Is it cheaper to live in the rural? Hmmm… yes and no. For those of you who want to plan to live in rural areas, it would be better to consider a few things like the following. This is only based on my experience living in Indonesia, for those of you who live in big countries such as the United States, Australia, UK, and others it could be different due to cultural differences.
The cost of housing
One of the main factors that determine the cost of living is the cost of housing. In the area where I live (Indonesia), the cost of rural houses is much cheaper than urban areas. In addition, you can get large tracts of land at affordable prices in rural areas. But in some cases, there are more expensive houses in city areas if the rural house is close to famous tourist sites or houses with aesthetic views. How about in your area?
Rural Transportation
Transportation costs also greatly affect your cost of living. In my area, rural transportation costs are also cheaper than in the city. However, some areas that are “deep forest” where there may be no electricity or roads, the price can be more expensive due to limited transportation. In addition, maintenance costs also need to be considered, is your target area close to a vehicle repair shop? The closer to the shop, the cheaper the maintenance cost.
Are you a worker or running a business? This is a factor of transportation costs too, in my country quite a lot of people live in the village and work in the city. Really, there are those who are willing to travel 1-2 hours to go work, then spend another 1-2 hours to go home. This is a different story if you work remotely or run an online business.
Rural Food and Groceries
Now about food and grocery supplies. Cost is also very influential on the supply and demand of ingredients in the area you will be living in. In Indonesia, fresh ingredients are more accessible in the rural than in the city. In addition, the cost of food & wholesale is also cheaper in the rural because livestock & agricultural production here is quite abundant. How about your country?
My advice, if you are planning to live in a rural area or maybe already living in a village, learn self-sufficient animal husbandry & farming. I’m sure there are many out there who provide free or paid tutors on these sciences. By mastering this knowledge you will be able to be independent without depending on wholesalers. Similar to the game “harvest moon” if you know 😉
Rural Utilities and Services
Electricity, water, and internet also affect the cost of your stay. Overall, these costs are cheaper in rural Indonesia. However, internet access in rural areas is unfortunately slower than in cities. This is certainly an obstacle for those of you who work or businesses that utilize the internet daily.
In addition, you can utilize energy-efficient lamps or environmentally friendly electrical appliances to reduce living costs.
Conclusion
Although the cost of living in rural areas varies greatly from country to country, you can survey first based on the considerations I’ve explained earlier. In general, the cost of living in the rural is cheaper than in the city, housing costs are more affordable, transportation costs can be reduced, and food costs are cheaper. This is my perspective from Indonesia, it could be different in your country.
However, keep in mind that there may be variations in rural areas, and certain factors such as proximity to tourist attractions or city centers may affect the overall cost of living. It is always advisable to research and consider the specific location and availability of land, transportation, food, electricity, water, and internet access before making a decision.
Ultimately, whether or not the cost of living in the rural is cheaper depends on a variety of factors, including your personal preferences, lifestyle, and circumstances. It is important to evaluate your own needs and priorities to determine if rural living is the right choice for you.
For myself, it’s cheaper & more comfortable to live in the rural because the environment supports my introverted soul
