[lindaelane]

Here is a list of all my costs (I have no bond):

Per month:

Mortgage $1280 (15 year at 2.85% - I chose not to pay off due to low percent)
Electric: $87 (each month, they "level" costs per month)
Gas $34 (each month, leveled)
Cable/Internet/Phone $146 (I like a "land line", e.g. VOIP, adds $20 to this bill however)
Property Tax $317 ($3800 per annum...include "village only taxes" of about $500)
Homeowner's Insurance $89
"LSSA" (similar to HOA...include water, trash, "amenities", etc.) $221
Lawn and Pest (necessary here) $80

Total: $974 without mortgage, $2254 with mortgage

I have small, 2 bedroom "courtyard villa".

You could cut expenses by not having a mortgage, and by having no cable TV or landline, but otherwise, you should plan to spend this much or more.

Also, local stores, e.g. the local Publix, typically charge 10-20 percent more than stores 15 miles away. The think we are all rich.