Considering going off the grid?

While this lifestyle can seem like a no-brainer for many, is it affordable?

How much does it cost to get started?

A woman pushes her son on a bicycle with their camper in the background to represent off the grid living.

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What Does It Mean to Live Off the Grid?

Living off the grid can mean different things to different people.

Probably not as good as youd like.

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It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.

But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?

Desert property may be cheaper, but itll prove more challenging to turn into functional homesteads.

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Housing

Living off the grid doesnt always mean living in a tent deep in the woods.

But, if you want to hire professionals to build your house, expect to pay double.

If you pay cash for your off-grid home-build, you wont have to pay a mortgage.

You will, however, still have to pay property taxes.

Tax rates vary depending on where you live but usually range from 0.5% to 2%.

Find a city where youd like to live and punch in off-grid into the keyword search bar.

Then, youll see a list of off-grid property options.

Electricity

Its almost impossible to live without electricity nowadays.

To access electricity while living off the grid, consider installing solar panels.

Also, be sure to check with local authorities before collecting any water in this manner.

Collecting rainwater is another way to get water without paying for it.

Be aware ofstate restrictionson how much rainwater you’ve got the option to collect.

Sattar also chose this method to stay warm while living off the grid.

But if youmake your livelihood online, staying connected is quite necessary.

Simply turn on your phones personal hotspot and connect your other devices such as laptop and tablet to it.

That being said, there areother ways to live sustainablywithout investing a huge chunk of change upfront.

Here are some ways it’s possible for you to incorporate off-grid living principles into your everyday life.

A smaller house means less money spent on electricity, heating, water and other bills.

Updating Your Appliances

You dont have to move to the wilderness to start living greener.

You should also consider replacing the halogen bulbs in your home with LED alternatives that are more energy-efficient.

Growing Your Own Food

Growing your own foodis a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.

If youre just starting out, focus on growing only the foods you know youll eat.

And ifbackyard gardeningisnt an option due to limited space, consider joining a local community garden.

Should You Live Off the Grid?

So, whats the verdict?

Should you disconnect from the urban jungle and transition to an off-grid lifestyle?

Well, the decision is entirely up to you.

It sounds appealing right?

Check it out here!