Moved to SoCal from the mountain west and have found some coping mechanisms that are probably unique to my mindset but whatevs.
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Riding a motorcycle, rather than a car. Saves on gas, insurance, it rarely rains here (this week was unprecedented for the five years I've been here), and you can split through traffic. Cost per month? $120
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Rent a large apartment or house, take the master bedroom, rent out the other rooms. I have a 2-car garage, large living space, and a modern kitchen for $975/mo in a really nice chunk of town. Low-end 1-br in this area is easily 1800/mo. Cost per month? $1000
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Uber when you need a car, most uber rides are under $10, I use it probably three times a month.
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Costco + Blue Apron. I buy frozen food from Costco, get my fresh food from Blue Apron. My diet is varied, healthy, and I don't have to think about it. some will say this is too much to spend on food, but it's important for my happiness to utilize a service like Blue Apron to stay out of a rut. Costco run only has to be made once a month for less perishable food. Cost per month? $350-400
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Go enjoy the culture. HCOL areas are usually that way for a reason. People want to live here. I try to enjoy a new restaurant or concert or event every few weeks. It makes me have an affectionate relationship with my locale rather than an adversarial one. Cost per month? $150
Even your frivolous expenses can be put to good use. If it makes you saner and happier, spending a little something extra is the most Frugal move you can make.
January 12, 2017 at 11:18AM
