it could be a little or it could be a lot - beer or champagne both can get you inebriated

Most of the responses below are about renting, which I don’t think you were asking about. If you are talking about owning as a snowbird the Villages can provide a good starting estimate. Then add mortgage payment if any and cost for going up north for however many times you plan to do that. A ballpark $30,000-$35,000 plus mortgage and trips north.

A range of $10,000 to $15,000 depending on the bond, taxes, lawn service, internet. Does not include a mortage or furnishing the house.

Yes, but this time he let us know that his niece is a Dr.

I pay about $16,000 a year to have a second home in The Villages. The home is a 4 year old designer home. I have no mortgage, but there is a bond which is paid yearly with the taxes. The $16,000 cost includes insurance, taxes, utilities, amenity fee, internet, lawn service, golf cart insurance and maintenance, home maintenance like pressure washing and HVAC service - etc.

Cost of Being a Snowbird
 

In 2022 it cost me $17,000 to maintain my home, car, and golf cart. That includes property taxes (which are considerably more for non residents), insurance (home and car), gas, Sunpass expense, utilities, grass cutting, garden maintenance, pest control and power washing. It does not include any major improvements, recreation, food or shopping. The size of your home will also impact your expenses. I hope that helps.

It’s not that hard to be a millionaire these days, and you are far from “being rich” just having a million dollars.

I'll second this, figure $16K for back of the envelope calculations

Joe

What is the definition of millionaire ? The obvious is assets minus liabilities. Many people claiming to be millionaires forget to subtract the liabilities part. I also do not include the value of a primary house. You always need a place to live be it another house, rent, assisted living, etc. On the other hand a second home in my mind is a countable asset since upon sale it does not need to be replaced. I doubt 5 of 6 in TV meet my definition of millionaire.

There are so many elements here that no one can really give you an answer that would apply. Just do your own math. Most of the expenses are fixed. If you do not want the responsibility of owning, rent.

We own one house in Wisconsin and one in the Villages....cost is approximately $1,000/month year round. (Excluding food, gas, fun activities/trips).

I would agree, if anything I overestimated my expenses a bit - I was quoting my annual expenses and I don’t rent out when I’m up north. I did say “shop around” property insurance alone can be double if you don’t.

Oh, I knew I was forgetting something. Insurance is getting to be more than the property tax.

Snowbirding
 

A moderate home 2b/2b with no mortgage about $14,000 a year for all expenses for the home including taxes, insurance, landscaping, electric, cable, HOA fees which include sewer, water and trash.