Piedmont is very expensive real estate-wise. Most people buy rather than rent. This is for an almost 4000sf 5-bedroom, 3-1/2 bath house.

Utiltites: $8000/year. includes gas & electric, water & sewer, garbage & recycling, phone, internet. No TV cable. We vigilantly turn off unneeded lights and save water.

Property taxes: $26000/year.
Mortgage: $50000/year. interest only.
house upkeep: 18000/year. includes repairs, gardener, housecleaner.
Home insurance: 10000/year.

Groceries: $6000/year. We eat cheap and not a lot. examples: 5 lb sugar $2.99 reg/$1.79 sale, 13 oz decaf coffee $4.99, 8 oz cream cheese $2.99 reg/$1.50 sale, 9-grain bread $4.69 reg/$3.40 sale.
Dining out: $3000/year. Eating out costs $15-$50/person unless you go fancy or have alcohol.

Gas was $4.89/gallon Sept. '08 but now it's $1.89/gallon Dec. '08.

Health insurance: $1300/mo for 3 adults + 1 child.