These costs are for a single male.

Mortgage for an 1133 ft2 house with double lot: 291 usd includes insurance and taxes It is not in a great neigborhood, but buying the house is cheaper than rent, which for this would be around 450 - 500 usd.

gas heat: 200 usd in the cold winter months, 30 usd per month when no heat is used but only for water heater, cooking

electricity: approximately 130 used year round, maybe a litte more in the hot summer months.

Water: 30 usd/month - have a clothes washer

sewage/garbage collection/fire department fees: 35 - 40 usd - depends in part on the water usage

health care costs are extremely expensive. Unaffordable if you do not have health care insurance here. I would guess the costs are the same across the US, so just google for costs for a treatment or procedure. I just had my teeth cleaned and they insist that they must also do x-rays so the cost was almost $200. I had an older cat\'s teeth cleaned last year and they have to use anesthesia. with the pre-tests and everything the cost was $345. Crazy.


Higher education in America - forget it unless you get a scholarship, your company pays for it, or you are rich.


Food costs: I am vegetarian so don\'t have meat costs. I probably spend 150 usd per month on groceries.


gym fees - free where I work, but a monthly membership is around 40 usd.

There are some beautiful and pretty safe walking areas by the river.

Basic cable is 26 usd


I pay 50 usd for highspeed internet, but that is also my entertainment vehicle as I download audiobooks, watch movies which I might download or rent from Redbox for 1.20 usd per night.


Movies here are about 5.50 for the matinee discounts at the cinema. I am guessing around 8 for later shows. Buy the popcorn and a drink and you are closing in on 15 usd for one. Better to sneak your own snacks in the theatre with big jacket pockets If you are female, you can take in all the snacks your emptied out purse can hold!



No drinking alcohol, really, except the occasional sangria I make at home with wine, orange juice, and green tea.