While you’re sure to find opportunities to be part of the gig economy in just about any metro area, larger cities offer the most opportunities to earn a decent living. Of course, if you are looking for an online gig, you can work from anywhere. But today, we’ll look at some of the best places in the U.S. to live and work on your “gig.”
New York City, NY
The Big Apple offers many high-paying gig opportunities, and you can find some exceptionally well-paying freelance jobs in finance and law. The city also has numerous entertainment districts and eateries, opening the door to popular gigs like food delivery. Also unique to the city, according to New York City Consumer Affairs, is the Freelance Isn’t Free Act, which provides unique protections for freelance workers, including a right to a written contract, timely payment, and protection from retaliation.
When it comes to living in New York City, you might find some surrounding areas, like Newark, New Jersey, a bit more cost-effective.
- The average rent for a New York City studio apartment: $1,718.
- The median price for a home: $650,000.
- Healthcare and grocery costs are on par with the rest of the U.S., but transportation and utilities are much higher.
According to the Cost of Living Calculator :
According to GigLaunch, popular freelance jobs in New York City include food and grocery delivery, rideshare, renting storage, vehicles and parking spaces, being a tech product tester, and dog-walking.
Miami, Florida
According to State-to-State Move, Miami has one of the fastest-growing gig workforces and attracts young and diverse residents. There are many attractions in this beach city, including a hopping nightlife. The cost of living is higher than in other metro areas, primarily because of housing and transportation prices.
- The average rent for a Miami studio apartment: $1,172.
- The median price for a home: $390,000.
- Healthcare and utilities are about on par with the rest of the U.S., though utilities and groceries are a bit higher.
According to the Cost of Living Calculator :
Foodservice jobs are popular for Miami gig workers, as are driving and moving, child and pet care, and survey taking.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis offers a much more palatable cost of living and a lot to see and do – plus, the gig economy is reportedly well-embraced by employers and company owners. The cost of living in Minnesota is slightly higher than the U.S. average.
- The average rent for a Minneapolis studio apartment: $880.
- The median price for a home: $331,000.
- Healthcare is about 25% less than other major U.S. cities, and grocery costs, transportation, and utilities are on par.
Handyman, babysitting, grocery delivery, rideshare, survey taker, and fashion consultant are all top gigs in Minneapolis.
Denver, Colorado
Denver is home to a relatively young and diverse population, often composed of outdoor enthusiasts. The cost of living is higher than average, primarily due to housing costs, though rentals range in terms of options and price ranges.
- The average rent for a Denver studio apartment: $1,690.
- The Median price for a home: $.534,000
- Healthcare and utilities are higher in Denver than in other parts of the U.S., but groceries are less expensive.
Digital marketing, warehouse delivery driver, handyman service, freelance photography, and tech support are all popular in-demand gigs in Denver.
Finding Housing in a Gig-Friendly City
Big cities offer great gigs, but housing can be pricier in large metro areas. Consider living in a suburb that’s still an easy commute but offers a lower overall cost of living. Do some research before deciding to move. You can search apartment and house rentals online and filter according to location, price, number of beds and baths, and amenities. You might even consider a short-term rental while you scope out your city of choice to ensure it’s a good fit for you. Use online tools to take virtual tours of different properties and learn more about local offerings.
Finding Gig Work
Once you’re settled and looking for gig work, market yourself well. Get business cards, establish a social media presence, and if you do a specific or specialized type of work, create your own website. Also, precise record-keeping is a must (as is getting paid for your work) so use an online invoice generator to make things easier on yourself.
You may be able to locate a co-working space by connecting with your local chamber of commerce or small business development center. Business incubators typically abound in large cities, so if you have a gig, you’re working to turn into a full-fledged business, that can be a good place to start.
Managing Money as a Gig Worker
While gig work offers many perks – the ability to set your hours and a degree of control over earning potential – it also has the potential for downsides. Some types of gig work can be unpredictable, meaning you may have a variable income stream. As such, budgeting is essential. You’ll also have to secure your own health insurance, pay your own taxes, and recognize that you won’t get paid for time away from work if you want a vacation or need a sick day. Having a budget and a financial cushion can make a big difference.
Are You a Gig Nomad?
Working in the gig economy gives you a great deal of freedom. You may opt to winter in sunny Florida and then move on to ski the slopes of Colorado when the season is high. Traveling for gig work allows you to see the country without setting down permanent roots and simultaneously lets you take advantage of “high periods” in areas where some types of gig work are seasonal. If this sounds compelling, consider investing in an RV or sharing a rental with roommates of similar minds and enjoy your free-wheeling life!
Relocating to a new city for gig work requires research, planning, preparation, and careful budgeting. Use online resources to help you make educated choices and find the location, or locations, that best suit your needs and lifestyle.
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