#cost-of-living
#cost-of-living

Record number of food bank handouts in London last year - up 171% in five years

Record number of emergency food parcels distributed in London by Trussell Trust in the past year, showing a 171% increase compared to five years ago. [ more ]

Time Out London

London's soaring council taxes have crossed the 2,000-a-year mark in almost half of boroughs

Council tax in London has risen above £2,000 a year in nearly half of the city's boroughs.

Residents in Kingston will be paying the most at £2,374.32 annually, while Wandsworth remains the cheapest at £961 per year. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

2 months ago

Creatives are leaving London, and for the first time I understand why | Barbara Ellen

Young creatives are moving from London to cities like Glasgow for a more affordable and artist-friendly environment.

Financial pressures, high living costs, and work stress are leading young people to leave London for better quality of life. [ more ]

Time Out London

2 months ago

The five lowest paid areas in the UK are all in London

London has high cost of living but some areas have lowest pay proportions.

Real Living Wage is different from National Living Wage, calculated based on cost of living in different areas. [ more ]

London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Despite the economic landscape, SMEs in London plan to grow revenue this year

SMEs in London are planning to invest in upskilling and recruiting through technical education to address skills gaps and meet growth plans.

SMEs are concerned about increased running costs and staff wellbeing linked to the cost of living. [ more ]

Miami Herald

What's more expensive in Miami? Here's how inflation has changed the cost of living

South Florida has the highest inflation rate compared to major U.S. metro areas. [ more ]

London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

UK wage growth expectations hits a two year low

Expectations of wage growth in the UK have declined to the lowest point in nearly two years.

Chief Financial Officers predict a decrease in wages to 4.7%, down from a predicted 4.9% in February. [ more ]

Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles

Why stubborn inflation is especially painful for California consumers

The small uptick in inflation last month could make it harder for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates.

California, with its already high cost of living, will be more affected by the increase in inflation than other states. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Cost of Christmas triples in last 30 years

The cost of Christmas in the UK has tripled in the last 30 years, with households spending an average of GBP 1,811.70 on Christmas festivities this year.

Adjusted for inflation, the cost of Christmas has risen 290% in 30 years. [ more ]

moreinflation

Boston.com

16 hours ago

Is the quality of life in Boston 'good'? Here's what readers said.

Boston voters generally have a positive outlook on the city's quality of life but recognize areas for improvement, such as cost of living and public transportation. [ more ]

Boston.com

A new study says how much you need to make to live 'comfortably' in Boston. It's a lot.

Boston ranks as the fifth-most expensive city for singles to live comfortably, with an income over $100,000 needed.

SmartAsset suggests a budget split of 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for paying debt, saving, or investing. [ more ]

california

The Mercury News

2 weeks ago

With fewer Californians and more construction, where are the housing bargains?

California's population decreased, housing stock increased, yet cost of living remained high due to economic factors like expensive mortgages and high demand.

The addition of mostly pricier housing options in California did not lead to affordability improvements, with factors like demand from investors and low unemployment contributing to high housing costs. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

3 weeks ago

California ranks among most expensive states for single people, families. Who is No. 1?

California ranks as one of the most expensive states for single adults and families to live comfortably. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

California is one of most expensive states to have kids. Do you qualify for a tax credit?

California is the fourth most expensive state for childcare in the U.S.

Tax credits such as the child tax credit and child and dependent care credit can help you save money on your federal taxes. [ more ]

morecalifornia

uk-economy

www.independent.co.uk

4 weeks ago

UK inflation falls less than expected to 3.2% in March

Inflation in the UK eased to 3.2% in March, the lowest level in two-and-a-half years, potentially leading to interest rate cuts in the future. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

2 months ago

Labour must spend billions on welfare or poverty will soar'

Organizations warn Labour of soaring poverty without welfare reform

Pressure on Labour to address welfare policies amidst cost of living crisis [ more ]

moreuk-economy

Boston.com

For Boston renters' next crib, Manchester, N.H., makes the shortlist

Manchester, N.H., has become one of the top three cities that Boston renters are searching for, according to a report by Apartment List.

The city's low cost of living, absence of income and sales taxes, and affordable rental prices are attracting Boston renters to Manchester. [ more ]

Boston Condos For Sale Ford Realty

How Much Do You Need To Live Comfortably In Boston In 2024? Boston Condos For Sale Ford Realty

To live comfortably in Boston, a single person needs to earn at least $80,000 a year.

The cost of living in Boston is significantly higher than other cities in the US. [ more ]

Boston Condos For Sale Ford Realty

Is Boston The Most Expensive Place To Live In 2023? Boston Condos For Sale Ford Realty

Boston is consistently ranked among the top expensive cities in the United States due to its desirable location, amenities, and strong housing market.

While Boston is expensive, it does not hold the title for the highest cost of living in 2023.

Different neighborhoods within Boston offer varying housing prices and rental costs. [ more ]

cost of living

www.independent.co.uk

December dates for benefits, pensions and cost of living payments

UK inflation drops to 4.6%, but remains well above the Bank of England's target of 2%.

Many low-income families in the UK are struggling with high living costs and are resorting to extreme measures to make ends meet. [ more ]

GOBankingRates

NYC politics

Half a Million New Yorkers Fled the State In Search of Lower Cost of Living - Here's Where They Went

High costs in New York, especially housing, are leading many residents to look for lower cost of living elsewhere.

Approximately 545,500 New Yorkers moved to other states in 2022, reflecting a larger trend of people moving between states in the U.S. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

BBC to be hit with lower than expected licence fee rise, culture secretary suggests

The BBC will face financial strain as the government plans to block a 9% increase in the licence fee.

The rise in the fee, if in line with inflation, would be around 15 to Â£173.30. [ more ]

SFGATE

Austin

The 10 Best Places for Young Professionals in Texas

Texas has a thriving job market with a growing number of job openings.

Texas has a lower cost of living compared to many other states.

Certain Texas cities offer vibrant nightlife and a robust food scene. [ more ]

www.thelocal.com

6 months ago

France politics

PODCAST: Life in France to get more expensive and busting myths about Napoleon

Analysis of Senate amendments to immigration law in France

Exploration of becoming a patissier in France

In-depth looks at French regions with longest life expectancy and rising cost of living in 2024

Discussion on the life of Napoleon [ more ]

morecost of living

www.housingwire.com

17 hours ago

Medicine

California leads all states for highest bankruptcy risk to seniors

California poses the highest risk of bankruptcy for seniors aged 65 and older in the US. [ more ]

www.romfordrecorder.co.uk

1 day ago

Queen's and King George hospital staff to get pay rise

Lowest-paid hospital workers in Romford and Ilford receive wage boost to align with London Living Wage. [ more ]

www.thisislocallondon.co.uk

Sadiq Khan announces extension to free holiday meals programme

Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced an extension to his free holiday meals programme in London, aimed at helping families struggling with the cost of living.

The scheme provides ready-made and cook-at-home meals to low-income families through a partnership between the Mayor's Fund for London and The Felix Project charity. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Childcare up to a third more expensive in London than rest of UK, study finds

Childcare costs in London are up to a third higher than the rest of the UK due to severe staff shortages and the high cost of living.

London's economy is losing out on around 5 billion a year due to the high cost of childcare and shortage of places. [ more ]

Mail Online

2 weeks ago

Business

Here's what has New Yorkers more stressed than the rest

The rising cost of living and financial concerns are major stressors for New Yorkers, affecting their overall well-being. [ more ]

cleveland

3 weeks ago

Remote teams

Ohio town among 30 best remote work cities in world, report says

Hamilton, Ohio is ranked as the 27th-best city in the world and 7th-best in the U.S. for remote work, offering incentives for remote workers. [ more ]

Forbes

Remote teams

30 Companies Hiring For Fully Remote Jobs In 2024

Remote work allows professionals to reclaim time, autonomy, and mental health.

The desire for flexibility in location due to high living costs is driving professionals to seek remote work options. [ more ]

www.cbc.ca

3 weeks ago

Canada news

Shortage of skilled tradespeople is hitting all Canadians in the pocketbook, economists say | CBC Radio

Shortage of qualified people in skilled trades leading to higher costs of living. [ more ]

www.cbc.ca

Canada news

What do Canadians want to see in the upcoming federal budget? | CBC News

Focus on housing is a top priority for many Canadians ahead of the government's annual budget announcement. [ more ]

New York Post

New York City

4 NYC boroughs lost more people since COVID than 40 of the largest US counties - with the Bronx topping list: study

Four NYC boroughs have seen high population decline post-COVID.

Residents cite high rent and cost of living as major reasons for moving out. [ more ]

BBC News

Childcare: Labour will not commit to government's free childcare plan, says Bridget Phillipson

Labour not committing to £4bn childcare expansion

Government's biggest childcare expansion in history [ more ]

BBC News

Labour 'shameful' for not scrapping banker bonus cap - SNP

Stephen Flynn criticizes the PM for being out of touch with public opinion.

The SNP claims the end of the cap on bankers' bonuses is due to 'broken Brexit Britain'. [ more ]

BBC News

Starmer mocks PM over ex-minister struggling with mortgage

Keir Starmer joked about Tory MP George Freeman struggling with mortgage payments

PM Boris Johnson claimed Labour frontbench was 'confused' over tax cuts [ more ]

BBC News

Prime Minister's Questions: Which subjects dominated in 2023?

Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer will face each other at the first PMQs of the year

Healthcare, immigration, and cost of living were the most common subjects in previous PMQs [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Of course the Tories will do anything to stop migrants. You know the ones: students, carers, nurses | Polly Toynbee

Pledging to cut immigration will not save the Conservative party.

The cost of living is the top concern for voters, not immigration.

Attitudes towards immigration have changed, with young people being more positive. [ more ]

New York Daily News

Brooklyn Nets

Nets Notebook: Keita Bates-Diop talks trade to Brooklyn; Spencer Dinwiddie to join Lakers

Keita Bates-Diop is concerned about the cost of living in New York compared to Phoenix after being traded to the Brooklyn Nets.

Bates-Diop is excited about his new opportunity in Brooklyn and is ready to contribute to the team. [ more ]

SFGATE

SF real estate

Garden Apartments: What They Are and How To Find Them

Garden apartments provide easy outdoor access and a cozy neighborhood feel.

Garden apartments may not have as many amenities or advanced security features as midrise or high-rise buildings. [ more ]

Boston.com

Boston food

Bless yah hahts ... The Southerner's guide to fitting in here.

Many people from the South are moving to the North, including Boston, despite the challenges they may face with high taxes and cost of living.

Belonging in Boston as a Southerner involves embracing your identity and not trying to fit in. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

1m more people living in poverty in UK as scale of crisis laid bare

The number of people living in poverty in the UK has increased by a million compared to last year.

Six million people are living in very deep poverty, defined as below 40% of median income after housing costs. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Struggling families having bed picnics' to keep warm, food bank manager says

Families are having bed picnics to keep warm due to the high cost of living.

Food banks are providing assistance with energy bills, putting a financial strain on the charity sector. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

The little-known mortgage trick that could save homeowners hundreds of pounds

The cost of living is rising in the UK, making it difficult for families to afford their monthly mortgage payments.

One short-term solution for struggling homeowners is to switch to an interest-only mortgage for up to six months. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

December dates for benefits, pensions and cost of living payments

UK inflation drops to lowest level in almost two years

Cost of living crisis continues to impact low-income families [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

This Northern California county tops national list for unaffordable housing

Home ownership is becoming less affordable according to a study from MoneyGeek.

California claimed four of the top 10 spots for unaffordable housing. [ more ]

Mission Local

Mission District

Meet the Candidates: "What is your number one issue this election"?

Investing in infrastructure can improve traffic and street safety

Safe and clean streets are a top priority [ more ]

www.standard.co.uk