Now that we’ve nailed those important pieces down, we’re looking outside the individual apartment homes to make entire properties smart.

5. What’s a cause you’re passionate about and why?

I began coaching girls’ softball several years ago when my daughter started playing. She’s moved on to something new, but I continue to coach because I love the opportunity it gives me to help instill confidence, focus and a sense of community in the
young women who will help shape our future. I’m also very involved in Vivint Gives Back, Vivint’s charitable foundation that focuses on helping children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Among a lot of other things, we build special sensory rooms for children with autism in schools and homes and package hundreds of thousands of meals for children with disabilities in third world countries.

Thanks to Tom for sharing his story. If you’d like to connect, find him on LinkedIn here.

We’re constantly looking for great real estate tech entrepreneurs to feature. If that’s you, please read this post — then drop me a line (drew @ geekestatelabs dot com).

Source: geekestateblog.com

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The holiday shopping season will be a potentially rewarding time for eligible Discover cardholders this year.

From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2023, qualifying cards like the Discover it® Cash Back and the Discover it® Student Cash Back will earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined quarterly spending in the following bonus categories (activation required; all other purchases earn 1% back):

  • Amazon.com.

Amazon.com has long been a staple on the Discover Q4 bonus list, having appeared there every year since 2015. Amazon.com sells almost everything, so this could be a great opportunity to avoid the crowds during the holiday shopping season and earn bonus cash back. All eligible purchases made through Amazon.com checkout can qualify, including digital downloads, Amazon Fresh orders, Amazon Local Deals, Amazon Prime subscriptions, and items sold by third-party merchants.

Target is also a common Q4 bonus category for Discover, and this year purchases made in-store, on Target.com and through the Target app can qualify for bonus cash back. However, purchases from individual merchants within physical target stores (like Starbucks or Pizza Hut) in addition to online purchases through affiliates like Target Optical or Target Photo may not qualify.

Discover bonus rewards categories for 2023

Q1 (Jan. 1–March 31)

  • Grocery stores.*

  • Drugstores.

  • Select streaming services.

Q2 (April 1–June 30)

  • Restaurants.

  • Wholesale clubs.

Q3 (July 1–Sept. 30)

  • Gas stations.

  • Digital wallets.

Q4 (Oct. 1–Dec. 31)

  • Amazon.com

  • Target, including Target.com and the Target app

*The grocery stores category does not include grocery purchases at Walmart or Target or at other superstores or wholesale clubs.

🤓Nerdy Tip

For the first time in the past five years, Discover has elected not to release its entire 5% bonus calendar all at once in January, meaning cardholders must wait for categories to be revealed quarterly. The release of the full year’s bonus calendar had been a distinctive feature, making it easier for cardholders to time their purchases. But this move puts Discover in line with other 5% rotating-bonus-category cards, like the Chase Freedom Flex℠.

Bonus categories can be activated online at Discover.com, through the mobile app or by calling 1-800-347-2683. Bonus rewards will not be applied retroactively, and only qualifying purchases made after activation will be eligible for bonus rewards.

Cash back may be redeemed for a statement credit, direct deposit, gift card or charitable donation. Discover’s Pay With Cashback Bonus program also allows cardholders to use rewards to pay for merchandise with select merchants.

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Though some would call St. Louis, which has a population of over 308,000, a small city, St. Louisans will do their best to convince you that this is definitely not a small city. They’ll even convince you that this is the best city in the nation because that’s what they genuinely believe.

And it’s no wonder, too, since there are so many perks of living in St. Louis — from getting to enjoy four distinct seasons to having a cost of living that’s more than 12 percent lower than the national average. And much, much more!

If living in a city with great architecture, fun activities and low cost of living appeals to you, consider moving to St. Louis. Keep reading to find out where to live in St. Louis, MO. We’ll help you find great apartments to rent in St. Louis, as well as find the best neighborhood for your needs.

Where to live in St. Louis

Figuring out where to live in St. Louis doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or like a chore. By answering a few simple questions in our best neighborhoods quiz, you’ll find a neighborhood that just might be the best one for you. At the very least, it will give you a place to start looking for apartments to rent in St. Louis.

Who’s coming with you?

Which one neighborhood characteristic can you not live without?

What’s your idea of quality downtime?

Which of these best describes your current life stage?

Your personal style could be best described as:

Which of the following is most important to you in choosing an apartment?

Where to Live in St. Louis

Midtown

Image Source: 3124 Olive St

The urban neighborhood of Midtown is home to over 12,200 residents, many of whom are young professionals. The Midtown community is ideal for single people and couples who are focusing on their careers and the fun experiences to have in an urban environment. Residents love the abundance of fantastic restaurants (from American steakhouses and Creole/Cajun cuisine to international eateries), cafés and bars/pubs. They also appreciate the plethora of shops and boutiques where they can shop for their needs, plus do a bit of window shopping with friends. As a resident, you’ll also be in close proximity to art galleries, museums, the farmers’ market and live entertainment. You won’t get bored in Midtown.

Find Apartments in Midtown

Tower Grove East

Image Source: 3436 Utah St

About three miles southwest of Downtown St. Louis is Tower Grove East, considered one of the best neighborhoods in the city. The vibe is urban-suburban and residents love that everything seems within arm’s reach. You have close access to restaurants, bars, live entertainment and many other activities. If you’ve been wondering where to live in St. Louis and want a neighborhood with a low crime rate, you should definitely consider this community. The safety of the community is a major draw for many residents. Nearby Tower Grove Park — a dog-friendly park — is stunning. The Victorian public park and arboretum have lush grassy meadows and over 7,000 trees. It’s a sanctuary from the hustle of city living for sure!

Find Apartments in Tower Grove East

Lafayette Square

About a mile and a half from Downtown St. Louis is Lafayette Square, a beautiful neighborhood full of cozy townhouses and majestic Victorians. Though it’s not far from the center of the city, this neighborhood moves at a much slower pace. In the center of the neighborhood is Lafayette Park, a green space of 30-acres that, like Tower Grove Park, is absolutely gorgeous. Dedicated in 1851, Lafayette Park is one of the first parks in St. Louis. It’s perfect for walking your dog or taking a romantic stroll with your significant other. Lafayette Square is a safe neighborhood that’s big on community spirit. In fact, Lafayette Park hosts movie nights, summer concerts and a variety of festivals throughout the year.

Find Apartments in Lafayette Square

Soulard Historic District

If nightlife activities and venues are high on your priority list, this is the neighborhood for you. The Soulard Historic District, one of the most diverse neighborhoods in St. Louis, is home to several bars and pubs. The community loves a party, like their annual Soulard Mardi Gras celebration. The celebration starts in January with a winter carnival and Cajun cookoff and ends at the end of February with the Mardi Gras ball and parade. There are tons of fun things to do in this neighborhood, including taking your pick of laid-back Southern restaurants and high-end eateries. You can even go out for karaoke!

Find Apartments in Soulard Historic District

Prairie des Noyes

Image Source: 3970 Cleveland Ave

The Prairie des Noyes community is part of the Shaw neighborhood. The Missouri Botanical Gardens, Compton Hill Reservoir Park and Tower Grove Park border this neighborhood on the west, northeast and south, respectively. This is one of the safest neighborhoods in St. Louis and it’s ideal for anyone who loves the great outdoors. The parks are great for exercising, relaxing with a good book or picnicking with friends. If you’re an art lover, you’ll want to add the Historic Shaw Art Fair to your calendar. You’ll get to enjoy excellent local fare, live music and the artwork of artists from around the country. Homes in this neighborhood range from brick townhouses and apartment complexes to Colonials and Victorians.

Find Apartments in Prairie des Noyes

Botanical Heights

Image Source: 3822 Folsam Ave

If you’re looking for something with an artsy, hipster vibe, look no further than Botanical Heights. In the past decade, new construction in the area has helped turn this neighborhood into one of the top communities in St. Louis. Beautiful, modern houses line the streets. Botanical Heights is a foodie’s paradise. Even Martha Stewart herself is a fan of the local gourmet pastry shop, Cravings, which is also an award-winning restaurant and catering company. In fact, the “Washington Post” calls the intersection of Tower Grove and McRee the “best dining corridor in St. Louis.”

Find Apartments in Botanical Heights

DeBaliviere Place

Image Source: 5656 Waterman Blvd

DeBaliviere Place is an urban neighborhood a little over five and a half miles northwest of Downtown St. Louis. The diverse neighborhood of nearly 3,800 residents consists mainly of young professionals. Residents say they enjoy living in this area because it feels safe and there are plenty of people walking their dogs day and night. The close proximity between DeBaliviere Place and other neighborhoods contributes to a dense, urban vibe, which many residents like because it adds to the fun and excitement.

Find Apartments in DeBaliviere Place

Forest Park

If you’ve been wondering where to live in St. Louis and green spaces and culture are high priorities for you, you’ll like this neighborhood. The Forest Park neighborhood is home to Forest Park, one of the most beautiful urban parks in the world. If you’re a flower lover, you’ll want to visit the Jewel Box often, which is a 17-acre site on Forest Park that has a display greenhouse with hundreds of flowers. This neighborhood is also home to the St. Louis Art Museum, a world-renowned museum of fine art, as well as the St. Louis Zoo and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Forest.

Find Apartments in Forest Park

Rebecca Green is a content editor and writer for RentPath. She enjoys interior design, dogs and can tell you where to find the best pizza in Brooklyn. You can see some of her other published work on Apartment Guide.

Source: rent.com

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In 2021, nearly 100,000 people moved to Phoenix. As a whole, Arizona saw a growth of 1.4 percent in 12 months, adding about 270 people every single day.

Why are so many people coming to The Grand Canyon State? Part of the reason is that the cost of living in Arizona is more affordable than in other nearby states, like California, Oregon and Washington. And Arizona is only slightly higher (3.5 percent) than the national average. Plus, the rental rate of the cheapest neighborhoods in Phoenix is considerably more affordable than the overall national average.

What is the average rent in Phoenix?

In the past 12 months, the average rental rate in Phoenix rose by 15.44 percent to $1,687 per month. While no one likes to see the cost of living increase, overall, this is a pretty average increase. Of course, some states saw lower increased rates – some even saw a bit of a decline – but for the most part, many cities had substantial increases. For instance, Mesa, AZ, had a 32.09 percent increase, Tempe, AZ, had a 24.22 percent increase and Chandler, AZ, had a 24.04 percent increase. Scottsdale had a decrease of just more than 10 percent.

Thankfully, despite the increases, there are still plenty of affordable apartments to rent in the area. In fact, the 10 cheapest neighborhoods in Phoenix fall well under the $1,687 per month mark.

The 10 most affordable neighborhoods in Phoenix

If you’re interested in moving to Phoenix but are on a tight budget, we’re here to help! We understand that finding the right apartment is just one piece of the puzzle. The other important part is finding the right neighborhood. Therefore, our list of the cheapest neighborhoods in Phoenix examines the price, as well as the vibe of the community as a whole.

10. South Phoenix

Source: Rent./Proximity 16th St.
  • Average 2-BR rent: $1,354
  • Rent change since 2021: -8.62%

The neighborhood of South Phoenix is just a few minutes from the Downtown area. Because of this, it surprises many new renters to find out that this is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Phoenix. And not only that, but this area had one of the most significant 12-month price decreases of all the neighborhoods we evaluated.

South Phoenix has an abundance of quaint shops, amenities, restaurants, services and attractions – most within walking distance. You’ll find comfort foods like pizza and beer, as well as more posh options if you’re in the mood for some wining and dining.

9. Casa Nueva

Source: Rent./The Met
  • Average 2-BR rent: $1,310
  • Rent change since 2021: 0%

Located just over two miles northeast of Downtown Phoenix is the neighborhood of Casa Nueva. The majority of residents are in their 30s and are singles or couples without children. Though the walkability score isn’t that high (54), the bike score is a bit higher (63), so you can get around fairly easily on two wheels.

Because this neighborhood is so close to the city, you’ll have your fair share of excellent restaurants, grocery stores and retail shops, as well as coffee shops, bars and entertainment venues.

However, it’s important to note that there are several green spaces in the area, so you can enjoy the natural beauty of Phoenix.

8. North Mountain

Source: Rent./Fairways on Thunderbird
  • Average 2-BR rent: $1,220
  • Rent change since 2021: +1.89%

Of the cheapest neighborhoods in Phoenix, North Mountain was the community that had the lowest 12-month increase on our list. In addition to the affordability, North Mountain is one of the top-rated neighborhoods in Phoenix because of the diversity and outdoor activities.

Residents of the area love that nature surrounds them – there’s North Mountain Park on one side and a nature reserve on the other. Though you’re only about 20-30 minutes away from the city, it feels like you’re living in the rural countryside. Just a few miles drive, though, and you have great shopping and dining options.

7. West Phoenix

Source: Rent./Encore 202
  • Average 2-BR rent: $1,219
  • Rent change since 2021: +3.35%

Just because you need to look for an apartment in one of the cheapest places in Phoenix doesn’t mean you can’t have your cake and eat it, too! If urban amenities are high on your must-have list, you need to check out the West Phoenix neighborhood.

As a resident of West Phoenix, you’ll be close to shopping centers, restaurants and entertainment venues.

If you like to get outside as much as possible – or prefer outdoor exercise to indoor options – you’ll be happy to know that there are several places to walk, jog, hike and go on bike rides in this area.

6. Alhambra

Source: Rent./Elevation on Central
  • Average 2-BR rent: $1,218
  • Rent change since 2021: +13.23%

Alhambra is one of the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in Phoenix. It has the highest population of Mexican and Native American Phoenicians of any city in Arizona.

If you’re looking for a neighborhood with exciting nightlife activities, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of options along the 7th Street Golden Mile Corridor.

Though this neighborhood attracts a lot of young professionals, it’s very much a generational neighborhood. Generation after generation of families grow up in the area, many of them living in the same home where they grew up.

Despite having the highest 12-month increase on our list of the most affordable neighborhoods in Phoenix, Alhambra is still one of the cheapest neighborhoods.

5. Papago Gardens

Source: Rent./Papago Gardens
  • Average 2-BR rent: $1,159
  • Rent change since 2021: +4.86%

Papago Gardens is a family-friendly neighborhood that’s committed to historic preservation. The neighborhood has a unique character, and the community wants to make sure they keep it intact. To that end, the Sherwood Heights community convinced the local city council in 2003 to limit the height of new construction. They wanted to keep the aesthetic of existing homes in the area, many of which are from the 1960s.

When you visit the Papago Gardens to look for rentals, you’ll notice tree-lined, winding streets and homes with lush, beautiful landscaping. The stunning mountain range backdrop enhances the beauty of the area.

4. Krall’s Homesites

Source: Rent./Las Ventanas
  • Average 2-BR rent: $1,121
  • Rent change since 2021: +11.62%

About 10 miles north of Phoenix is the neighborhood of Krall’s Homesites, one of the cheapest neighborhoods in Phoenix. Most of the people who live in the area say the price is what initially drew them to the area.

Another thing residents like about the area is that they have easy access to grocery stores, places of worship and shopping malls. Getting to Downtown Phoenix takes residents an average of 15-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Residents also say they enjoy the restaurants in the area and appreciate the abundance of parks and green spaces. It’s a nice change of pace from the bustle of the Downtown area.

3. South Mountain

Source: Rent./Agave Court
  • Average 2-BR rent: $1,117
  • Rent change since 2021: -7.76%

The South Mountain neighborhood is one that’s popular with many families. They appreciate that this is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Phoenix and that most of the public schools in the area have above-average ratings from their fellow parents. They also appreciate that just about all of life’s necessities are within a short distance from home.

New restaurants, homes and businesses are popping up in recent years, which is exciting because it means the community is growing.

There’s a very diverse population, and you’ll find that your neighbors in South Mountain are friendly and helpful. There’s a strong sense of community here.

South Mountain is a nice, quiet neighborhood. Locals like to head to the nearby mountains to explore, hike and experience the fantastic views and sunsets.

2. Melrose Woodlea

Source: Rent./DUO Apartments
  • Average 2-BR rent: $1,101
  • Rent change since 2021: 0%

The Melrose Woodlea neighborhood is a community nestled in the Melrose District in the heart of Phoenix. It’s a quiet cottage community with a ton of character. Homes in the area have distinctive 1930s-1940s design features, and residents often say they feel at home as soon as they move into their Melrose Woodlea apartment.

Residents describe the neighborhood as hip and fun, with a strong vintage aesthetic and multiple locally-owned shops peppered throughout the area. Within the neighborhood are several restaurants serving some of the best cuisines you’ll ever taste, including Melrose Kitchen, which has excellent breakfasts and brunch cuisine and a fun ambiance.

1. Lake Biltmore Village

Source: Rent./Union on 28th
  • Average 2-BR rent: $948
  • Rent change since 2021: -11.01%

The Lake Biltmore Village had the highest price decrease on our list of the cheapest neighborhoods in Phoenix. That’s not to say, though, that this neighborhood had the highest price decrease of all the communities in Phoenix – including the expensive ones. That honor goes to the community of Arcadia (-13.19 percent).

Lake Biltmore Village is about 35 minutes north of Phoenix, just past the suburb of Glendale. It’s an urban neighborhood that’s somewhat walkable, though it has a better bike score than transit or walkability scores. The community is just off the freeway, making commuting to home or work super easy.

Residents say the area has ample shopping, that their community is quiet and peaceful and that their neighbors are friendly and are there for each other whenever someone needs help.

The most expensive neighborhood in Phoenix

After reviewing our list of the cheapest neighborhoods in Phoenix, some might feel that a pricier community is actually within their budget. If this is how you think, we’ll give you an idea of what it’s like to live in a more expensive area.

The most expensive neighborhood in Phoenix is Kierland, where rent averages approximately $4,254 per month. Kierland is in Scottsdale, which is just over 12 miles from Phoenix.

If you need easy access to great shopping opportunities, this is the neighborhood for you. The Kierland Commons is a mall with plenty of high-end brands. In addition to the excellent shopping, you’ll find multiple casual and fine dining choices throughout the area, including steakhouses, Italian and French restaurants and even fantastic seafood options.

The neighborhood is easily walkable, so you can do some shopping, eat out and enjoy some live entertainment, all without the need for a car. There are also several office spaces in the area, which means you don’t need to commute to Downtown Phoenix for work if you like the idea of working closer to home.

Find an affordable neighborhood for your next apartment

Do the communities on our list of the cheapest neighborhoods in Phoenix sound like a good fit for you? If so, your next step is to find your dream apartment! We can help you with that, too.

Check out our search feature to locate apartments for rent in Phoenix in your ideal neighborhood. Then, use the filters to narrow your search. You can enter the best price range for your budget, as well as your must-have amenities. Then, you’ll get a list of apartments — one of which might be your new home-sweet-home.

Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Rent.’s multifamily rental property inventory as of January 2022. Our team uses a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets. The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

From beer to barbecue to blues, Missouri has you covered when it comes to having a good time. There are so many reasons to make this scenic Midwestern state your home. For one thing, Missourans are incredibly kind and welcoming. You’ll be feeling like a local in no time.

For another, the arts, culture and history of this state are woefully overlooked. Missouri is the birthplace of famous musical styles like St. Louis Blues and Kansas City jazz. Many creative luminaries originally hail from Missouri, including the likes of Chuck Berry and Mark Twain. It’s the home of Anheuser-Busch, the biggest beer producer in the world, and is a hub for craft brewing. It’s also a foodie state, especially for the famed Kansas City barbecue. For nature lovers, Missouri’s many metropolitan cities are close to picturesque destinations like the Ozarks and the Missouri Rhineland.

All the above information would be reason enough to pack up and move to Missouri. But we haven’t even touched on the best part. Missouri is a very affordable state. Nearly all cost of living categories in Missouri falls below the national average. Some bigger cities and metro areas have higher prices, but by most “big city” standards, they’re entirely reasonable. So, whether you want to comfortably live close to nature or in a major city, Missouri could be the state for you. Here’s how the cost of living breaks down in different Missouri cities and metro areas around the state.

Missouri housing prices

Of our highlighted Missouri cities, nowhere exceeds the national average. With housing costs rising drastically around America, a state offering lower-than-average housing rates is a refreshing change of pace. There are plenty of affordable places to live around the state. Let’s zoom in and take a closer look at what you can expect to pay in average rents and home prices in some major Missouri cities, a cost of living, for sure.

Columbia

Home to the University of Missouri, the mid-sized city of Columbia in central Missouri is big on the college town vibes. That also means it’s a very affordable place to live. Housing costs here are 14 percent lower than the national average.

You can find a one-bedroom apartment around town for $800, up 10 percent from last year. But, for just over $100 more, you can size up and rent a two-bedroom apartment instead. The price for two bedrooms is up just 6 percent from last year.

Housing prices here are the highest of our highlighted Missouri cities. Rising 17.6 percent from last year, homes in Columbia have a median sales price of $300,000. So, while there are many affordable aspects of living in a college town, taking out a mortgage isn’t one of them.

Kansas City

Kansas City in western Missouri is famously split between Missouri and neighboring Kansas City, KS. Here, you’ll have access to everything from world-class barbecue to excellent live music. However, with so much to offer residents, housing costs in this popular city are barely below the national average. The cost of housing in Kansas City is only 0.4 percent below the national average. But there are plenty of affordable Kansas City neighborhoods to choose from.

Renting a one-bedroom apartment costs an average of $1,212 per month, up 7 percent from last year. Up slightly from last year, two-bedroom apartments will set renters back $1,493.

For such a buzzy city, Kansas City’s housing market isn’t terribly high. Here, the median sales price for a house is only $278,000. This figure has risen 12.6 percent from last year. This makes it the second-highest city for home buying costs on our list.

Springfield

This “Queen City of the Ozarks” in southwestern Missouri has the feel of a small town in a big city package. It’s Missouri’s third-largest city. The heart of town has great dining, shopping and museums. But just outside of town, you can explore an underground cave and go hiking or boating in local forests and lakes. Springfield has the lively feel of a larger city. But its friendly locals and a strong sense of community is one thing that screams “small town”. Another thing that screams smaller city? Attractively low rent prices.

Springfield is 25 percent below the national average for housing costs. A one-bedroom apartment costs $672 for the month, and a two-bedroom runs roughly $782. Both these rates are up 9 and 10 percent, respectively, from the previous year. So, there’s some small growth, but rates are still a steal.

Home prices are similarly appealing compared to the national average median sales price of $430,695. The median sales price for a home in Springfield is $244,000. However, this number has spiked 235.8 percent from last year. So, home prices here may not stay affordable forever.

St. Louis

Located along the banks of the Mississippi River, St. Louis is best known for cultural landmarks like its massive Arch. But it’s also an extremely friendly and safe city full of fun neighborhoods. Locals have access to everything from a robust craft beer scene to live sports like watching Cardinals games. As one of Missouri’s biggest and best-known cities, one would expect housing prices are up there. While they’re high by Missouri standards, they’re a steal elsewhere.

At 27.7 percent below the national average, St. Louis is actually the cheapest of our highlighted Missouri cities. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,131 per month. Renting a two-bedroom apartment jumps up to $1,384. However, with the exception of studio apartments, rental unit prices are down across the city. One-bedrooms are down 12 percent and two-bedrooms are down 8 percent.

If you want to buy a home in Missouri, St. Louis is a great place to do so. The median sales price for a house here is $213,650, which is up only 1.7 percent from 2021. So, whether you want to rent or buy, the Gateway to the West is apparently also the gateway to affordable big city prices.

Food prices

Another cost of living in Missouri is food. Missouri comes in 12th place for the lowest food costs of all 50 states. Locals here spend between $2,400 and $2,800 per person annually for food. That comes out to between $200 and $233 per month. This ranks toward the low end of grocery spending around America. That means you’ll be paying even less for those delicious Missouri specialties like barbecue and St. Louis-style pizza.

On a city-by-city basis, the cost of food falls below the national average. Here’s how food spending in each city compares to the national average:

  • Kansas City is 7.8 percent below the national average
  • Springfield is 3.5 percent below the national average
  • St. Louis is 3.3 percent below the national average
  • Columbia is 2.3 percent below the national average

Out of these four major Missouri cities, Kansas City is where you’ll be paying the least for your grocery bill. But specific food costs can still vary by city. Even if one city has an overall lower rate for food, some items are more expensive. For example, in Kansas City, the price for a dozen eggs is $1.70. This is the highest of the four cities. The lowest price for a dozen eggs are found in Columbia at $1.36. As another example, a half-gallon of milk in Springfield will set you back $2.44. For this particular food item, that’s the highest you’ll pay in these four cities. The lowest is $1.89 in Springfield.

Food costs also come into play when dining out. St. Louis and Kansas City, in particular, are major foodie cities. Going out for date night to a nice sit-down restaurant for a three-course meal is higher in both St. Louis and Kansas City than in other cities around the state. You’ll be paying around $70 in Kansas City and $60 in St. Louis. In Springfield and Columbia, the same meal would only cost $50.

Utility prices

The biggest parts of a monthly utility budget go to electricity, water and internet, costs of living in Missouri. One downside of living in Missouri is that 74 percent of its electricity comes from coal-powered plants. However, renewable energy is on the rise, specifically wind power. So, more eco-friendly utilities may soon be more widely available around the state. But, it’s also hard to complain when utility costs are cheaper and below the national average. Here’s how the cost of utilities in different Missouri cities compares to the national average:

  • Springfield is 13.2 percent below the national average
  • St. Louis is 4.4 percent below the national average
  • Columbia is 2.9 percent below the national average
  • Kansas City is 2.6 percent above the national average

Kansas City is the most expensive city for utility costs. Here, you’ll be paying $178.88 for total energy costs compared to $130.64 in Springfield. For internet, you’ll pay the most in Springfield, though. Getting 60 megabits per second comes with a price tag of $74.12. But in St. Louis, internet only costs $58.50. Utility costs can vary widely by city.

Transportation prices

In keeping with its trademark-friendly and helpful image, Missouri offers public transportation throughout the state. Major cities and metro areas have extensive systems, and even rural communities have access to some form of mass transit. Missouri only notes that for rural areas, service may have limited hours and availability. So, no matter where you live in the state, there are ways to get around that don’t require a car.

Another benefit is that the cost of living in Missouri for transportation overall is lower than the national average. It’s a great way to save more money on gas, car insurance, vehicle repairs and other expenses related to owning a car. Of these four Missouri cities, St. Louis has the lowest transportation costs:

  • St. Louis is 16.5 percent below the national average
  • Kansas City is 13.4 percent below the national average
  • Springfield is 7.5 percent below the national average
  • Columbia is 4.2 percent below the national average

Let’s look into how three of Missouri’s most extensive public transportation systems operate and what they cost.

Sangamon Mass Transit District in Springfield

Servicing Springfield and the greater Springfield area in Sangamon County, the SMTD operates 17 fixed bus routes. A single adult fare is $1.25, with free transfers included when you request a transfer ticket. The price for a day pass is $3.00. Instead of a flat monthly pass, you can get 20 rides for $20.

Using public transit or having a car is important for getting around Springfield with ease. The city’s walk score is 44, and its bike score is 57. Outside of the downtown and city center areas, it’s not the most walkable small city.

Metro in St. Louis

Consisting of bus routes and light rail, Metro in St. Louis provides service to the greater St. Louis metropolitan area. Riders have 77 different bus routes to choose from, as well as two light rail lines. Respectively, the MetroBus and MetroLink.

Starting fare for a single ride is $1 for the bus and $2.50 for rail. Purchasing a monthly pass with access to the entire system is $78.

Even though Metro provides an affordable and efficient way to get around town, there are many places you can get to in St. Louis on foot or by bike. With a walk score of 60 and a bike score of 52, there are plenty of areas you can navigate without needing a car.

RideKC in Kansas City

Kansas City gets its public transit through RideKC, which provides a blend of bus and street car transportation. What is the cost to use this service? Zero. Through 2023, RideKC buses and the street car have zero fares. So, if you’re looking to save on commuting or getting around town, this is the place to do so.

However, Kansas City’s public transportation only has a transit score of 37. Its walk and bike scores are similarly low at 48 and 43, respectively. Even though certain areas of Kansas City are walkable or bikeable, a car is necessary to get around town.

Healthcare prices

It’s easy to look at the lower-than-national-average cost of living figures for MIssouri and get excited about the potential savings. But, there’s one cost of living category that comes with a huge asterisk. Healthcare is a very difficult category to quantify because it varies so widely. Particular regions or states may have more expensive healthcare due to environmental factors like air quality.

From person to person, healthcare costs vary widely, too. Your neighbor may pay much more for their doctor’s visits because they have a preexisting condition. Other factors that can drive up a person’s healthcare costs are prescription drug prices, insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenditures.

That’s why healthcare averages should always be viewed with a grain of salt. But, in general, the cost of healthcare in many Missouri cities falls under the national average:

  • Kansas City is 9.7 percent below the national average
  • St. Louis is 8.9 percent below the national average
  • Columbia is 8.2 percent below the national average
  • Springfield is 1.7 percent above the national average

Kansas City has the lowest overall percentage of the four highlighted cities. Going to the doctor’s office there for a check-up costs $89.77. But this is a perfect illustration of the fact that healthcare is so subjective. Even though Kansas City has the lowest average, some individual costs are higher. A doctor’s visit actually costs less in St. Louis at $87.28. On the flip side, a bottle of Ibuprofen in St. Louis costs $11.91 compared to $9.55 in Columbia.

Unless you have specific healthcare needs, it’s a good idea to visit your doctors and dentist at least once a year. If you neglect your health in the short term to save money, it may backfire in the long term. So, it’s always better to get regular check-ups.

Goods and services prices

Say you went out for a heaping plate of delicious Kansas City barbecue and accidentally spilled some tangy barbecue sauce on your shirt. You take it into the dry cleaners to get the stain treated and cleaned. Or, perhaps the shirt is beyond repair and you need to go get a new one. These goods and services also are a part of how much you spend each month as part of your cost of living expenses in Missouri.

Some expenditures are more important, like getting your haircut. Others are more about leisure and enjoyment, like going to the movies. Either way, they all contribute to a well-balanced, happy life. But, all these little items and services do add up, so you need to watch your spending.

Similar to most other costs of living categories in Missouri, miscellaneous goods and services fall below the national average. The only exception is Columbia, which just peeks over the top of the national average:

  • St. Louis is 12.6 percent below the national average
  • Springfield is 9.1 percent below the national average
  • Kansas City is 8.7 percent below the national average
  • Columbia is 3 percent above the national average

You may find yourself paying more or less for particular items that do or don’t reflect the city’s overall higher or lower averages. Take the dry cleaning, for example. At its most expensive rate around Missouri, going to the dry cleaners costs $15.75 in Columbia. In St. Louis, it’s $13.44. But that’s not even the cheapest it gets. The cheapest is in Springfield at $12.35. In another example, Kansas City has the highest movie ticket prices at $11.61. In Columbia, they’re $10.74.

With such friendly residents and safe cities, Missouri is a very family-friendly state. So, you may find yourself in need of childcare. This monthly expense varies widely across the state. For sending your child to a full month of private preschool or kindergarten, the most expensive city is St. Louis. There, you’ll be shelling out $1,126.33 each month. Springfield offers the cheapest childcare, at a worryingly round number of $666.67.

Taxes in Missouri

Missouri has a statewide sales tax rate of 4.225 percent. If you go out and spend $1,000 on a Kansas City barbecue or tickets to fabulous musical shows, $42.25 goes to taxes.

But, cities and counties do add their own sales tax to the statewide rate. In these cities, you’ll be paying more in sales tax:

  • Columbia has a combined tax rate of 7.975 percent
  • Springfield has a combined tax rate of 8.1 percent
  • Kansas City has a combined tax rate of 8.85 percent
  • St. Louis has a combined tax rate of 9.679 percent

While Missouri’s statewide sales tax is reasonable, those city and county taxes definitely add up. You’ll be paying the most in additional sales tax living in St. Louis. For every $1,000 you spend, $96 will go to taxes.

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

To comfortably live in any given place, experts recommend that you only spend 30 percent of your gross monthly income on rent. That leaves sufficient funds left over for groceries, savings, fun activities and more. In order to only spend 30 percent of your monthly budget on housing based on Missouri’s average rent of $1,245 for a one-bedroom apartment, you should make around $49,800 annually. That breaks down to $4,150 per month.

Since Missouri’s median household income is $57,290, most people can reasonably afford to live in Missouri.

If you’re unsure which Missouri cities could fit your budget, use our handy rent calculator to find out.

Living in Missouri

From the low cost of living to beautiful landscapes and friendly neighbors, there are so many reasons to consider Missouri for your next home base. You’ll be paying below the national average in most major categories like housing and groceries. You have a wide range of types of cities to decide between, from intimate smaller cities to sprawling metropolises. All kinds of lifestyles, price ranges and living experiences are on the table in Missouri.

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

From the home of country music to the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee has a lot going for it. Its diverse mix means there’s something for every type of lifestyle. If you’re looking for a thriving job market and plenty of delicious barbecue, Tennessee is right for you.

To be extra sure, though, you’ll need to crunch some numbers. Can you afford to live in Tennessee? Probably. You’ll just need to align your budget to the cost of living in Tennessee. Here are the specific areas worth investigating to make sure all your dollars and cents line up.

Tennessee housing prices

As a state, Tennessee on the whole is pretty affordable when it comes to housing. Most cities have average housing prices below the national average, making housing one piece of your overall cost of living in Tennessee you may not have to worry too much about.

There are great places to live in Tennessee throughout the state, from one end to the other. Here are a few to consider.

Chattanooga

With its thriving downtown area, full of culture and delicious food, Chattanooga draws people in with its proximity to so much outdoor fun. Lookout Mountain and the Tennessee River provide ample opportunities for hiking, biking, rock climbing, boating and more.

A little pricier than some other Tennessee towns on the list, Chattanooga home prices are only 11.5 percent below the national average. Both one-bed and two-bed apartments have moved along the scale by 6 percent when it comes to pricing, but one went up, and the other went down. A one-bedroom apartment in Chattanooga has an average rent of $1,322, up 6 percent. Two-bedroom apartments have an average rent of $1,510 per month, down 6 percent.

Home prices have seen a large increase. With a median sale price in Chattanooga of $308,000, they’re up 23 percent over last year.

Knoxville

Home to the University of Tennessee, most Knoxville residents, regardless of their lifestyle, are Vols fans. This fun city is almost always dotted with food trucks, and the craft beer scene is huge. The cost of living is also extremely reasonable and average housing prices are 31 percent below the national average.

Knoxville’s popularity is leading to rising rent and home prices, but costs are still on the more affordable end. One-bedroom apartments are up 39 percent over last year but have an average rent of $1,292 per month. Two-bedroom apartments are up 36 percent over last year but have an average rent of $1,354 per month.

Home prices are rising at a slightly slower rate, up 26.8 percent over last year. The median home in Knoxville sells for $305,000.

Memphis

Graceland, the blues and barbecue, that’s really what Memphis is all about. This well-known city along the Mississippi River is full of history, music and culture. With housing prices 22.5 percent below the national average, it’s also another affordable Tennessee town to potentially call home.

Monthly rent is rising inconsistently, although overall costs are staying at the lower end. One-bedroom apartments actually went down 2 percent in average costs over last year. They’re currently an average of $947 per month. Two-bedroom apartment prices rose 11 percent over last year but still average out at only $1,075 per month.

The median home price in Memphis is $205,000, up 9.9 percent over last year.

Morristown

Small-town living right at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains? Yes, please. Morristown has a great location, a diverse industrial-based workforce and a quaint downtown area. It’s also incredibly affordable. With housing prices 33.9 percent below the national average, and an average apartment rent of $913 per month, you shouldn’t have an issue finding a place to live.

Home prices are on the rise, but are still relatively affordable. The median home price in Morristown is $277,000, up 59.6 percent over last year.

Nashville

Industry, entertainment and opportunity make Nashville one of the most perfect places to live in Tennessee. It’s also the most expensive. With a walkable downtown that boasts nightlife you can’t beat, excellent universities and a lot of job opportunities, it’s no wonder the average housing prices are 2.3 percent above the national average.

It’s also no surprise housing costs are on the rise. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Nashville is up 66 percent over last year to $2,788 per month. That’s quite an increase. One-bedrooms are rising in price more slowly, up only 30 percent over last year to an average monthly rent of $2,036. Still, this is the most expensive rent on our Tennessee city list.

Home prices are also on the higher end comparatively. The median sale price in Nashville is $470,000, up 22.1 percent from last year.

Food prices

Another cost of living in Tennessee is the food you eat. Tennessee has an amazing menu of local delicacies. Iconic local foods include barbecue (yes to the meat and three), fried catfish and that very hot chicken. When not eating out, the average Tennesseean spends between $233 and $267 per month on groceries. This buys a lot of fixins’ since food prices in every city are below the national average.

  • Knoxville is 10.6 percent below the national average
  • Chattanooga and Memphis are both 5.3 percent below the national average
  • Nashville is 2 percent below the national average
  • Morristown is 1 percent below the national average

Even with overall lower prices, there are still cost discrepancies between cities. If you’re looking for a deal on fried chicken, for example, you’ll pay $1.06 in Memphis, but $1.81 in Nashville. On the flip side, if you’re thinking about adding fresh fruit to your yummy banana pudding recipe, bananas in Memphis are 10 cents more than in Nashville.

You’ll also find significant price differences when it’s time to take that special someone out to dinner. A three-course meal for two in Knoxville is $47.50, but that same meal in Nashville is $67.50. That’s a 30 percent increase in price, all for the same food.

Utility prices

Throughout Tennessee, most utility costs are below the national average. This includes monthly bills for electricity, natural gas, water and even internet. Only one city just barely climbs above it.

  • Nashville is 11.6 percent below the national average
  • Chattanooga is 9.9 percent below the national average
  • Memphis is 7.1 percent below the national average
  • Knoxville is 1.3 percent below the national average
  • Morristown is 0.5 percent above the national average

Even with these averages, energy bills are definitely on the expensive side for the cost of living in Tennessee. The average energy bill in Nashville, our least expensive city, is $137.69. This bill goes up to $175.45 in Morristown, where utilities are the priciest.

Only a small percent of the energy used throughout Tennessee comes from renewable energy sources, but the state is a great candidate to take advantage of solar power because of its nice weather. Could that lead to even lower utility prices down the road? We’ll have to wait and see.

Transportation prices

When it comes to transportation prices, Tennessee cities all fall below the national average. This could make car ownership more affordable overall, which is good since road-tripping across this state is always a good time.

  • Morristown is 19.9 percent below the national average
  • Knoxville is 16.6 percent below the national average
  • Chattanooga is 10.7 percent below the national average
  • Memphis is 8.4 percent below the national average
  • Nashville is 8.1 percent below the national average

All cities on this list have public transportation options, and each has at least one highly walkable part of the city. Overall, though, each city isn’t designed to solely get where you need to go on foot or by bike. It’s best to take advantage of public transportation and probably own a car, as well.

MATA Transit in Memphis

Whether by bus or trolley, the Memphis Area Transit Authority or MATA is one of the largest public transit operators in the state. Coverage includes the City of Memphis, as well as parts of Shelby County.

Trolley service consists of three lines that crisscross the downtown area along the Riverfront, Main Street and Madison Avenue. A one-way fare is $1.00, but you can buy a three-day pass for $9.00, or a 6-month pass for $75.00.

Bus service extends the coverage, taking you out of just downtown. A one-way fare here is also $1.00, but you can buy a daily fast pass for $2.00. Seven-day and 31-day passes are not currently available, but will most likely come soon.

WeGo in Nashville

Consisting of both buses and trains WeGo in Nashville has 26 local routes and eight regional routes to travel on. Routes break out into the following groups:

  • Frequent
  • Local
  • Connector
  • Express
  • Train shuttles.

All riders use a QuickTicket reloadable card, the accompanying app or a non-reloadable ticket to access all WeGo routes and vehicles. The reloadable card costs $3.00, and then, you add money to it for use. To estimate how much you’d want to load in, it costs $4.00 for an all-day pass and $65 for a 31-day pass to use local service. Regional service has an increased cost. One ride is $4.25.

CARTA in Chattanooga

The Chattanooga Area Regional Transit Authority, or CARTA, consists of 19 electric bus routes that go through the city. Extending out from the city center, CARTA also operates the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, which is the steepest passenger railway in the world.

A one-way cash fare on CARTA is $1.50, but you can get a 24-hour unlimited ride pass, which is more cost-effective. This pass costs $6.00 the first time you purchase it and $4.00 every additional 24 hours you renew. There’s also a 7-day pass for $15.00 and a 31-day pass for $50.

Healthcare prices

Healthcare prices, another key component of your overall cost of living in Tennessee, are all below the national average. This typically means more affordable visits to the doctor, dentist and even eye doctor.

  • Memphis is 12.8 percent below the national average
  • Morristown is 7.9 percent below the national average
  • Knoxville is 6.9 percent below the national average
  • Nashville is 4.3 percent below the national average
  • Chattanooga is 2.9 percent below the national average

What these numbers translate to when it comes to the average visit to your doctor’s office is somewhere close to $100 per visit. In Morristown, the average doctor’s visit is $85.67, and in Nashville, it’s $109.03.

Goods and services prices

All those items in your monthly budget that you enjoy, but don’t need, fall into the goods and services category of your overall cost of living in Tennessee. They’re must-haves for your own well-being, but they’re all the things you could live without if you had no choice. Most Tennessee towns, again, fall below the national average.

  • Knoxville is 11.3 percent below the national average
  • Memphis is 11.1 percent below the national average
  • Chattanooga is 7 percent below the national average
  • Nashville is 4.8 percent below the national average
  • Morristown is 2.1 percent above the national average

Just because Knoxville has the cheapest overall goods and services, doesn’t mean that everything there will cost less than in more expensive cities. The best way to effectively budget is to look specifically at the goods and services you want on your list. Here are a few common ones.

Morristown may have the highest national average for goods and services, but it has the cheapest haircut. Knoxville may have the lowest national average for goods and services, but it has the most expensive pizza, and can we talk about the $24 haircut in Nashville? As you can see, there are inconsistencies with pricing for individual services, which is why it’s best to look at the ones you use most frequently when planning a budget.

Childcare costs

One of the most expensive types of goods and services out there is childcare. With very young children, the expense of their care during the day can quickly add up. Even if you don’t have any little ones yet, understanding what this expense could do to your budget is important.

In Tennessee, the two most expensive cities when it comes to private, full-day preschool are Nashville and Morristown. Both have you paying over $1,000 per month for this particular service. In Nashville, the monthly cost is $1,037. Morristown is only slightly behind with an average monthly cost of $1,003.

Chattanooga is the least expensive city for preschool, at an average of $607 per month. Other cities range anywhere from $645 up to over $880.

Taxes in Tennessee

Tennessee has no individual state income tax but does impose a 7 percent state sales tax. The maximum local sales that can get added to that is 2.75 percent. This means that each city may have a different sales tax, although the state average is 9.55 percent.

  • Memphis has a sales tax rate of 9.75 percent
  • Nashville has a sales tax rate of 9.25 percent
  • Chattanooga has a sales tax rate of 9.25 percent
  • Knoxville has a sales tax rate of 9.25 percent
  • Morristown has a sales tax rate of 9.75 percent

For those cities with the highest sales tax, for every $1,000 you spend shopping, you’re paying almost $100 in taxes. That’s a pretty heavy markup for a cost of living in Tennessee.

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

Overall, the cost of living in Tennessee is pretty affordable. The most common components you’d use to total your overall cost of living are below the national average. To really calculate what you can afford, though, use our rent calculator to ensure your budget perfectly aligns with prices in Tennessee.

To get your budget started, you can quickly do some math around rent. The average rent in Tennessee is $1,432 per month, and rent should only take about 30 percent of your annual salary per year. To afford the average rent in Tennessee, you’ll need a minimum salary of $57,280. This is good news since the average annual salary in the state is $74,408, well above what you need to squeak by.

Living in Tennessee

Tennessee is a fully-packed state that’s worth exploring. Between the food, music, history, natural beauty and, of course, football, you’ll never be without somewhere to go living here. What’s even better, the cost of living in Tennessee is most likely affordable for you, so crunch those numbers and get your budget together. Then, start looking for that perfect city in Tennessee where you can pop off those cowboy boots and relax.

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

With the average cost of living throughout the state hovering right at the national average, South Carolina is a friendly and mostly affordable place to live. Rich in so much history, with Civil War sites to walk through today, there’s just something magical about South Carolina.

Even better, the state has low crime rates, plenty of job opportunities, fantastic weather and all the fresh seafood you can eat. Another great state for those who love the outdoors, you’ve got the beach on one side and the mountains on the other.

If you’re thinking all of this sounds perfect, maybe South Carolina is right for your next home. It’s important to see if your budget matches up to the state’s cost of living. By checking out average prices in a few key areas, you can make an educated decision if there’s a South Carolina city that won’t put a strain on your finances.

South Carolina housing prices

The range of housing prices in South Carolina is pretty large. Some cities almost reach the national average while others are significantly below. This is good news for someone who wants to live in one of the best places in South Carolina but has a limited budget.

Charleston

Sandy beaches, a thriving downtown and oh so much history combine to make Charleston a truly special place. Not only is it pretty to look at, but this city’s seafood scene makes it a delicious place to call home. One of the most popular cities in South Carolina, it also has the highest housing prices on our list at only 5.1 percent below the national average.

Rental prices aren’t rising too quickly in Charleston, and costs are relatively low. One-bedrooms are actually more expensive, per month, than two-bedrooms. Up 8 percent over last year, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,604. Two-beds average out over $250 less. Up 7 percent over last year, they’ll currently cost you $1,353 a month.

Home prices are on the higher end, and that’s in part because of some of the amazingly large houses in the Charleston area. The median sale price here is $516,000, which is up by 16.8 percent over last year.

Columbia

The state’s capital, Columbia, offers that perfect mix of fast-paced urban and small-town feel. Home to the University of South Carolina, residents are an eclectic mix of college students, families and young professionals. The city is also quite affordable. Housing prices in Columbia are 27.2 percent below the national average.

Rent prices lay on the economical side, with prices having slowly risen since last year. One-bedroom apartments are only up 5 percent, and two-bedroom apartments rose even less at 4 percent. The average monthly price for a one-bedroom is $1,059, and $1,155 for apartments with two-bedroom apartments.

Home prices have also stayed relatively low, rising only 10 percent over last year. The median home price in Columbia is $230,000.

Greenville

As South Carolina’s fastest-growing city, Greenville is full of economic opportunity. All this potential is in a beautiful city within the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains. Downtown you’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants and a weekend farmers market. The biggest bonus? Housing is actually pretty affordable. Prices are 31 percent below the national average.

Even though rental prices and home sales are rising, you’re still paying a relatively manageable amount. One-bedroom apartments, up 18 percent over last year, have an average monthly rent of $1,422. Two-bedroom apartments, increasing at only 14 percent over last year, have an average monthly rent of $1,605.

Home prices have risen the most, up 28.4 percent, but the median sale price in Greenville is still moderate at $353,000.

Spartanburg

With small-town charm and a quieter pace, Spartanburg still provides residents with a variety of job opportunities. However, the city is still revitalizing, bringing art and culture back. That said, Spartanburg has a lot going for it, and it’s a pretty affordable place. Housing prices here are 17 percent below the national average.

The most growth, when it comes to housing in Spartanburg, is with two-bedroom apartments. Prices are up 22 percent over last year. By comparison, one-beds have only risen 3 percent, and home prices are actually down by 7.5 percent.

Still, even with this big leap, prices aren’t that high in comparison with other South Carolina cities. A two-bedroom apartment is $1,205 a month on average. One-bedrooms are $1,120, and the median home sale price in Spartanburg is $185,000.

South Carolina food prices

Comfort food with a dash of Southern charm is what’s for dinner in South Carolina. You can’t beat a big bowl of shrimp and grits, some freshly made pimento cheese on crackers and a good ol’ Low Country boil. There’s also the ability to buy fresh oysters, pulled from the Intracoastal Waterway hours before. South Carolina is delicious.

When they’re not eating out, South Carolinians spend between $200 and $233 per month on groceries. This accounts for the fact that cities across the state straddle the national average. Some are slightly below, others are slightly above.

  • Greenville is 2.7 percent below the national average
  • Spartanburg is 2.5 percent below the national average
  • Charleston is 2.6 percent above the national average
  • Columbia is 3.2 percent above the national average

What this means, when looking at individual items, is that price differential isn’t too high between cities. Fried chicken in Charleston is less than a dollar more than it costs in Greenville. Potatoes, for your Low Country boil, are less than a dollar more in Greenville than in Columbia.

Overall, ranking a total food price doesn’t always give you insight into which city will have the most expensive foods. It’s best to check what our own shopping list would cost.

Food prices also include what you’d pay for a date night. Here, the prices vary more significantly than when you’re at the grocery store. A three-course meal for two is 46 percent less in Spartanburg than in Columbia and Charleston. It’s the difference between paying $35 in Spartanburg to take your special someone out and paying $65 in both other cities.

South Carolina utility prices

Most energy produced in South Carolina is nuclear energy. Adding this utility bill in with the other big ones — gas, water and internet, South Carolina cities are kind of all over the scale.

  • Greenville is 4.8 percent below the national average
  • Spartanburg is 3.9 percent below the national average
  • Charleston is 16.9 percent above the national average
  • Columbia is 31.2 percent above the national average

When it comes to the actual bills, Columbia has the highest monthly power bill, on average at $270.54. Greenville has the lowest at $160.93.

South Carolina transportation prices

Transportation prices take into consideration all the costs you’d have getting around town. Of course, walking and biking are usually free, but Charleston is really the only city on the list with high walk (63) and bike (64) scores. For most everyone else, it’s car ownership and/or public transportation.

Looking at overall transportation prices:

  • Columbia is 21.4 percent below the national average
  • Charleston is 3.6 percent below the national average
  • Greenville is 3 percent below the national average
  • Spartanburg is 2.8 percent above the national average

Columbia’s prices are so very low as a result of its public transportation network. You can get to almost anywhere in town without having to drive a car. Other cities do provide accessible public transportation that does what it can to move you through the city minus owning a vehicle.

Spartanburg SPARTA

Maybe not the most original name, but the Spartanburg Area Regional Transit Agency, or SPARTA provides bus service throughout the city. Consisting of eight routes, a single fare is $1.25.

Ride passes are also available, so you can find the best deal. For example, a five-day and 10-day pass cost the same at $11.25. A 31-day pass is $37.50.

Greenville Greenlink

Consisting of 12 fixed bus routes moving across Greenville County and a free downtown trolley, Greenlink has its bases covered. To ride the bus, a single fare is $1.50, a day pass is $5 and a 31-day pass is $50.

The trolley moves along Greenville’s Main Street and has five different routes. They don’t all operate on the same schedule, though, so make sure you look up your route to avoid long wait times.

Charleston CARTA

A combination of regular and express routes CARTA passes cost $15 for a seven-day pass and $57 for a 31-day pass. Prices are higher if you need to factor in trips on any express lines. If you need to buy a single fare, the cost is $3.50.

Charleston also has the Downtown Area Shuttle or DASH. This shuttle service includes three lines that move through downtown and are all free.

Columbia COMET

The COMET is easy to spot in Columbia. The buses drive down the road painted in bright, neon colors. Routes stretch across the region and include a shuttle known as the Soda Cap Connector. It goes from one entertainment district to another for just $1.00 per way.

The long list of buses that make up COMET cost $2 per way, but you can buy a day pass for $4 and a 31-day pass for $40.

South Carolina healthcare

Healthcare in South Carolina is relatively affordable. Most cities fall under the national average which means your costs for the dentist, doctor, eye doctor, urgent care and even your medications shouldn’t break the bank.

  • Columbia is 15.7 percent below the national average
  • Charleston is 11 percent below the national average
  • Greenville is 1.9 percent below the national average
  • Spartanburg is 4.9 percent above the national average

What’s important to check, though, is healthcare costs in your city. Based on your needs, you could pay more than average since costs per care item won’t always fall in this city order. For example, a doctor’s visit in Greenville is actually the least expensive on the list at an average cost of $106.67. Charleston, which sits near the lower end overall, has the most expensive doctor’s visit cost with an average bill of $140.

South Carolina goods and services prices

When you look at your budget, you’ll have items on your list that are necessities — food and shelter — and those that you just really enjoy having — going out money. The second category constitutes all the goods and services you use. You don’t need them to survive, but you really like having them, so it’s important you know you can afford them.

Most cities in South Carolina hang close to the national average when it comes to the combined price of goods and services.

  • Charleston is 7.3 percent below the national average
  • Spartanburg is 2.1 percent below the national average
  • Columbia is 0.3 percent above the national average
  • Greenville is 3.7 percent above the national average

It isn’t until you drill down into specific goods and services, though, that you can effectively evaluate whether a city’s prices are too high for you.

According to the citywide averages, Greenville has the highest average prices, but when you look at a few specific items, only that cheesy delicious pizza will cost you more. That’s why it’s best to really evaluate your own budget when thinking about making a move. It’s the little things that will add up.

Budgeting in childcare

When looking at goods and services, it’s not just all the little things you need to think about. There are some not-so-little items that come into play here when you’re at a specific stage of life.

We’re talking about childcare, and sticker shock from paying for a full-day, private preschool is more common than you may think. Monthly costs can and will often get into the thousands, so you need to make sure you’ve got the budget to cover this expense when the time comes.

In our South Carolina cities, Charleston is the most expensive when it comes to childcare at $1,098 per month. Columbia is the most affordable at only $500 per month, on average.

Taxes in South Carolina

The state sales tax rate in South Carolina is 6 percent, but localities are able to add onto that up to 3 percent more. And, while the average sales tax rate is only 7.44 percent, it can get as high as 9 percent.

That means for every $1,000 you spend shopping, at most, you’re paying up to $90 in taxes. Quite a markup.

Looking at our selection of cities, only Charleston reaches this maximum.

  • Greenville has a 6 percent sales tax rate
  • Spartanburg has a 7 percent sales tax rate
  • Columbia has an 8 percent sales tax rate
  • Charleston has a 9 percent sales tax rate

Thankfully, you have options in order to avoid serious markups to compensate for high sales tax. Greenville doesn’t even add any additional tax onto the state rate. You might need to do your big shopping there.

How much do I need to earn to live in South Carolina?

Calculating how much you need to earn to live in South Carolina begins with rent. If you can afford rent, you most likely can afford all the other elements that contribute to your cost of living.

To calculate whether rent is in the budget, start with $1,373. This is the average rent in South Carolina per month. Then, multiply it by 12 to get the total rent you’d pay in a year — $16,476. This number should equal 30 percent of your total income since that’s what most experts say you should put toward rent. Divide $16,476 by 0.3 and you’ll get the minimum salary to make this work — $54,920.

That’s a pretty high salary, and with the average annual wage in South Carolina being $47,490, not everyone’s budget will allow them to afford an average apartment. Thankfully, many places fall below the average, as well as above, so you should have options in less expensive areas.

To get accurate numbers, you can use our rent calculator to plug in your own budget.

Living in South Carolina

Picking South Carolina as your next home base is a great decision. The weather is wonderful. The people are kind. The pace of life is slower, but not boring. You’re surrounded by all kinds of natural beauty. Southern hospitality abounds which means delicious food among other things. You’re also deciding to live in a state with great cities and affordable prices.

Will your budget fit the bill of this great state? Grab the calculator and start adding things up.

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