Uneven playing field: Can you afford to be well where you live?

“Good health is not something we can buy. However, it can be an extremely valuable savings account.” – Anne Wilson Schaef

Indeed, poor health is expensive, both figuratively and literally. Sickness robs us of time on earth and the capacity to fully enjoy the time we do have. Treating illness, at least in the U.S., is also very expensive. As individuals, we should take it upon ourselves to practice healthy living to protect our health. Yet individual choices might not tell the whole story. A new study from WalletHub shows that it’s much easier and cheaper to be healthy in some parts of the country than other parts.

The literal costs of healthy living differ drastically across the nation. A doctor visit costs on average 3.1 times more in Juneau, Alaska, than in Laredo, Texas. A monthly gym membership costs on average 8.8 times less in Lubbock, Texas, than in New York, New York.

There are also built-in health benefits and costs to certain cities and regions of the country. Peter A. Muennig, a Colombia University Professor of Public Health who was interviewed about the study’s findings, explained what makes a healthy place to live:

“The main factors are clean air, opportunities for exercise, and the availability of healthy foods. Clean air is often overlooked, but it is by far the most important factor. Cities with more public transportation options tend to have fewer cars. The same is true for cities that have more densely packed populations, but most importantly, there are no major transportation hubs nearby, such as logistics hubs for Amazon, or other things that require diesel trucks. Then, of course, you need a place to exercise, and you need access to fruits and vegetables. Another factor that is overlooked here is that there should be a local culture of exercising and eating fruits and vegetables.”

Decent public transportation, clean air, lots of green spaces and supermarkets with healthy food might partially explain why San Francisco is the healthiest city in the country.

Jia Yu, an Associate Professor at Southern Connecticut State University, emphasizes the importance cities play in mental health, says, “A safe city with strong social and community support is essential for mental health and emotional wellbeing. And strong social connections can provide certain support even during challenging times for individuals.”

Related: Study identifies 3 key trends expected to shape health benefits & costs

Of course, living in an unhealthy city isn’t a death sentence most of the time. A solid plan, even on a limited budget, goes a long way. There’s no one size fits all when it comes to healthy living. Jia Yu recommends using the available resources to build a plan that works for you.

“Based on my personal experience, managing my diet and exercise routine regularly will be very helpful. There are tons of books, apps, and social influencers, talking about healthy lifestyles for free. Choosing a strategy that suits yourself and sticking to it would result in a significantly positive change in your life.”