Thinking of Moving to The Villages? Here’s the Real Costs!
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Introduction
Are you considering moving to The Villages, Florida, or simply curious about the costs of living in this vibrant retirement community? While The Villages is often portrayed as an affordable and fun-filled paradise, it’s essential to understand the real financial picture before making your move. After living in The Villages for over a year, we’ve tracked every expense—expected and unexpected—and are here to share the full breakdown.
Beautiful day at Lake Sumter Landing in The Villages, FL.
Understanding The Villages’ Cost Estimate
When you first visit The Villages, you’ll likely receive an official cost estimate sheet from a sales agent. This sheet includes estimated expenses such as:
Amenity fees
Trash collection
Water and sewer
Electric and gas
Homeowners insurance
Property taxes
District maintenance and bond fees
While these estimates provide a helpful starting point, our real-world experience shows that actual costs are often much higher.
Monthly Living Expenses Breakdown
1. Amenity Fees
The Villages charges a monthly amenity fee that grants residents access to recreation centers, pools, classes, and more. Initially, we were quoted $189 per month, but within a year, this increased to $194.47. Expect your amenity fee to increase each year. Currently, new homebuyers are seeing $199 per month as the updated rate.
2. Utilities (Water, Sewer, Trash, Irrigation, Electric, and Gas)
Trash Collection: Estimated at $22/month, but our actual cost, including taxes, reached $31.90/month, a 37% increase. The developers chose a new trash company, which costs more than the previous company.
Sewer & Water: Estimated at $70/month combined, but our actual costs averaged $98/month, a 40% increase.
Irrigation: This cost wasn’t included in the original estimates, yet we paid $15/month for watering our small lawn. There is a base cost of $11/month, even if you do not water your lawn at all.
Electricity & Gas: Estimated at $90/month, but our combined energy costs averaged $245/month—a shocking 172% increase.
3. Homeowners Insurance
The Villages estimated $80/month for homeowners insurance, but our actual cost was $121/month. This varies depending on home size, location, and whether you opt for sinkhole coverage.
4. Property Taxes
Taxes vary by county, but our Lake County tax bill averaged $262/month, while The Villages’ estimate was $232/month.
5. District Assessments (Bond, Maintenance, Fire Fees)
Bond Payments: These are fixed over 30 years and vary by home type. Our bond payment was $131/month.
Maintenance Fees: Initially $24/month, increased to $34/month, a 20% hike.
Fire Assessment Fee: Originally non-existent in our area, a new $13/month fee was recently added.
Total Basic Monthly Cost: $1,116.42
While the estimated cost from The Villages was $812/month, we actually paid an average of $1,116/month—a 37% increase.
Additional Expenses to Consider
Aside from essential expenses, many hidden costs can add up quickly in The Villages.
1. Lawn Care & Landscaping
Lawn mowing service: $50/month
Pest control: $30/month
Termite bond: $13/month
2. Golf Carts & Transportation
Electric golf cart purchase: $10,000–$15,000 (one-time cost)
We looooove our Evolution D5 Ranger 4 Forward electric golf cart! You will probably want to get the upgraded battery to travel all over The Villages. We got ours at Hidden Creek Golf Carts at 1212 S. Main Street in Wildwood, FL. We highly recommend them-tell them Michael and Tiffany sent you and you will get a $200 discount. Check out our VIDEO to learn about the upgrades we have made since buying our golf cart.
Golf cart insurance: $13/month
Electricity for golf cart: Minimal, but contributes to higher electric bills
Auto insurance (for our car): $263/month
Look at that awesome Tiffany Teal color!
3. Entertainment & Leisure
Internet & streaming: $79/month
Restaurants & dining out: Varies widely
Fitness & club memberships: Some are free with amenities, others require fees
Golf fees (if playing championship courses): $50–$100 per round
4. Healthcare & Medical Costs
While Medicare may cover many expenses, out-of-pocket healthcare costs can vary. Many retirees also factor in long-term care insurance and prescription expenses.
Comparing Estimated vs. Real Costs
Key Takeaways
Costs Are Rising – The Villages continually updates their estimates, but they tend to be conservative. Expect to pay 20–40% more than quoted.
Utilities Can Surprise You – Electric and water costs, especially if you have irrigation or high AC usage, will likely exceed estimates.
Hidden Fees Exist – Many costs, like irrigation, fire assessments, and rising trash collection fees, aren’t always disclosed upfront.
Entertainment Costs Vary – While The Villages offers free activities, golf, concerts, and social clubs can add up.
Budget for Adjustments – If you’re moving here, add at least 20-30% more to the official cost estimates to get a realistic budget.
Conclusion
The Villages, Florida, is an incredible place to retire, offering an active lifestyle, social opportunities, and beautiful amenities. However, understanding the true cost of living here is crucial for financial planning. By preparing for higher-than-expected expenses and tracking your budget, you can fully enjoy everything The Villages has to offer without financial surprises.
Want a copy of our detailed budget tracker spreadsheet? Sign up for our free newsletter and gain access to the most accurate cost-of-living breakdown for The Villages!
Want even more discussion about our 1 year budget review? Watch the video below!
