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Old 03-05-2009, 12:31 PM
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Default Jacksonville, FL

Mortgage around $1500...but insurance & taxes are almost 1/3 of that. Floridians are cursed with paying higher homeowner coverage policies due to the horrific hurricane damage that we've sustained in recent years.

Thankfully, Jacksonville is tucked in between Savannah, GA; and the remainder of Florida, so they tend to swoop around us (lately!) but additional expenses are always necessary to keep emergency supplies, water, first aid, radio, chain saws, flashlights, and even generators - if you want to go to the next level.
Food prices are pretty much the same or lower than when I've traveled. I'm single, so it doesn't affect me too bad since I cook at home often. Also, if you take advantage of year round farmers markets, etc. or get adventurous enough to grow a small garden - in the ground or in pots - that helps even more.
Gas is about the same, but car insurance can vary widely depending on where you live. When my daughter attended college near West Palm, her premiums jumped $400 more just due to location. She has a perfect driving record. But in places like Gainesville or Tallahassee (UF or FSU for sports fans) it's usually lower. South Florida is the worst I've been told.

Utilities - water, sewer & electric - are running about $200. right now combined for a four BR home. I live frugally, however, and often skip using the dryer, open windows vs. A/C, and set the AC & heat at minimum levels. Some people may easily exceed this simply due to poor insulation, cutting down all the trees that shade your home (fearing a hurricane will topple them), and expecting to stay "cold" rather than moderately comfortable when it's near 99 degrees outside.

Healthcare seems to be pretty high with insurance premiums - including one plan just offered by the state - priced at around $600/mo. - but you can easily check this out online probably at the myflorda.com website
Sales tax varies but also factors in paying for our education systems that are in place so that property taxes, while not cheap, aren't astronomical...unless you demand that you live on the beach, or other pricey areas.

We love our North Florida change of seasons, which some refer to as South Georgia, but it's a great bunch of people and being so close to Daytona, and Gator sports is extra special.
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