When Size Does Matter
The size of a tiny home is one of the primary aspects that will affect the cost of living in it. Tiny homes are usually much smaller than apartments, which means they require less energy to heat and cool. They also often have fewer amenities, such as a washer, dryer, or dishwasher. However, this also means you will have less space for your belongings. Unless you enjoy living minimally, you may need additional storage space, which will be an additional monthly expense. If you have a lot of stuff or like having space to spread out, then a tiny home may not be the right choice for you.
Location, Location, Location
The location of an apartment or tiny home is another significant element to evaluate. 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 big city is considerably greater. If you are on the lookout 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’ll have to live, acquiring even a small lot to build a tiny home could be a major expense – not including the cost of the house itself! While a tiny home will cost less to buy or build than a larger home, it will still involve either large amounts of cash upfront or a loan, meaning that you’ll be making monthly payments either way.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in an area is also something to pay attention to when picking whether to rent an apartment or purchase or build a tiny home. Locating land to establish a tiny home might be tough if you choose to live in a city, which usually means looking at the outskirts or rural areas instead. The expense of residing in a rural area is much less compared to the cost of living in a big city. This shows that you will likely save money if you obtain or make a tiny home in a rural area. Yet, the cost of living in a rural area may also entail fewer job opportunities and amenities. You may also have to drive considerable kilometers to work, shop, or visit local events, and you will need to own a car since public transportation isn’t present in the majority of rural areas.
Then again, renting an apartment in town could save you big bucks in travel expenses over the long term, primarily if your area offers reliable public transportation. Those savings may help even out the balance of the higher rent you pay for a convenient, close-to-everything location.
So, is living in an apartment or a tiny home more reasonable? It depends on your circumstances. You will have to determine what is most important to you and weigh the pros and cons of each option before taking action.
But if you are trying to find a new place to dwell, talk to a Shelby Township property manager at our office. We have rental homes that may provide the best combination of size, location, and cost for your needs. You can contact us online or call 586-992-6419.