When is it worth it to move to save money?

[Frügal]

We have been thinking about moving out of our apartment and into a rental home. The main reason for moving would be the save money. The secondary would be to live in a home. However, I got to thinking... When is it actually worth the money to move, in order to save money?

We don't have more than an EF and Auto fund in savings, so the moving costs would come out of the EF.
Also, if we were to save, say, $100/mo, it would take over half a year to save up the money spent on move-in expenses. Over a year in some cases (depending on deposits and all).

So, really, when is it worth it to move in order to save money? Only when you have saved up the costs of moving without having to dig into your EF?

[disneysteve]

You say you would save $100/month and replenish it in 6 months, so moving would cost $600. I don't think that is unreasonable. How much would remain in your EF if you did that?

[jpg7n16]

Calculate your monthly savings, then compare that to how long you plan on living there, and see if the savings it worth the hassle to you.

If you only save $100/month and plan on being there for a year, you'd save $1200. Subtract moving costs of say $500-600, and you'll save $600-700 overall. Is that worth the hassle of packing everything up and moving? Maybe. If you'll be there for 3 years, you'd save maybe $3000-3100 after moving costs. Is that worth the hassle? It's more likely, but still depends on the person.

Of course you may also feel that living in a house may be worth more to you than an apartment, so might decide to do it even if you don't save any money.

[snafu]

While calculating cost of moving into a house as opposed to an apartment consider the costs [time, equipment & products] to maintain a yard, shovel walk [if winter impacts] heating, trash, and any utilities that may be included in apt. rent and any increase in transportation costs to work.

[BMEPhDinCO]

While calculating cost of moving into a house as opposed to an apartment consider the costs [time, equipment & products] to maintain a yard, shovel walk [if winter impacts] heating, trash, and any utilities that may be included in apt. rent and any increase in transportation costs to work.

Yeah, that!

If you have more than 3 months in your EF, it might be worth it to use but if you are worried about $600 then you probably don't have enough. As mentioned, there are other costs besides just the "rent" and you need to check to see what those are.

If it really would save you at least $100 a month, and you would make back those costs in 6 months, and you would be there longer to make the move worth it (more space, save up for next move, etc), then sure, go for it.