Lower housing costs also reduce financial stress. Families can allocate more of their income to education, healthcare, savings, or leisure, rather than spending the majority of their earnings on rent or mortgage payments.
2. Lower Prices for Goods and Daily Necessities
Affordability in the southern districts extends well beyond housing. One of the most noticeable differences residents experience is the lower cost of daily necessities. From groceries to household supplies, prices in local markets and neighborhood shops are generally more reasonable than those in affluent districts.
Fresh produce, meat, poultry, dairy products, and bread are often sold at lower prices, especially in traditional markets and small family-run stores. Importantly, this price difference is not due to lower quality. In most cases, the products come from the same suppliers that serve the rest of the city.
The main reason for lower prices is reduced overhead costs. Shop rents in southern neighborhoods are significantly cheaper, allowing vendors to sell goods at more competitive rates while still maintaining profitability. This creates a more balanced local economy where residents are less affected by sudden price increases.
