Business
Top 5 Cities To Move To For Millennials On A Budget
At some point in our lives, we’ve envisioned living comfortably in LA, NY, or other big cities in the US. It’s all thanks to what we view in movies or TV shows. Sadly, due to rising costs and unforeseen economic circumstances, we may no longer attain our dreams to become a big shot in a big city.
However, hope’s not all lost for millennials. There are still areas in the US where you can make a decent living without breaking the bank. In this article, we discuss the top 5 best cities for millennials to live while on a budget.
1. Raleigh, NC
Average cost of living:
- Food: $388.12
- Rent: $1,214.35
- Utilities: $127.21
- Internet: $55.79
Raleigh has become one of the best cities for Millennials because of the growing number of tech companies setting up camp in the city. Sure, there’s Silicon Valley and Seattle, but East Coast millennials won’t have to travel far to achieve their dreams of working with a tech company.
If you plan on working in the Research Triangle Park, you won’t have problems with the commute. Bus fares are cheap, and some buses have Wifi installed.
It’s not all work in Raleigh, though. Raleigh residents will have a lot to explore in their city because of their museums, parks, and attraction. Among the cities in the list, Raleigh hosts music shows almost every day in different venues. Music lovers will enjoy their time living here to discover various artists.
Besides that, Raleigh has a booming nightlife thanks to its bars. You’ve got choices between hidden or underground bars, so that you can visit a different one after work or on the weekends.
2. Columbus, OH
Average cost of living:
- Food: $302.97
- Rent: $1060.74
- Utilities: $170.83
- Internet: $57.40
Just like Raleigh, Columbus, Ohio, also has a thriving tech hub. In connection to that, Columbus is making developments in becoming a Smart City. Since their win in the 2015 Smart City Challenge, they’re making commitments to transform the city through technology. Who knows, when you move there, you might get to see a glimpse of the future.
As for the commute, you might have to take the bus or bike around the city. You can even ride an open-air golf car for free in Downtown Columbus.
People have also started to take an interest in Columbus because of its culture and breweries. One of their most popular attractions is the German Village. So, if you’re craving German food or want to learn more about German culture, that’s the place you want to be.
As for the breweries, Columbus has the famous Brewery District, where you can try out their most popular brews. Plus, it’s right beside the German Village, so you have more booze choices.
Also, Columbus is dubbed as America’s test market. People in Columbus get the first taste of the hamburgers and wear the newest designs. So, if you want to become a trendsetter, pack your bags to Columbus and take snaps for the ‘gram!
3. Grand Rapids, MI
Average cost of living:
The Right Place finds the city is the number two destination for millennials to live. Aside from its affordability, its overall atmosphere is what attracts people to visit and live there.
If you plan to or want to work for the healthcare or manufacturing industry, you can thrive in the Grand Rapids, since those have prospered in the city. However, you’ll still find work for any industry since there’s a high demand for employees there. According to Area Vibes, there’s a 6% unemployment rate in the city, so you still have a high chance of getting employed anywhere. That’s why it’s one of the best cities for Millennials.
Cycling is a much more affordable alternative to driving a car in Grand Rapids. You can take a bus, though, but the stations are limited.
Grand Rapids is almost an hour’s drive to the beaches in the state if you want to live in an affordable city and go to a beach. However, much as you would like to go to the beach in your swimwear, you might have to prepare winter jackets because the weather is unpredictable. You can still enjoy some activities like visiting breweries and cafes to warm you during winter or become your hangout place with friends.
4. Austin, TX
Average cost of living:
- Food: $320.04
- Rent: $1,660.45
- Utilities: $154.52
- Internet: $59.83
As compared to other cities on the list, Austin may have a higher cost of living. Still, Austin appeals to millennials because of their booming economy and sustainability measures.
In terms of commute, you may face challenges with traffic. You may use the bus instead or ride a bike to divert from the traffic.
If you’re saving up for something, but want to skip out on doing something extravagant, there are free events like live performances and music fests.
The one thing any Austin resident shouldn’t miss out is to try food trucks in the park too. It’s something you can splurge on once in a while. Plus, Austin is the home to the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival happening every March. Here, you can discover new artists or catch their faves. These should serve as a reason why Austin is one of the best cities for Millennials to move to and build up their career.
5. Boise, ID
Average cost of living:
Boise has emerged as one of the leading cities to live in because of its affordability. Even California and Washington millennials move to the city for a lower cost of living. One thing that may stop you from relocating is limited public transportation.
However, Boise is also making developments in becoming a greener city like bike rentals and geothermal energy. So, this is perfect for the environmentally conscious millennials. That’s why it’s beginning to set itself up as one of the best cities for millennials.
In terms of work prospects in Boise, you can work for any industry, but you can consider becoming an entrepreneur. It’s gaining attention as one of the fastest-growing cities to launch a startup.
Residents of Boise rave about the Boise River Greenbelt, where one can enjoy biking and scenic views. If you’re an outdoorsy person, you’ll enjoy hiking and skiing as well. If you’re into art and theater, you’re in luck because you can visit museums during the weekend and watch a production by the Boise theater companies.
Graphic design subscription services like No Limit Creatives are popular among small businesses to get quick and quality designs. However, just like any other platform, it has its downsides. So, if you’re looking for No Limit Creatives alternatives, here is a list we made to help make the job easier for you.
Penji — Best Overall Alternative
If you’re looking for a reliable graphic service from start to finish, Penji is a great alternative. Penji significantly improves upon the things that No Limit Creatives lacks in comparison — turnaround time, user dashboard experience, and offers a consistent designer who helps your brand over time.
Why it Stands Out:
The biggest issues with No Limit Creatives are slow turnaround times and designs that lack brand cohesion. With Penji, you get consistent communication, consistent pricing, and over 120 design types without all the hassle.
Pros:
- Quick turnaround time (24-48 hours)
- A designer learns your style
- Easy user dashboard
- Consistent monthly pricing with no hidden fees
- 120+ types of designs (ads, branding, web, social, and more)
Cons:
- No communication through chatting with the designers
- No video/animation capability
GraphicsZoo — Best for Revision and Version Tracking
GraphicsZoo is a good alternative if you want more say in your revisions and need brand consistency across the board. GraphicsZoo can help with easy version tracking, making team collaboration simple.
Why it Stands Out:
If you’re struggling to get changes made or keep things on brand, GraphicsZoo gives you the tools necessary to do so.
Pros:
- Tracks versions and revisions in detail
- Team collaboration made easy
- Dedicated Design Team
Cons:
- Turnaround may vary depending on order
- The interface could be more modern
Content Beta — Best for SaaS and Tech Brands
If you’re a software or tech company that needs more modern design visual offerings like product explainer videos, UI design mockups, and onboarding videos, then Content Beta works best for you. Unlike No Limit Creatives, which primarily focuses on graphics, Content Beta specializes in design and video.
Why it Stands Out:
If you’re working on product videos, app UI, or anything tech-related, this is the choice for specialized help.
Pros:
- UI/UX combined services
- Great for explainer videos of products
- Video/design in one package
Cons:
- Non-ideal for basic branding or print materials
- Could be costly for smaller teams
SmartSites — Best for Marketing + Design Services
SmartSites is a marketing agency first and foremost. They provide SEO/PPC/web services along with graphic design so if you’re looking for heavy assistance in creative strategies as well as marketing brands and messaging, SmartSites is a suitable match.
Why it Stands Out:
If you want design solutions with tangible marketing results, then SmartSites provides you the growth potential to back it up.
Pros:
- Agency full-service: design/se0/PPC/web solutions
- Good for branding long haul
- A lot of strategic thinking help
Cons:
- Not unlimited graphic designs subscription program
- Should avoid if you only need design work
TLDR: Penji is the best graphic design service for startups because you get unlimited designs, 24-48 hour turnarounds, and flexible pricing that won’t drain your budget. Unlike premium agencies or inconsistent freelancers, Penji scales with your startup.
The best graphic design service for startups is Penji. For $499/month, get unlimited design requests delivered in 24-48 hours with a dedicated team that understands startup urgency. No contracts, no per-project fees, just reliable design support.
Startups burn through design work fast. One week, you need social posts. Next week, you’re updating your pitch deck. Then suddenly, you need a one-pager for investors. Freelancers cost too much per project, and full-time designers? Not in the budget yet. Here’s the graphic design service for startups that comes in, giving you unlimited work for predictable monthly costs.
Top Design Services Startups Actually Use
1. Penji
When you’re hunting for the best graphic design service for startups, you need speed, variety, and affordability all at once. Penji nails all three. Their design as a service platform gives you unlimited designs for $499/month with 24-48 hour turnarounds.
Why Penji works so well for startups:
They handle everything. Logos, pitch decks, social campaigns, you name it. No per-project charges. Your monthly rate stays flat whether you submit two requests or twenty.
Your dedicated team at Penji learns your brand fast. They remember your preferences for future projects instead of treating every request like the first time.
The creative support scales from simple graphics to complete brand guides. You don’t get forced into higher pricing tiers when your needs grow.
No contracts. You can pause when cash is tight and restart when you’re ready. Perfect for unpredictable startup budgets.
Startups choose Penji when they need graphic design services that match their pace without the agency price tag.
2. Superside
Superside brings agency-quality work through a subscription model. They’re great if you’ve raised significant funding and need premium creative for major campaigns. But plans start around $3,000-$5,000 monthly. Too steep for most early-stage startups.
3. Kimp
Kimp offers subscription design with multiple tiers starting around $500/month. They’re decent for basic needs. The catch? Turnaround times can stretch to 48-72 hours, and their design variety feels more limited than what Penji offers.
Conclusion
The best graphic design service for startups matches your speed and budget without compromise. Penji’s graphic design services handle everything from quick social posts to complex branding work. All for one flat monthly rate that makes financial planning actually possible.
Get Design Support That Moves at Startup Speed
Try Penji today and see why thousands of startups trust them for unlimited design work. Get your first project delivered in 48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Penji better than hiring a freelancer?
Freelancers charge per project and often have slow turnarounds. Penji gives you unlimited designs for one flat monthly rate with 24-48 hour delivery. No chasing invoices or waiting for availability.
How much does Penji cost compared to other services?
Penji starts at $499/month for unlimited designs. Superside costs $3,000-$5,000 monthly. Quality freelancers charge $100-$200 per project, which adds up fast when you’re launching.
Can I get revisions with Penji?
Yes. Unlimited revisions are included in your monthly subscription. Keep requesting changes until the design is exactly what you need.
Graphic design is a huge part of managing an ecommerce business. It attracts prospects and website visitors, builds a strong brand identity, and establishes authority and credibility. If you want your brand to possess all these, you need to explore these five best graphic design services for e-commerce businesses:
Penji
A leading name in the graphic design subscription landscape, Penji offers unlimited graphic design and revisions for a flat monthly rate. This allows ecommerce businesses to get all the landing pages, ad creatives, product packaging, and other visuals they need without breaking the bank. Penji also offers a quick turnaround time of 24 to 48 hours, making it ideal for multiple product launches or regular email campaigns.
Flocksy
Boasting a team of designers, writers, and video editors, Flocky is an excellent option for ecommerce businesses looking for a reliable design partner. Like Penji, it delivers within 24 to 48 hours with fixed-rate pricing plans. Also included in the plans are unlimited revisions, so you can get the exact designs you need.
ManyPixels
Another graphic design subscription platform that’s built for ecommerce businesses, ManyPixels lets you send as many design requests as you can in a month. Its higher-tier plans match you with a dedicated designer to provide consistent visual assets for your online store.
Duck.Design
Whether your business is on Amazon, Shopify, or DTC (direct-to-consumer), Duck.Design is an excellent graphic design service for ecommerce businesses. It also offers unlimited graphic design services for flat monthly rates. Like ManyPixels and Penji, it delivers in 1 to 2 business days.
DotYeti
A rising start in the unlimited graphic design landscape, DotYeti is well-suited for ecommerce businesses looking for quality, fast, and affordable designs. You can send requests for infographics, packaging design, landing page designs, ad creatives, and many more.
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