#cost-of-living

#cost-of-living

The U.S. population is aging rapidly. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 17.3% of the population - about 57.8 million people in total - are over the age of 64. In 30 years, the number of Americans in this age group is projected to reach 84 million, accounting for 23% of the population. Many within the rapidly growing demographic group are geographically mobile, and every year, millions of Americans aged 65 and older pack up and move to a different part of the country.

A few years ago, I was commuting 45 minutes each way, paying $2,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, and wondering if life was always going to feel like one long to-do list. Now? I sip coffee on a balcony overlooking the ocean, take calls barefoot, and wrap up my day with a sunset swim-all while spending less per month than most people do on rent alone.

I always knew I'd live in New York City, and when the time came, I made the most of it. During my three years in the city, I experienced world-class entertainment, explored hidden gems in every borough, and built my dream career as a writer. But last year, when I decided I was ready to start a family and (finally) save money, there was only one place I considered moving to: Rochester, my hometown in Upstate New York.

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground.

Rail fares in England will not be increased in 2026, the government has announced, surprising passengers with the first fare freeze in 30 years. The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will confirm a freeze on fares in this week's budget, a move designed to limit inflation, ease the cost of living and support economic growth. Reeves and the prime minister, Keir Starmer, are hoping that measures such as freezing train fares and a package of support for energy bills will help mitigate the political fallout of several expected tax increases.

Only two days after Labour party conference we were in Manchester together in the aftermath of the terrible attack on the synagogue there. I spoke to Andy as soon as I heard about that attack when I was in Denmark. It was one of the first calls I made to get an assessment on the ground. I spoke to him the next day then I went up and met him and went through the briefings.

My team reached out to the White House to set up this meeting because I will work with anyone to make life more affordable for the more than eight and a half million people who call this city home,

The idea of getting paid to move abroad sounds too good to be true, yet it's becoming a reality for many people. Around the world, countries and smaller regions are offering financial incentives to attract new residents. Whether it's to fight population decline, stimulate local economies, or revitalize rural towns, these programs are creating opportunities for adventurous individuals and families in 2025. For many, this isn't just about a paycheck-it's about lifestyle.

Europe often tops the list for expats seeking vibrant cultures, rich history, and scenic landscapes. But not every European city or country lives up to the idyllic image found in travel brochures. While many places offer incredible quality of life, others fall short due to high living costs, limited job opportunities, safety concerns, or overcrowding. Sometimes, what seems like a dream destination turns out to be a logistical or financial nightmare once you settle in.

After I graduated from college, I moved to Maine for a year to start my own company in the supply chain AI space. But after living in the Northeast for a year, shelling out over a thousand dollars each month on renting an apartment I often wasn't at because of the amount I was traveling for work, I decided to move back to my parents' house in the Bay Area. It made sense to move back home temporarily, from a career and financial perspective.

Democrats dominated the first major Election Day since President Donald Trump returned to the White House. And while a debate about the future of the Democratic Party may have only just begun, there are signs that the economy - specifically, Trump's inability to deliver the economic turnaround he promised last fall - may be a real problem for Trump's GOP heading into next year's higher-stakes midterm elections.

Start with the median household income for California's city-dwelling millennials at $109,600. That's 33% above the $82,600 median in the cities outside of California. Next, consider the overall median income of $101,200 in California compared with $76,100 elsewhere also a 33% gap. While California millennials are clearly well-compensated compared with their national peers, consider the modest premium they earn in-state.

Making the move to Asia is appealing to people of any age - from digital nomads to young families and professionals keen to get amongst the business buzz of , and Asia's other leading city hubs. And it turns out, two Asian countries are also among the most desirable destinations for the older generation, too, with and catching the eyes of American retirees ready to swap suburban lawns for tropical landscapes.

While disposable income has risen, many UK households are making deliberate choices to prioritise long-term financial health over short-term luxuries. The steep decline in discretionary spending reflects this new mindset.

The brightest light in the Democratic party is Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old member of the New York state assembly who has a good chance of being elected the next mayor of New York City when New Yorkers go to the polls a week from Tuesday. Mamdani is talking about what matters to most voters: the cost of living. He says New York should be affordable for everyone. He's addressing the problems New Yorkers discuss at their kitchen tables.