The cost of living in a city can vary widely from location to location. There are certain factors that come into play in determining the cost of living in any particular part of a city. A big part of that will be the cost of property in the area, and the rent that businesses in the area have to pay. Popularity, schools, if there are any in the area, attractions and amenities will be additional considerations.

*Location

Without doubt, the biggest factor that will determine the cost of living in any given area is the location. An especially popular neighborhood may be significantly more expensive than a less well known area, or a neighborhood that may not be in the center of the city or minutes from the city center. In many cities, formerly run down neighborhoods are being revitalized and recreated. Because they aren’t as well known, it may be possible to find a place to live that is comparable in quality to a place in a posh and very popular neighborhood, but for a fraction of the cost.

*Understand what you can get for the money 

You may not be able to afford an old house with  wooden floors, decorative details and central air conditioning. You may only be able to afford a small bungalow. In an especially crowded city, it may be necessary to go for a condominium, or even start out by renting an apartment. If you’re on a limited budget, don’t expect to get an apartment or condo that has a door man, concierge, fitness center, pool and other amenities.

*Find out where affordable attractions or amenities are -

You can probably get a gym membership for a reasonable price if you opt to do it by joining the YMCA or local city recreation center. These facilities will be funded enough to make it possible to charge less to people who join. Figure out where you can get the best groceries for the best price. Long time city residents who know the city and different areas well can often provide you with helpful information.

*Proximity to public transportation

In some cities, it is far more convenient for people to use public transportation to get to work than to drive. It will probably be more economical, too. In situations like this, the closer a property is to the most desirable type of public transportation, the more expensive that property is likely to be. By venturing a short way out of that “highly desirable area,” it may be possible to get a much better apartment or property and do so for considerably less money. It may mean that you have to take a bus instead of the train, and that the bus adds time to your commute, but the monetary savings might just be enough to override the inconvenience.

Learn to prioritize. Anyone who is trying to find a way to survive in a city on limited resources won’t be able to get every amenity that they want. That is just one of the realities of living in a city. Decide what you absolutely have to have, and what things are less important. If you need to take public transportation to and from work, that should be high on your priority list. Although people may prefer to take a train than a bus, you may be able to get a much better place to live if you are willing to use the bus, either in addition to the train or in place of it.

Consider going outside of the city proper. It may be possible to get a lot of the things you want in your new residence, for a fraction of what they’d cost in the city. Many suburbs are great places to raise a family because of the abundance of green space, good schools and more.