Living in Niagara Falls for under $1000: Is it possible?
If you’re on a tight budget and considering moving to Niagara Falls, you’re probably wondering whether it’s possible to live there for less than $1000 per month. While it’s true that Niagara Falls is a popular tourist destination with high living costs, there are ways to live modestly without breaking the bank. Here’s what you need to know.
Housing Costs
Housing costs can take up a large portion of your monthly expenses, but if you’re willing to live in a smaller space, you can save a lot of money. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Niagara Falls typically starts around $650 per month. If you’re willing to live with roommates, splitting a two-bedroom apartment can bring your monthly rent down to as low as $400 per person. Additionally, you can consider renting a room in a shared house. It is not a common practice, but if you look it up, you may find some listings in which people share their homes in exchange for a monthly fee.
Food and Groceries
Food and grocery expenses are typically the second biggest expense after housing. If you’re looking to save money, buying groceries and cooking your own meals is significantly cheaper than eating out every day. A trip to the grocery store will cost you around $50-$60 per week if you keep it simple, and also depends on your diet habits. Cut down on meat and consume more fruits and vegetables if you want to reduce the grocery bill. There are a few low-cost grocery stores such as Aldi, so it’s worth shopping around to find the best deals.
Transportation
Transportation is also a significant expense, but Niagara Falls is a small enough city that it’s possible to get around by foot or bike. If living close to your workplace or school, you can avoid the need for a car. If you need to travel longer distances, public transportation comes nearly every 30 minutes or so and a monthly pass for the bus and train costs just over $100. The Niagara Falls train station is also within walking distance of major attractions.
Utilities and Bills
Your monthly utility bills will depend on the time of year, but budgeting around $100 per month for utilities like electricity, water, and internet is reasonable. You can try to cut down on utility costs by conserving energy and water usage. Make sure to keep an eye on your bills and adjust your habits accordingly if there’s a noticeable increase in your usage.
Entertainment and Activities
Finally, entertainment and activities can add up quickly in Niagara Falls as it is a famous tourist destination. However, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities that you can enjoy. There are several hiking trails in the Niagara Falls State Park that are free of charge. If you’re interested in the history of the Falls, check out the Niagara Falls History Museum, which charges a small admission fee. The main attraction, the Niagara Falls, won’t cost you anything to see, except for a little to park or you can walk and take in the stunning view.
In Conclusion
In sum, while living in Niagara Falls for under $1000 per month requires frugality, it’s entirely possible. Prioritizing your expenses, living with roommates or renting out a room, food shopping in bulk, using public transportations or simply walking, conserving utilities, and enjoying the free activities the town has to offer, all of these will go a long way in maintaining a budget-friendly lifestyle. With a little bit of research and budgeting, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and attractions Niagara Falls has to offer without breaking the bank.