Exploring the Relationship between Combined Household Housing and Transportation Costs and Regional Economic Activity in Virginia

Abstract

Transportation is the second-largest expenditure category for households, accounting for nearly 20 cents of every dollar spent annually across the U.S. Only housing costs exceed transportation, and combined they represent a substantial burden on households. A primary economic connection between housing and transportation costs is related to the tradeoffs that households make in terms of residential location and what they have left of their household budget to spend on other needs. Families are forced to spend thousands of dollars annually on owning and operating private vehicles, forego wealth creation, and the ability to enjoy other benefits of homeownership. This analysis examines combined housing and transportation costs at the state level to regional economic performance. It contributes to the literature by testing the geographic scope of household expenditure burdens at this scale. Along with previous literature, this analysis provides evidence about the connection between the local and regional economic vitality and the burden of the combined effects of housing and transport on households. Overall, the results suggest that, from 2008 to 2018, these household cost burdens were a function of economic activity, household characteristics, and location in the state of Virginia.

Transportation and Air Quality Perspectives and Projections in a Mediterranean Country, the Case of Greece

“…Indeed, private vehicle ownership and use, as a way of living, has been highly valued societally [24], in contrast to aspects of sustainable development and living quality [25] in urban ecosystems. Recent studies however [26], indicate that concerns are growing with regards to issues such as the development of green urban settings and environmental justice, against the direction of expanding road networks and private vehicle use.…”