Chapter 1: The Cost of Living and Its Hidden Benefits
The financial comparison between living in a city and a rural area often reveals stark contrasts, but the hidden benefits may not be immediately apparent.
The rent for our new three-room apartment in Munich is astonishingly four times the mortgage my father paid for our much larger two-story house with a garden. The figures are staggering. Even in my hometown, I can't find anything nearly as costly, except perhaps a brand-new, five-room, semi-detached house in a prime area. It's truly unbelievable.
What’s even more surprising is that when I searched for treatments for myofascial pain syndrome—a relatively obscure ailment—I not only found numerous options but also discovered a practitioner who would come to my home for treatment. Back in my hometown, I would be fortunate to locate even a few therapists familiar with MPS. This disparity is also part of my rent, even if it’s not explicitly listed.
Munich is brimming with free events, gatherings, and festivals, making it a challenge to keep up, let alone participate in all of them. During summer, visitors can enjoy the beer gardens, bringing their own meals while savoring nature and socializing. One can leisurely float along a designated stretch of the Isar River and take a free tram ride back to the starting point. There’s even a man-made wave area for surfers! Close to the Apple store—where tech support is readily available—there are numerous stunning churches and historic landmarks. If you find yourself too far to walk, the efficient public transport system, including buses, trams, subways, and commuter trains, is always at your disposal.
If you opt for a rental car, which starts at under 100 € per day due to intense market competition, you can reach a plethora of picturesque lakes and mountains in less than an hour, engaging in activities like hiking and swimming—all at no additional cost.
In my hometown, having a car is essential just to run simple errands like grocery shopping. There are no on-demand rentals, meaning you must own a vehicle. This leads to monthly fuel expenses running into hundreds of euros, especially if you need to travel 45 minutes to see a physiotherapist. Even living in the heart of the city doesn’t guarantee entertainment or activities. The absence of enjoyable options is also a hidden cost embedded in the rent.
I’m not advocating for life in large cities or suggesting that exorbitant rents should be accepted without question. I have a deep appreciation for Munich, but there are times when choosing a bustling urban life makes sense, while other times call for a more tranquil, rural existence. Each choice can be valid at different stages of life, and it’s crucial to weigh the hidden benefits that may not be immediately obvious.
When we compare two three-room apartments, we often think we’re making an equivalent assessment, but when one is placed in New York City and the other in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, it becomes an apples-to-oranges comparison.
As prices rise, improvements might come with them; however, paying more for similar accommodations elsewhere can also unlock hidden advantages. Some of these perks are only discovered through experience, while others become glaringly obvious once you return to your previous living situation. The most valuable aspects of what may initially seem like a poor deal can easily go unnoticed if we don’t take a moment to reflect. In both rental agreements and life, it's essential to be aware of what lies beyond the surface.
Chapter 2: Valuable Insights from Niklas Göke
Discover more insights from Niklas Göke’s compelling work, "2-Minute Pep Talks." This collection features 67 motivational snippets designed to inspire hope, comfort, and love in any circumstance. It provides over two months of daily encouragement across five categories, helping you feel at ease in your own skin, reminding you to advocate for your true desires, and offering a rare commodity: hope. Whether seeking motivation, fresh perspectives, or a boost to pursue your aspirations, this book is tailored for you.
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