Exploring Urban Utility Preferences Across Income Levels In Rajshahi City, Bangladesh

Abstract

The urban utility preferences of different income levels are fundamental in formulating fair 
housing policies to address the housing needs of all urban residents. This makes it possible for 
urban planners and decision makers to construct communities that are accommodative and 
sustainable such that their way of life is improved and there is urbanization in a balanced 
approach in regard to social classes. The aim of the research is to examine the extent to which 
structural, neighborhood and environmental utilities affect house rents for the poor, middle 
income earners and highincome earners groups in Rajshahi City. The aim is to contribute to 
the evidence base for income sensitive planning and mainly housing policy about social 
housing for this group. A hedonic pricing model is used in this research while collecting 
primary data of 400 inhabited residents of Rajshahi City to assess how much each of the 
selected variables affects house rent through the different levels of income. From the regression 
analysis findings, it shows that income, education, and employment status are the significant 
factors that contribute to rent willingness. There is a demand among high-income families for 
environmental facilities such as availability of parks and clean surroundings; in contrast, 
middle- and lower-income families tend towards neighborhood and infrastructural features 
within the areas such as closeness to places of work and other relevant services. Recognize that 
policy efforts must concentrate on the equitable distribution of urban utilities to all income 
groups through infrastructure improvements. It will necessitate improving the basic services in 
poor and moderate-income neighborhoods while also developing the green and recreational 
areas in affluent areas to ensure fairness in urban transformation and enhanced living standards.