Cost of Living Facts

A 22-year-old Londoner did the math and realised flying to Morocco for a haircut was cheaper than his local barber - £39 total (flight, hostel, taxi and trim) vs £41 at home. He saved £2 and got a free holiday.

Nancy and Robert Houchens (71 and 68) of Charlottesville, Virginia, sold their 3,000 sq ft home and now live full-time on Carnival cruise ships for around $4,000/month - covering food, lodging, gym, and entertainment. Virginia assisted living runs $5,250/person/month, or $10,000+ for a couple. Robert put it plainly: "It's much cheaper than a nursing home."

Kaitlin Jorgensen, a 30-year-old hairstylist in New York City, moved to Charlotte and kept her job. She flies to NYC every other week, splits rent in Charlotte for under $1,000, and pays around $1,000 a month for the commute. Total $2,000. Manhattan rent alone would be $4,000. She called it the happiest she has ever been.