How Much Does It Really Cost to Live in The Villages, Florida? Our 2-Year Budget Review
Hi, we’re Michael and Tiffany! Over the past two years, we’ve been living full-time in The Villages, Florida, and documenting our experiences and real expenses. In this post, we’ll break down what it actually costs to live here, compare it to the official estimates, and share our budget spreadsheet so you can plan your own retirement lifestyle.
Our Story: From Lifestyle Visit to Full-Time Living
Two years ago, we visited The Villages on a lifestyle visit. Like many future retirees, we were curious about the community, amenities, and, most importantly, the cost of living. After experiencing the friendly neighborhoods, abundant golf courses, and endless activities, we decided to make the move even though we had not retired yet. Why wait?
Since moving, we’ve been sharing our experiences on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, helping other pretirees, retirees and soon-to-be Villagers understand what life here is truly like.
The Villages Cost of Living: What They Told Us vs. Reality
When you visit or contact The Villages, they provide a cost-of-living sheet based on the type of home you’re considering. For our patio villa, here’s the comparison of what they originally told us versus what we spent:
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Note: Numbers may vary depending on your home type, lifestyle, and usage. We’ve also included irrigation and city taxes, which aren’t always accounted for in official estimates.
What We Learned From 2 Years of Living in The Villages, FL
Actual costs are higher than estimates. Over two years, our expenses were 48% higher than the original 2024 estimates and about 24% higher than the latest 2026 sheet.
Utility bills fluctuate. Our electricity was highest in the summer due to A/C usage, and our sewer and water bills are higher than average because we live year-round and maintain our irrigation.
Amenity fees and bonds increase over time. New homes and newer neighborhoods often have significantly higher bonds than older homes.
Budget for lifestyle. Even with careful budgeting, lifestyle choices like travel, restaurant dining, and entertainment can affect your monthly expenses.
Our Yearly Spending in 2025
Here’s a snapshot of what we actually spent last year on average per month for the categories above:
January: $1,114
February: $1,166
March: $1,131
April: $1,229
May: $1,255
June: $1,188
July: $1,258
August: $1,245
September: $1,269
October: $1,280
November: $1,152
December: $1,218
Total 2025 spending: $14,423 → Average per month: $1,202
Compared to 2024, that’s an increase of 7.6%, giving us a realistic view of budgeting for year-round living in Central Florida.
Tips for Budgeting in The Villages, Florida
Add a 20–40% buffer to official cost-of-living estimates to cover utilities, maintenance, and lifestyle extras.
Track your utilities. Water, sewer, and electricity fluctuate seasonally—plan for summer A/C use.
Check bond and maintenance fees for new homes. These can be much higher than older properties and add to your monthly costs.
Consider your lifestyle. Travel, dining out, and hobbies significantly affect monthly spending.
Use our free budget spreadsheet. We’ve modified it specifically for The Villages, and it helps track all your expenses, including utilities, insurance, and amenities.
Get Our Free Villages Budget Spreadsheet
To help fellow retirees and future retirees, we’re offering our customized budget spreadsheet for free. It includes tabs for:
Monthly expenses
Utility tracking
Home insurance & maintenance
Travel & entertainment planning
Download it today from www.michandtiffany.com under the “Expenses” tab. Donations are optional if you want to support our work.
Final Thoughts
Living in The Villages, Florida has been an incredible experience. From golf courses and clubs to easy access to beaches, airports, and cruise ports, it’s an ideal spot for retirees seeking an active lifestyle. However, real costs can differ significantly from the advertised estimates. By tracking your expenses carefully and planning ahead, you can enjoy all the perks without surprises.
Whether you’re planning a lifestyle visit, considering a home purchase, or already living here, knowing the true cost of living in The Villages helps you budget wisely and enjoy your retirement to the fullest.
Have you moved to The Villages, FL or are planning to? Share your experiences or questions on Facebook or Instagram. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for live updates from our adventures in Florida and beyond!
Living in The Villages Florida: Cost of Living in 2026 - Hidden Costs? What You Need to Know! So How Expensive is it to Live The Villages Florida? We share our actual 2 year COSTS vs. The Villages Homes & Villas Pricing & Cost of Living Spreadsheet Estimates (Monthly Amenity Fee, Average Trash, Water, Sewer, Irrigation, Gas, Electric, Insurance, Taxes and the CDD - Development District Assessment - THE BOND).