Population and money levels

[Hermitismyname 0]

I started playing Cities:Skylines a few weeks ago. I've already logged 100+ hours and I'm really enjoying it, but I have a couple of questions....

First, the stated population levels for the cities I've made seems way off to me. Based on places I've lived in and know, I'd say the "real" population of these cities would be perhaps 3x to 5x bigger than the game says it is. Have other people noticed this, or is it just me? And has this been topic discussed before? 

Second, I really wish there was an option for a money level somewhere between the way the basic game handles it (which I find too difficult, at least so far) and the totally unrealistic unlimited budget choice. Does anyone know if there is a good mod that provides something in between? Thanks in advance!

 

[Turjan 1,048]

Welcome.

1. High density areas in the game have a much too low population. On the other hand, low density areas have a much too high population. Both types of residential differ much less than you may assume.

2. Regarding money, you can make a mistake that kills your start at the very beginning, but after that, it's not really interesting but just slow, and you have to wait. You can start with unlimited money and switch it off later btw. The game actually keeps track of your income and spending, and most cities will be in the green after some time. There are some other possibilities, like the Mo' Money Mod , where you can just add some funds you need. It sometimes conflicts with some other mod that removes the icon, but in most configurations, it still seems to work okay after all these years. Well, it's very simple.

[Hermitismyname 0]

That's great feedback, Turjan. Thanks very much!

[csSniper 1]

I find that the "Set your own Start Money" mod

( https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=855704599&searchtext=set+your+own+start )

  works very well for me.

[bitters 1]

there's nothing particularly realistic about CS.  It started as a simple simulator and then with the addition of the ability to use mods they tried to turn it into a game.  

The ratios, the timing, and the AI are all well off the mark.  The best you can do is strive for something that loosely resembles a believable facsimile.