[JoMar]

Originally Posted by Walter123

You asked for the true cost of living and $1066/month won't cut it. These are rough numbers and will need to be adjusted for size of house, lot and lifestyle.


Amenities, Water, Trash $240
Taxes $150
Lawn Mowing $30
Lawn Chemicals $50
Termite Protection $10
Gas $40
Electric $110
Cable, internet $170
Car Insurance $65
Golf Cart Ins $10

$875


Add to that, food, entertainment, medical, home repairs, auto repairs, clothing, fuel for car, and you're probably looking at between $2500 and $3000. I spend more than that but it depends on how you live.

I'm sure others will add things I missed.

We came from PA and found the costs for our designer home to be comparable, and in some instances, less than we paid (especially taxes). What did go up significantly was the cost for food and entertainment and travel. We expected to eat at home more than we do and that's because our neighborhood is very social so we are out eating with them. We also have a new State to explore so as we travel around Florida those are additional expenses. As mentioned previously, it will depend on your lifestyle, size of home, how DIY you are but I would pad at least 20%.

[MikeV]

Thans for the link.

[rjm1cc]

Originally Posted by Villager Dude

I cannot seem to forward to anyone.

Print to a PDF on your computer, then email.

[Aloha1]

Costs all depend on what you buy and what you spend on "lifestyle" items. If you live 6 months in the villages and 6 months elsewhere, you will have added 12 months worth of home upkeep/utilites, etc. to your yearly budget as you now have 2 homes to care for. I would treat all other costs like medical, eating out, gas, etc, as neutral since you'll have those expenses regardless of where you live.

BTW, we have our design meeting next month for our new home in the Village of Pine Ridge!

[2BNTV]

Very good article. I would also recommend reading the "Nuts and Bolts" section by our own, "Zcaveman".

I think it paints a very accurate picture of what it costs, to run a patio villa.

The biggest variable is determining, how much you will spend in entertainment costs.