Costs Keep Going Up in The Villages, FL

Oct 10

💰 What It Really Costs to Live in The Villages, Florida in 2025

Have you ever wondered how much it really costs to live in The Villages, Florida? Whether you’ve done a Lifestyle Visit, started planning your retirement budget, or are just dreaming about moving here, today we’re breaking it all down for you — real numbers, real experience, and a few surprises along the way.

We’ve lived in The Villages for two years now, and every year we share an updated cost of living breakdown so you can plan your retirement budget with confidence.

In this post, we’ll cover:

The Villages’ official estimated cost of living from two years ago
Their current 2025 estimates
Our actual monthly expenses — what it really costs to live here year-round

🏡 A Little Background: Our Villages Journey

We’re Michael and Tiffany — a couple of empty nesters who, like many of you, dreamed about moving to The Villages. Two years ago, after our Lifestyle Visit in September 2023, we were all in, bought a patio villa, and have been sharing our real-life experiences ever since on our YouTube channel and Facebook group.

Next week marks our 2-year YouTube anniversary (time flies when you’re having fun!). We’ve documented everything — from our first month’s budget to annual updates — to help others see what life (and expenses) are really like here in the world’s largest active adult community.

📈 Comparing the Villages’ Cost of Living Estimates

When we first moved in, The Villages’ estimated cost of living for a patio villa was $812 per month.
Fast-forward to 2025, that same estimate is now $964 per month — an 18.7% increase in just two years.

That might not sound too bad until you compare it to our real-life numbers…

💵 Our Actual Monthly Costs in 2025

We track every expense in our free Michael & Tiffany TV Budget Tracker. Here’s how our actual 2025 costs stack up against the Villages’ estimates:

💡 Grand Total:

Villages estimate: $964/month
Our actual average: $1,197/month
That’s a 24% higher cost than estimated — right in line with what we’ve seen over the past two years.

⚙️ Why Our Costs Are Higher

Your expenses will vary depending on your usage, home size, and whether you’re here year-round or seasonally. We live here full-time (365 days a year), so our air conditioning, irrigation, and utilities are higher than what part-time residents might experience.

If you’re budgeting for your move to The Villages, a good rule of thumb is to add 20–30% above the Villages’ estimateto get a realistic monthly figure.

☀️ The Hidden Costs Many People Forget

A few things not always listed in the official cost-of-living sheet:

Irrigation fees (around $11–$36/month)
City taxes (depending on where you live)
Higher summer electric bills if you like to keep your home cool
Usage-based fluctuations — your water, sewer, and energy bills will vary depending on lifestyle and weather

But remember — these costs also cover access to incredible amenities: golf, pickleball, pools, recreation centers, clubs, and entertainment every night of the week. It’s a lifestyle, not just a location!

🧾 Final Thoughts: What to Expect in 2025

For us, living in The Villages is worth every penny.
Our average monthly living cost of $1,197 includes everything from taxes to trash, and the value of the lifestyle here is unmatched.

👉 Pro tip: When you get The Villages’ cost-of-living estimate, bump it up by 25% for planning purposes — especially if you’re moving into one of the new neighborhoods like Lake Denham, Dabney, or Eastport, where bonds and utility costs are slightly higher.

If you’re ready to start budgeting your move, grab our free Budget Tracker Spreadsheet at www.MichaelTiffany.com — Tiffany will email it straight to you after you join our newsletter (check your spam folder just in case!).

💬 Let’s Hear From You!

Do you already live in The Villages?
How do your costs compare to ours? Share your experience in our Facebook group.

If you’re still in the dreaming phase, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don’t miss real-life updates from The Villages!

THE VILLAGES® is a registered trademark of Holding Company of The Villages, Inc.

Michael and Tiffany are not affiliated with, or sponsored by, Holding Company of The Villages, Inc. or its affiliated entities.

Budget

Tiffany TVE