This blog has been advocating for more young people to consider employment and quality of life opportunities in the Roanoke and New River Valleys for nearly a year now. One statement that keeps coming up with younger adults is higher salary – regardless of location – is a better deal financially. In other words, a higher salary equates to a better life – more disposable income for more things. 

To rebut that claim, this site calculates cost of living differences between two regions. For example, someone making $40,000 a year in the DC/VA Washington-Arlington-Alexandria region is equivalent to making $26,817 a year in Roanoke. In fact, using these data points, the site claims one will spend 57% less on housing, 18% less on groceries and health care, 16% less on transportation (not to mention one’s time in the commute), and 13% less on utilities by living in Roanoke.

Help spread this tool to friends who may be deciding between job opportunities locally and outside the region. Make sure they use this site before making a final decision.