West Coast versus East Coast: A rivalry as old as time. As you chase down your big-city dreams, how do you know which region is right for you?

From rich culture scenes to exciting hustle and bustle, the East Coast may be calling your name — if you don’t mind a bit of that notorious traffic. Let’s explore practical steps and essential insights for living on the East Coast to help you successfully navigate your move to this bustling region.

Tips for Living on the East Coast

The pace is quick, the spirit is bold, and the opportunities are as vast as the Atlantic. Embracing the East Coast lifestyle means more than just a change of address…it’s a whole new way of city living. Here are a few tips that will turn you into a seasoned East Coaster in no time.

Master the Metro

Whether it’s the NYC Subway or the DC Metro, you need to learn the maps like the back of your hand. Remember, peak hours are more like peak puzzles. Your most valuable asset? Proactively becoming an expert at finding the right spot to squeeze in at the right time.

Prepare to Burst That “Personal Bubble”

Get ready to become intimately acquainted with fellow public transportation commuters, often shoulder-to-shoulder. Pro tip: headphones are the universal “do not disturb” sign, and a good book can be your best defense against the sardine can experience.

Embrace the Seasons (And Your Closet)

One day you’re in a cozy sweater, and the next, it’s shorts and a T-shirt. It’s all about layers. So, get ready to switch from summer vibes to winter woolies faster than you can say “cold front.”

Become a Weather App Aficionado

Your weather app will become your new best friend. Rain, shine or surprise snowstorm, you should be prepared for anything the East Coast skies throw at you. And hey, it’s a great conversation starter — because if there’s one thing East Coasters love to talk about, it’s the weather!

Expand Your Palate

From New York’s pizza and bagels to Maryland’s crab cakes and Boston’s clam chowder, your taste buds are in for a treat. Don’t shy away from the street food carts either — they often hold the city’s best-kept culinary secrets.

Celebrate Brunch as a Way of Life

In some East Coast cities, brunch isn’t just a meal. It’s a weekend ritual; a social event. So, get those reservations ready: It’s common to plan your weekends around the best brunch spots.

Brace for Seasonal Allergies

In the East Coast, your allergies change with the seasons. The diverse range of flora and fauna, especially during spring and fall, can bring sneezes and sniffles to even the most resilient immune systems. Arm yourself with tissues and allergy meds…they’ll be as essential as your umbrella.

Expect the “Just Around the Corner” Illusion

Everything seems to be “just a few blocks away” until you start walking. But look on the bright side — you’re unknowingly meeting your fitness goals with every step, transforming a simple walk into an adventure. You’ll uncover hidden nooks and crannies of the city, sights unseen from behind a windshield.

Living in East Coast Cities

You’ve set your sights on living on the East Coast, ready to embrace its vibrant pace and charm. But the big question remains: Which city will be your new home?

From the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan to the sunny shores of Miami, each city offers its own unique flavor and cost of living on the East Coast. Let’s find your perfect match!

New York City, NY

New York City’s five bustling boroughs, for many worldwide, stand out as the ultimate dream destination. But it also stands out with a cost of living 128% higher than the national average, presenting significant financial considerations for potential movers.

Median rent in this massive metropolis hits around $3,400 per month, and the median listing home price is $799K. These figures reflect the premium for its vibrant lifestyle and diverse opportunities — key reasons why many love living here.

• Moving Challenges: Securing a place to live in New York is a swift and competitive process. Be prepared for rapid decision-making and potentially needing a guarantor — standard fare in the city’s fast-paced real estate market.
• Things to Do: Exploring New York City is an adventure in itself. The city boasts iconic attractions like Central Park, the Empire State Building and an unparalleled museum scene with the likes of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. For a quintessential NYC experience, nothing beats the thrill of a Broadway show or the scenic walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, leading into the unique and diverse neighborhoods of Brooklyn Heights and Williamsburg.
• Need to Know: Adapting to NYC life includes mastering the skill of eating on the go and weaving through busy sidewalks, all while soaking in the city’s dynamic atmosphere.

Boston, MA

Boston offers a mix of history, academia, and vibrant culture, with a cost of living 50% above the national average. Frequently recognized as one of the best places to live on the East Coast, if you’re planning to move here, expect the median rent to be around $3,495/month and a $999K median listing home price.

• Moving Challenges: The charm of Boston’s historic streets comes with an obstacle commonly found in East Coast housing — narrow lanes and aged buildings can complicate the physical act of moving, fitting your modern life into the city’s storied past.
• Things to Do: Boston is a playground for the history buff. The Freedom Trail, Old North Church and Paul Revere’s House are your starting lines. Green spaces like Boston Common and the Public Garden offer urban oases, while Boston Harbor and its islands promise scenic escapes. Don’t miss the cultural treasures in the Museum of Fine Arts and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
• Need to Know: Living in Boston, you’ll soon learn the art of dodging the drivers and become a connoisseur of the great clam chowder debate.

Washington, D.C.

Welcome to Washington, D.C., where the cost of living sits 39% above the national average, with a median rent around $2,500/month and a median listing home price of $615K. It’s the price tag for residing in America’s power corridor.

• Moving Challenges: Snagging a place in the competitive East Coast housing market can be a bit easier here compared to its neighbors.
• Things to Do: Explore iconic landmarks like the White House, Capitol Building and Washington Monument. The Smithsonian museums — from the National Air and Space Museum to the National Museum of American History — are your playground for discovery. Stroll the National Mall, pay your respects at the storied memorials and don’t miss the spring cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin.
• Need to Know: Brace yourself to become a pro at museum hopping and artfully sidestepping school tour groups. And don’t miss free museum days —This is just one of the many things to familiarize yourself with before moving to Washington, D.C.

Miami, FL

In Miami, the vibrant heart of South Florida, the cost of living is 21% above the national average. Here, the median rent stands at about $3,200/month and the median listing home price is $699K, which is what you’d expect for a slice of paradise.

• Moving Challenges: In Miami’s bustling housing market, finding the right place requires navigating high demand, especially in popular areas. Yet, the city’s array of neighborhoods offers something for every lifestyle, from trendy urban districts to serene beachside communities.
• Things to Do: Relax on the iconic shores of South Beach and Miami Beach or explore the city’s renowned boating and yachting destinations, with access to beautiful marinas and the Atlantic. Art lovers will relish in the Art Deco Historic District and street galleries of Wynwood Walls.
• Need to Know: As you settle in after moving to Miami, you’ll quickly adapt to the local quirks, like picking up bits of Spanish and developing a taste for Cuban coffee — essential aspects of everyday life in this dynamic city.

Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia presents an enticing balance of cost and culture, particularly notable when considering the standard cost of living on the East Coast. Just 5% above the national average, median rent is $1,600/month and a median listing home price is $254K.  This affordability, combined with historical charm and an urban lifestyle, makes Philadelphia an attractive option.

• Moving Challenges: While Philly’s grid layout eases navigation, parking can be competitive depending on the Philadelphia neighborhood. It’s a small trade-off for living in a city brimming with character.
• Things to Do: Swing by the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall to touch the heart of American history. Jog up the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s steps — Rocky style. Strolling through Old City, you’ll feel the historical vibes, while Rittenhouse Square shows you Philly’s lively side. And don’t miss out on the Reading Terminal Market. It’s a feast for your senses with all the local eats you can imagine.
• Need to Know: Ordering a cheesesteak is an art. Say “a cheesesteak wit” to get it with onions, or “a cheesesteak witout” for onion-free. It’s a local lingo that quickly becomes second nature.

Atlanta, GA

Atlanta, the vibrant heart of the South, presents a cost of living just 2% above the national average, with a median rent of $2,075/month and a median listing home price of $410K. It’s an urban hub offering affordability and charm in equal measure.

• Moving Challenges: Atlanta’s sprawling layout means a car is almost a necessity for getting around. Be prepared for bumper-to-bumper traffic — and true Southern hospitality from day one to make up for it.
• Things to Do: Dive into history at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site or soak up contemporary culture at the High Museum of Art. Nature lovers will find a haven in the Atlanta Botanical Garden. For a true taste of local life, stroll through the bustling corridors of the Atlanta BeltLine, where art, community and commerce thrive side by side. And this is just scratching the surface; there are countless things to do in Atlanta, each offering a unique insight into the city’s vibrant life.
• Need to Know: Brace yourself for the famous “Hotlanta” summers – they’re as warm as the city’s welcome. And in your culinary explorations, don’t miss the classic “meat and three” diners.

Charlotte, NC

Charlotte, known as the Queen City, offers a budget-friendly living experience with a cost of living on the East Coast that’s 2% lower than the national average, a median rent of $1,915/month and a median listing home price of around $420K. This city is a rapidly growing metropolitan area with uniquely Carolinian charm.

• Moving Challenges: Compared to the hustle of larger East Coast cities, finding a home here is a more relaxed affair, mirroring the city’s laid-back vibe.
• Things to Do: For the speed enthusiasts, the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Charlotte Motor Speedway are must-visits. If you’re seeking outdoor adventures, the U.S. National Whitewater Center provides a range of activities from serene paddling to adrenaline-fueled climbing. Culture seekers can explore the city’s history at the Charlotte Museum of History or Bechtler Museum of Modern Art.
• Need to Know: Whether you’re a motorsport fan or not, you’ll soon find yourself drawn into the world of NASCAR. And get ready to weigh in on the heated debate over who serves the best Carolina BBQ in town.

Moving Made Easy with CubeSmart’s East Coast Storage Solutions

Ease into living on the East Coast with CubeSmart, your trusted partner for moving storage solutions. From Connecticut to Florida, and up to Washington DC, we’re ideally located near the best places to live on the East Coast.

Whether your move is local or long distance, our flexible, month-to-month leases make it effortless and affordable. Find your nearest location and simplify your move with us today!