living expenses in usa (florida)

phillcooper · #1 (**permalink**) 3rd August 2011, 03:13 PM

i am considering moving to america with my wife and 3 kids. I am having trouble finding any information on living expenses/utilities/taxes etc.

Could anyone point me in the direction of where i can find this info?

thanks

mamasue · #2 (**permalink**) 3rd August 2011, 03:56 PM

Hi, the first thing you need to do is read the stickies at the top of the page to see if you qualify for any kind of visa.

phillcooper · #3 (**permalink**) 3rd August 2011, 08:41 PM

Hi, I've done that and am now looking for info on living expenses.

Crawford · #4 (**permalink**) 3rd August 2011, 08:54 PM

Could you please let us know what visa you are considering moving with, just so people won't waste time providing info if there is little chance of you moving over.

If you Google Florida cost of living you get loads of information.

Two of the biggest expenses in the US which comes as a shock to most UK folk are property taxes (way above what one pays in rates in the UK) and health costs.

phillcooper · #5 (**permalink**) 3rd August 2011, 09:47 PM

I've found data on basics like gas and electricity but I am struggling to find more in depth info like property tax as u said and car servicing costs etc. Does anyone know where I can find this information? I have searched google and found nothing. Is there anyone who currently lives in Florida who can help me out?

WilsonP · #6 (**permalink**) 3rd August 2011, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phillcooper

I've found data on basics like gas and electricity but I am struggling to find more in depth info like property tax as u said and car servicing costs etc. Does anyone know where I can find this information? I have searched google and found nothing. Is there anyone who currently lives in Florida who can help me out?

It's a difficult question to answer. Florida is a big state that covers a wide range of economic strata.

Porperty taxes are probably the easiest. If you rent, you don't pay property taxes. If you will be buying property, the real estate listing should give you an idea of annual property taxes. You might figure 1% to 3% of the home's value per year if you own.

Utilities are all over the map. If you live in a 5,000 sq. ft home with a pool, or an 800 sq. ft condo your electric might be anywhere from $80 to $800 per month.

Car repairs depend on the car, and how you deal with repairs. Taking a 2011 Porsche to the dealer for an oil change is not the same as taking a 1987 Toyota to the local mechanic.

Sorry if I can't be more specific, but living in Boca Raton is not the same as living in Bithlo.

edit: One thing that might be a rude surprise if you are considering buying near the coast is homeowner's insurance. They're still trying to make their money back from the disasterous year several years back.

Crawford · #7 (**permalink**) 3rd August 2011, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phillcooper

I've found data on basics like gas and electricity but I am struggling to find more in depth info like property tax as u said and car servicing costs etc. Does anyone know where I can find this information? I have searched google and found nothing. Is there anyone who currently lives in Florida who can help me out?

I don't think you are trying hard enough .... Try this for property tax info

State of Florida.com - Florida Tax Guide

You have not moved here yet and you are looking at car servicing costs ????

phillcooper · #8 (**permalink**) 4th August 2011, 07:18 AM

Thanks I'll give that a look. Yes I'm looking at car service costs as I want to fully understand the costs of living to make sure I can afford to live there. Is there something similar to an mot over there? Also I can't find any info regarding water costs.

mamasue · #9 (**permalink**) 4th August 2011, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phillcooper

Thanks I'll give that a look. Yes I'm looking at car service costs as I want to fully understand the costs of living to make sure I can afford to live there. Is there something similar to an mot over there? Also I can't find any info regarding water costs.

No MOT.... but emissions test every year...It varies from county to county. for example, the county next to us has no emissions tests, but our county does.
Again... water costs vary.

Crawford · #10 (**permalink**) 4th August 2011, 04:17 PM

Another way to look at it: If you live in the London area and are taking a job equivalent to your London salary (plus say 10%) increase then you are likely to be able to live quite comfortably any where in Florida.

If on the other hand you live in say rural Wales and are going to move to the Miami inner area then an equivalent Wales to Miami wage is likely not going to be enough.

Where in Florida are you thinking of moving to?