The Cost of the Snowpocalypse

Whether you know it as a snowpocalypse, a snowmageddon, or the ever-popular “oh no, not this again,” there’s no denying that giant snowstorms are a pain for just about everybody who has to deal with them.

And it’s not just because snow is cold. It’s also because a snowpocalypse can cost you a good deal of money.

If you live in the Northeast, Central North, or anywhere else that snow is prevalent, here’s what you spend each winter, on average … and how to deal with snow more cheaply.

Snow Shovels

Here’s an investment few Floridians need to worry about. Everybody who gets snowed upon has held many a shovel in their life, and has likely purchased many over the years.

No one shovel is terribly expensive, mostly running between $15 to $30.

Unfortunately, even the best shovels don’t last forever, especially if you’re dealt the “heavy slushy snow” card, so you’re likely buying at least one new shovel every winter.

After all, if all you have is an old bent shovel, you might as well scoop away the snow with your bare hands.

Scrapers

No northern vehicle is complete without at least one brush/scraper combo floating around the backseat just waiting for its inevitable use.

Most run between $5 and $20, but you always need to prepare for having to buy a new one.

Brushes bristle, scrapers lose their teeth, and suddenly you can’t get to work on time because you didn’t spend five bucks on a new scraper.

Nobody likes that, least of all your boss.

Snowblowers

If you don’t want to deal with the back-breaking work of shoveling, you can always purchase a snowblower.

Unfortunately, a decent one can run you about $800, which is the price you pay for convenience.

Luckily, you can also purchase a power shovel for far less, around $100.

They don’t chuck the snow as far away from you as a snowblower will, but if your only goal is to clear a small driveway, it might be worth the purchase.

Accidents

Though towns do their best to clear the roads during a snowmageddon, sometimes they’re just plain icy and slippery.

And that’s when bad things happen.

If you’re driving along and suddenly start sliding every which way, only stopping once you crash into a heavy snow bank, your day has just been ruined, as has your bank account.

Even a small bit of bumper damage can run you $1000, while a totaled vehicle could cost you $15,000, especially if the insurance company invents a brand-new excuse to not help out.

Heating Costs

Unless you’re fine with shivering violently until April, chances are you’re going to turn the heat up during a snowpocalypse.

Doing so will keep you toasty, but also leave your wallet empty.

Even with a multitude of ways to save on heat and lower your bill, you should still expect to pony up just under $1000 come wintertime.

Though it’s a rough estimate, and everybody’s mileage can vary, the average cost of dealing with a snowy winter is about $2500. You can cut this number down by preparing your home, reducing heating costs, and taking advantage of other wintertime hacks.

As you can see, a snowpocalypse isn’t just a simple matter of “shovel, salt, and go.” There’s a lot to think about, especially once the falling white stuff compromises your bank account.

Do you have your own Snowpocalypse savings tip? Share it with the community below.

Mary Hiers is a personal finance writer who helps people earn more and spend less.