On point 2) my unchecked intuition says this: US cities are forced to provide services more than non-urban communities* because their needy are more visible. Be

On point 2) my unchecked intuition says this: US cities are forced to provide services more than non-urban communities* because their needy are more visible. Because they provide services, they attract more people needing them. My guess is that $1000/month (which as you say is like the state providing services to everyone living in it regardless of where they live), would increase the mobility of low-income recipients, allowing them to spend their money on cheaper housing away from expensive urban centers. In other words, it might alleviate some of the pressure on cities. *rural homelessness exists in the US too, I don't think it's as prevalent though