Cost of living determines what every part of your renovation will cost. This explains why the same project might be affordable in one city but completely out of reach in another.
But most homeowners don’t figure this out until they’re already comparing quotes and wondering why everything costs so much.
Understanding this upfront will help you set realistic expectations so you can plan a project that works with your location.
What Cost of Living Really Means for Interior Design
When we talk about the cost of living, we first think of housing, fuel, and food. In interior design, however, it means something a little different.
It affects what suppliers charge, what materials cost at source, and how far your finishes have to travel to reach your door.
A major renovation budget in a high-cost-of-living city like New York produces vastly different results compared to the same project in a secondary market like Portugal or Panama.
Labor comes at a premium in global cities, which means your designer’s fees will be higher, too. It also means a bigger slice of your budget will go towards services and logistics.
In places where labor is more affordable, materials usually need to be imported, which can change lead times and how much you spend in total.
We also have to consider the fact that some regions prioritize brand names and status finishes, while others place more value on craftsmanship and custom work.
When you factor in these variables, your interior design budget can start to take shape.
How Location Changes Your Planning Style
Where you live won’t just impact what you spend on your renovations. It will also affect how the entire project runs.
In bigger cities, renovation work tends to move quickly. Trades are specialized, materials are generally close at hand, and timelines are built around efficiency.
If we look at smaller cities and secondary markets, design projects have a tendency to move a bit slower. And this isn’t because people are less capable, either. It’s because systems are built around availability instead of speed.
For example, it’s far more likely for a contractor to cover multiple roles, and materials don’t always arrive on a predictable schedule.
This means that your planning approach must adapt to these local realities. In situations where delays are a concern, focusing more on momentum and less on stress is what’s going to help your project run more smoothly.
The Hidden Cost Nobody Budgets For
Not everyone expects renovations to be as mentally taxing as they are, until they’re in the thick of it.
You’ll end up making hundreds of decisions throughout the project, revisit the same choices a few times, and probably live in a space that never feels quite finished. It’s a lot to take on.
To avoid burnout during long timelines, it helps to plan a short, restorative break. Even an affordable 3-day cruise can provide the visual reset you need to return with a fresh perspective and renewed energy.
Distance is sometimes all you need to see your project with fresh ideas and gather a little more patience for the rest of the journey. You may even come back with some creative improvements.
Rethinking What Good Design Means
Just because you saw a design that looks good somewhere else doesn’t mean you should make it fit into your home.
A better place to start is to consider the climate, architecture, available materials, and local designers, and then shape your ideas from there. Timeless homes don’t chase the latest trends but instead make sense for their specific settings, so embrace the place you’re in.
When you lean into what your location naturally offers, design becomes easier and more authentic. Choosing options that aren’t necessarily textbook, but work beautifully in real life, is what’s going to leave you with the most satisfying results.
