Introduction
That $600/month rent looks amazing compared to your $2,500 city apartment. But before you pack your bags, let's talk about the hidden costs of rural living.
The True Cost Breakdown
Housing: Usually Much Cheaper
Most rural areas offer 50-70% lower housing costs than major metros. This is the primary driver of savings.
But watch for:
Internet: Often Higher Than You'd Think
Rural internet typically costs more for less speed:
Budget $80-150/month for reliable service with backup
Transportation: A Major Hidden Cost
Without public transit, you'll drive everywhere:
Budget an extra $200-400/month vs city living
Healthcare: Plan Carefully
Rural hospitals are fewer and farther:
Groceries: Slightly Higher
The Bottom Line
For most people, rural living still comes out significantly cheaper—often $1,000-2,000/month less than major cities. But go in with realistic expectations about the tradeoffs.
Use our County Comparison Tool to evaluate specific locations.