I am currently looking to move to the area after visiting a few times and running through my budget. The state I currently live in, is sucking out my soul and if I go one more year of driving I’m going to look like a Wall-e citizen. I live in Texas where I spend approximately $766-820 a month on car expenses. That includes a car payment(~500), insurance(~168), and gas(~100). But that does not include tolls, maintenance, the time I hit a pothole ($1200), cleaning, or the Epstein war gas increase. I currently pay $1270 for a “luxury” 1bd/1ba that is 780 sqft located next to a 7/11, a Denny’s, and an interstate highway. My utilities and apartment fees come out to just over $200 a month.
After visiting DC, I have realized that groceries really aren’t that much more expensive. Statistically we’re looking at 2%-3% more when compared to Texas. But when you factor in Texas’ 8.25% tax rate, things kind of even out.
I am getting rid of my car which is a big motivation for me to move to the area and it would allow me to increase retirement, HSA contributions and have some more personal spending. I also plan to have roommates until I find a private landlord’s studio hopefully ~$1600/month. I am interviewing and I already have minimum salary requirements for DC/MD/VA that account for state taxes so that I take home a bit more than I do in Texas.
I really just wanted to know if there are any major expenses that I’m missing when I do my budgeting. Also are there any expenses that crept on you when you moved? I know lifestyle creep will be something I have to be conscious of while being in an area where people are more affluent.