Should I move to a lower cost of living city for a much better job?

I currently reside in a tier 1 finance city with high taxes, cost of living, and have access to tier 2 and 3 jobs. I’m fairly confident that I could move to a city in the south with lower cost of living, better taxes, better weather and a much better job. Btw the delta in cost of living and tax is astronomical—like 30-40% drop in expenses as a percent of income (I.e., like 80% of my income goes to expenses now and it would likely be 40-50% of my income in a new city). The main consideration of moving is my existing social network in my current city (grew up in the area and have developed many new friends at work and while I’ve lived here), the social opportunities are better, and the networking/career opportunities are better in this city.

So my question to y’all:
- if you live in a high COL city, do you enjoy it?
- if you moved to a low COL / better weather city are you happy, did you regret it? Did you have friends there previously?
- how difficult is it to make new friends in a foreign city post-college, in your late 20s and early 30s?

17 Comments
 

Dude just say NYC


Are you single? I’m moving very reluctantly and unhappily for my only finance shot. 

I think it’s all about values man and what’s important to you and there’s no wrong answer here. For me, I think this is kind of my prime age to build up the nest egg and skills… and hope to come back. Dating in NYC is unreal which I’m going to miss lol 

 

I do not hope to come back to my tier 1 finance city and genuinely believe I will like the activities (i.e., access to outdoor space, hiking, more spacious bars, better weather etc.) and culture much more and literally love the benefits of less competitive jobs and lower COL.

I’m really hoping someone who has made this move will speak highly of their experience on this forum.

 

Have friends who made the move but not me. They loved it short term,  longer term got bored. Deep down liked the competition / felt too smart for their work. Think it highly depends where you go & what you do.

 

Wdym dating is unreal? Seems tough to get anything long term going. Too much optionality 

Must be easier with a slower pace of life. Maybe I am the problem. Idk I like not being tied down rn but also don't think I'll find my wife here. Maybe.

 

I moved from NYC and can help you here, but you need to be more specific on what city you’re actually moving to. The “south” has a huge range of cities from Tier 2 cities not so far from your current experience (Miami, Austin, Dallas, etc.) to places that are barely cities or in the middle of nowhere (Oklahoma, Jacksonville, San Antonio, etc.)

 

I moved to a tier 3 city for a job where I had some connection nearby but nothing directly in the city. I found it to be not a good fit. Here with my fiance which kept me somewhat sane but we both decided we had enough and moved to nyc after a year. When considering a choice like this, you have to be very real with yourself. If it doesn’t feel good, don’t do it—trust your instincts

 
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