Relocating based on salary / cost of living advice

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Hello! I'd like to gather info and thoughts. I currently work in critical care in a large hospital on the border of Queens and Long Island. I make what I would call a comfortable living. I'm able to afford a modest apartment on Long Island (I got a pretty great deal), pay my bills including the remainder of student loans, and enjoy hobbies. We were just able to purchase a new car and we'll still be able to save money. I recently got married and we desperately want to buy a house. The taxes and cost of living here is nuts though so we don't want to be tied down here.

We looked into moving to Charlotte because we have friends there. But then I saw the average RN salary. I was shocked. Based on what I saw I would be taking an almost 50% pay cut. Granted, the cost of living as a whole is probably cheaper but I'm not sure. I grew up struggling. I don't want to do it again. We have to make a wise decision the first time. I have begun looking at the averages of other states. We are an active couple that loves the outdoors and have wanted to adopt a dog (maybe 4) like, yesterday.

So, what are your experiences? I'd love to hear from RN's that are satisfied with their career and home life. We don't plan on having children so that streamlines things a bit. Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

In DC, I think new grads in hospitals start about 29-30/hr. From what I understand, the pay vs. cost of living isn't so great as the cost of living in & around DC can be high. It will depend on what your spouse does for a living.

While living in the district isn't really for everyone, a lot of people live in Maryland or Virginia. I think the cost of living can vary by location. Montgomery County, Maryland has one of the best school districts in the country and the taxes to pay for it (other counties may be less expensive since you're not planning on kids). Maryland has some of the most "racially diverse" populations. Part of the AT is in Maryland, there's the Bike path that goes from DC all the way to western Pennsylvania. I have friends in NoVA (Virginia) that really love their areas, there are dog parks, and overall a good amount of parks and nature trails and paved trails. Shenandoah isn't too far (maybe 2-3 hour drive). It will depend on where you look, housing isn't cheap, but with 2 working people, it is doable.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

What about looking further - like the midwest. Many beautiful areas in Tennessee and Kentucky. While the cost of living is much lower, of course the wages are too. However, if you look to the allnurses salary survey, there is an interactive map with the cost of living versus the wages so that you have a better idea of what life would really be like. Let me find the link for you.

Here's one:

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