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Are people really happy living in San Francisco when there are places like Denver, Colorado where prices are more cost-effective, and the crime rate is much lower?
The Cost of Living in San Francisco May Be Beyond Your Means
In a report published by 24/7 Wall Street, it was estimated that San Francisco is one of the most expensive places to live in America. That’s not surprising, with an estimated monthly cost of $4,956 for a family of four to live, not including rent, and $1,371 for a single person.
They also gave an estimate that includes housing, which is $11,165 for a four-person family, including two adults and two children, and $5,194 for one person. Another estimate provided by the same formula shows the average monthly income for one person is estimated at only $4,206 and $10,039 for a family.
Even in the most affordable areas of San Francisco, monthly costs are high. In fact, in San Francisco, the cost of living is 38 percent more than the CA state average and 94 percent more than the national average. Housing alone is 242.3 percent higher than the national average. The average monthly rent for an apartment with one bedroom is up 4 percent more than last year at $3,554 and 10 percent higher for a two-bedroom apartment at $5,007.
San Francisco Cost of Living Compared to Denver
Denver has seen rapid growth over the past seven years. In 2019, it was voted as the second-best place to live in America, with Austin, TX being the first by US News & World Report. The city of Denver has many traits, making it an appealing place to work, play, and live.
While the cost of living is 12 percent more in Denver than the national average, it is still much lower than the cost of living in San Francisco, which is 94 percent more than the national average.
In addition, housing in Denver is 37 percent higher than the national average, whereas San Francisco housing costs are 238 percent higher than the U.S. average. That’s a major difference in housing costs alone. Utilities in San Francisco are around 34 percent more than the national average, whereas Denver utility costs are roughly 18 percent less pricey.
Healthcare services in Denver, such as medical check-ups and dental services, cost 1 percent more than the national average, while in San Francisco the cost is 27 percent more compared to the national average.
When you consider necessities like food and clothing, groceries cost around 10 percent more in Denver than the national average, and clothing also cost about 10 percent more. In San Francisco, groceries cost about 24 percent more than the national average, and clothing also costs about 24 percent more.
Moreover, non-necessary expenses like grooming and entertainment services are 10 percent more than the national average, whereas in San Francisco they cost around 24 percent more.
Denver’s Economy Is Strong and Still Growing
Denver has a growing, strong economy with a lot of new jobs. In fact, the “U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis” reports that the city’s economy hasn’t been better since 2017. And the U.S. Census called the city the fastest-growing in the nation. Colorado is ranked seventh of fifty states for gross overall product growth. Thus, the job outlook in Denver continues to accelerate and draw newcomers from various states. According to the “U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics”, Denver has an unemployment rate of 2.5 percent, which is below the 4.1 percent national unemployment rate.
Denver’s User-Friendly Transportation System
Denver’s transportation system makes it inexpensive and easy to get around the city. Tourists and locals can take a shuttle through downtown known as the “16th Street Mall Ride Shuttle”. This shuttle allows you to get on anywhere you desire and get off anywhere you would like. Explore the city, go shopping, or even go to work, for free.
Thus, the RTD Light Rail runs through various neighborhoods as it is connected to the city by more than a hundred track miles. This is a sophisticated transportation system that includes trains and buses to get you anywhere in the city.
Denver’s walkability score is also high, giving seniors the opportunity to stay active both indoors and outdoors.
Places to Eat and Drink in Denver
There are many great places to eat and drink throughout Denver.
Breweries
Denver is known for having great breweries and beer. In fact, it is among the top five American cities for bars and breweries. Breweries include Woods Boss Brewing and Zuni Street Brewing Co. There are also some big names in the beer industry located right outside the city. The MillerCoors Company is one of them. It houses the world’s largest single-site brewery, where visitors are welcome to tour year-round.
Dining
There is something for everyone to eat in Denver, as the city has a wide variety of restaurants and eateries. There are also local favorites and specialty dishes available in Denver, such as Rocky Ford cantaloupe, Rocky Mountain oysters, and local Colorado lamb, peaches, green chili dishes, and locally farmed bison.
Coffee Shops
In addition to the best breweries and a variety of great food, the city also boasts quaint coffee shops. There are over 20 local independent roasters and 128 coffee shops to satisfy coffee lovers.
Denver Has Superior Healthcare Facilities
Colorado has exceptional healthcare, which may be appealing to seniors and families with children, especially those with special needs. Most clinics and hospitals in Denver accept Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, and United Health Care which are all first-class healthcare providers. According to WalletHub research, Denver is among the top healthiest cities in America. Maybe because the city has many opportunities for residents both young and old to stay fit and active by walking, biking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding, and more.
Compared to San Francisco, Denver is a Much Better Choice to Live
The cost of living in San Francisco is way higher than what it costs to live in Denver. Denver is also a relatively safe place to live. In fact, when compared to other American cities of similar size, the crime rate in Denver ranks relatively low. Public transportation is affordable and easily accessible, and you don’t have to walk or ride your bike up steep hills to get to where you are going.
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