Although the cost of living can be very high, most residents never have to worry about car payments. Taking a train, subway or taxi is cheaper than paying for a place to park your car every month and the time it takes to drive in city traffic. In Western New York, seeing an apartment complex is not very common, but living in an apartment is considered the norm for residents living in New York City because homes are too expensive for the average person. Living in a city versus a small Western town can benefit transportation, future personal success, and overall make life easier but quicker..