Author Topic: Best bang for your buck states  (Read 4072 times)

chunkmunk001

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Best bang for your buck states
« on: October 28, 2014, 05:12:02 PM »
So my husband and I have been toying with the idea of eventually moving out of New Jersey.  True this state gives a higher rate of pay than many but the cost of living is extremely high (property taxes are ridiculous!!!).  Although I wouldn't be able to transfer to another job, I would have no difficulty finding a job in another state in the line work that I do.  My husband may or may not be able to transfer depending on what's available in the company in a different state.  But he doesn't feel tied to his job since he's not working directly in the field that he went to college for.  If he couldn't transfer, he would look for a different job.  Of course, we would NEVER move without first both finding jobs.  We also have a kindergartener so great schools is also a factor.

Anyway, right now we are just toying with the idea (although my husband repeatedly says that he HATES living in NJ).  He really loves Virginia but I don't think you get the most for your money there.  Which states give you the best bang for your buck?  Not saying we would definitely move there, just wondering. 

TN_Steve

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Re: Best bang for your buck states
« Reply #1 on: October 28, 2014, 05:17:44 PM »
Your conclusion is going to hinge in large part upon what it is you and DH do for a living.  Taking TN for example, the cost of living, taxes, etc. beat NJ in most ways--but will you have the income opportunities here to take advantage of it.  (And, note that in TN, Texas, and many others, "bang for your buck state" may be too broad.  You'll end up needing to look at MSAs, or at least we did 10 years ago.)

EDIT:  Here is one of many studies/stories/clickbaits that attempt to quantify it:  http://www.forbes.com/sites/kathryndill/2014/06/09/the-best-and-worst-states-to-make-a-living-in-2014/
« Last Edit: October 28, 2014, 05:20:16 PM by TN_Steve »

chunkmunk001

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Re: Best bang for your buck states
« Reply #2 on: October 28, 2014, 05:44:21 PM »
I mean are there any states where the rate of pay is usually higher with a lower cost of living.  My husband is a supervisor at a cable company and I'm a speech-language pathologist in the school setting. 

JGR

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Re: Best bang for your buck states
« Reply #3 on: October 28, 2014, 07:08:39 PM »
Quality of life is MUCH higher outside of the NY metro area and a "normal" salary stretches a lot farther.  Your question is too broad.  You need to narrow down what is important to you, e.g. Year-round temperate climate, tolerance for rain/overcast days, extreme heat/dryness, humidity, or snow, culture, casual outdoorsy lifestyle, four seasons, religious preferences, access to your sports activities, hobbies, need to be near international airport for travel, visiting family, etc.  Once you get this, look at the states that have no income tax (Nevada, Washington, Florida, etc.) and the states that have no sales tax (Oregon, Montana, NH, etc.) which match your criteria.  Also look at states like Georgia where the cost of housing is low.  Then decide if you need an urban setting or if you prefer suburban or rural living.  City living, even in an affordable city, has lots of temptations for spending money. But socializing may be easier and jobs more plentiful.  In rural areas, land is cheap but you need a car to get everywhere and you could spend a small fortune on gas commuting to work and social functions.  Furthermore, jobs can be scarce.  Some smaller communities can be less welcoming to outsiders so don't just fall in love with the scenery without checking out jobs, social compatibility, religious affiliations, and anything else that will affect your family.

There is no perfect place -- and frankly some places are more difficult for people from the northeast to assimilate into -- but if you spend some time in a few different communities that seem like they are a good match for your values, you will probably be able to create a great new life for yourselves.  I escaped from the northeast a decade ago.  It was easy to leave but took a long time to carve out a new life in a different culture and I'm still working on it.  But it was one of the best decisions that I've ever made and I should have done it sooner.  Go for it!

Icecreamarsenal

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Re: Best bang for your buck states
« Reply #4 on: October 28, 2014, 07:12:26 PM »
I'm in the same location, but not looking to move. However, philly has always called out to me. I've visited many times. Landlocked states creep me out, growing up as a coastal guy, but philly is nice.

hdatontodo

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Re: Best bang for your buck states
« Reply #5 on: October 28, 2014, 08:26:59 PM »
I mean are there any states where the rate of pay is usually higher with a lower cost of living.  My husband is a supervisor at a cable company and I'm a speech-language pathologist in the school setting.
Some people work in Baltimore at Hopkins or Kennedy Krieger but live in PA up I-83 near Shrewsbury. You have to avoid areas with high school taxes though.

VirginiaBob

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Re: Best bang for your buck states
« Reply #6 on: October 28, 2014, 09:41:21 PM »
Probably Nevada, the only state where banging for bucks is legal.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!