When Size Does Matter
The size of a tiny home is one of the essential factors that will affect the cost of living in it. Tiny homes are often much smaller than apartments, indicating they require less energy to heat and cool. They also often have fewer amenities, for example, a washer, dryer, or dishwasher. However, this also indicates you will have less space for your belongings. Unless you prefer living minimally, you may need extra storage space, which will be an additional monthly expense. If you have a lot of valuables or like having space to spread out, then a tiny home may not be recommended for you.
Location, Location, Location
The location of an apartment or tiny home is one more important factor to care about. Apartments in big cities are usually more expensive than those in smaller towns or rural areas. This is because the cost of living in a major city is generally higher. If you are searching for an apartment in a big city, expect to pay more rent than you would if you were looking for an apartment in a small town.
The same thing is true of a tiny home. Depending on where you choose to live, purchasing even a small lot to build a tiny home might be a substantial expense – and that doesn’t involve the cost of the house itself! Even though a tiny home will cost less to buy or build than a larger home, it will still need either large amounts of cash upfront or a loan, ensuring you’ll be making monthly payments either way.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in an area should also be considered when deciding whether to rent an apartment or purchase or make a tiny home. Getting land to make a tiny home might be challenging if you want to reside in a city, which usually means searching in the outskirts or rural areas instead. The cost of living in a rural area is typically lower than the cost of living in a big city. This signifies you will likely save money if you purchase or build a tiny home in a rural area. However, the cost of living in a rural area may also indicate fewer job opportunities and amenities. You may also have to drive great distances to work, shop, or join local events, and you will probably need to own a car since public transportation is not available in the majority of rural areas.
On the flip side, renting an apartment in town could save you huge money in travel expenses over the long term, especially if your city provides reliable public transportation. Those savings may even out the higher rent you pay for a convenient, close-to-everything location.
So, is living in an apartment or a tiny home cheaper? It depends upon your situation. You must choose what is most important to you and weigh the pros and cons of each option before making judgments.
But if you are searching for a new place to settle, contact a Suffolk property manager at our office. We have rental homes that may give the best combination of size, location, and cost for your needs. You can contact us online or call 757-395-4274.