Champaign or Athens - Cost of Living...help!

[jbrazil 0]

My wife and I are moving to US. We are looking one place that we can live to start a new life, in other word, we need a place there are possibility restart. We have thought in two cities, Champaign-IL and Athens-GA. Both two have universities, so it is a good thing to when I could to enter to my master’s degree. But not for now, I have to work in a skill about me first. I like the cold, but I’m not live in a place with the winter like Illinois. I just have visited Chicago in the winter and like so much.

I found the cost of living is cheaper in Athens, but I don’t know if is true, and the market job is so so there. In the same time I found Champaign is more expensive, because the winter and taxes of state, but the market job is stronger than Athens. Both two are near of a big city. I am going to work with the general works, whatever jobs, until I feel I am ready to bigger responsibility.

Then, what is your opinion about these cities. The question is how much is significant the difference between the cities about the cost of living.

It’s a puzzle…

[Darnell 8,478]

Although you experienced cold winter in Chicago, did you experience it when scraping off the snow in the morning, disconnecting the engine-block heater device, and shoveling snow out of the driveway?

Athens doesn't have that stuff.

No snow, and a different state tax thingie, makes me lean towards Athens, each and every time.

[TBoneTX 45,325]

Agreed, except why would anyone want to live in a state with a State income tax?

I searched "cost of living comparison" and found many results, most of which exclude either Athens or Champaign. One that includes both is: http://www.bestplaces.net/cost-of-living/

Keep looking for places to live. I grew up in the Midwest and refuse to voluntarily experience one more snowflake or ice storm, anywhere, at any time.

[jbrazil 0]

No, I didn't experiment that. It is an important thing that I need to consider.

I have heard Athens is poor. Do you think it is going be really a problem? How much this information can be a trouble or a negative thing? I have fear about market job...it really freaks me out.

This link is interesting...but it shows Athens with cost of living more expensive than Champaign.

My reason to think in these two city is because the universities have portuguese program as a master's degree.

...and, thank you very much, guys.

Edited October 17, 2013 by jbrazil

[jbrazil 0]

TBoneTX,

Sorry, I didn't get what you said here: "except why would anyone want to live in a state with a State income tax?"

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Of the two, I choose IL. In GA it will be much harder to find a job. Even if living is there is cheap, it is not free.

Living in a place with a better economy = more chance for a job = better chance to pay your bills, even if they are a little higher.

Good luck!

[jbrazil 0]

I was searching about the apartments and house in Champaign or Athens, and they have the same price to both. I was thinking about apartment, if I choose this, in Champaign I will not need to scrap off the snow any time. Of course, apartment would be in a short time, while we learn about the place and the possibilities.

I am thinking on what all of you are saying...I am not decided yet, but your opinion is really helping us.

Edited October 17, 2013 by jbrazil

[TBoneTX 45,325]

TBoneTX,

Sorry, I didn't get what you said here: "except why would anyone want to live in a state with a State income tax?"

Every U.S. citizen has to pay (or file) Federal income tax. Most states have their own income tax. Texas does not, and I believe that South Carolina is one of the few others. State income tax is simply an extra, unnecessary expense.

[jbrazil 0]

OK. I got it.

What I have found is, Athens isn't cheaper than Champaign. Some taxes are more expensive, like food.

Thanks, guys...