It is remarkably easy to be car-free (or at least car-light) here.

Of course, I'm lucky enough to live in an area where I can walk to the grocery store (you'd be amazed what you can fit in a backpack), there's a post office, the bank, and most other things you need on a daily basis that are also within walking distance. This area's also (relatively) bike-friendly. I say relatively, because I mean mostly that the drivers are used to seeing cyclists.

If we need to go to Target/Whole Foods or (heaven forbid) the mall, that's a little more challenging. Bus fare is $2.25 one-way, so if there are transfers involved, it gets quite expensive. You can get a monthly pass for $85, so if you use the bus every day, it's worth it. Problem is, there have been a lot of cutbacks recently. It's usually easier for us to call a friend with a car and say "When are you going to X? Mind if we tag along?"