Cost of living (i know, but please look!) (Tampa: apartments, lease)

[smax]

I know there are a lot of questions like this, but I'm honestly trying to figure out if my thoughts are realisitic or not. I plan on moving to Tampa for buisness, and am looking at renting a relatively large house. for a house around 3000 sq ft, how much do you think it would cost to maintain? Gas bills, electric bills, etc - I've always lived in apartments before and have no real concept of this type of situation and would hate to get there, sign a lease, and then not be able to maintain.

[Keeper]

What is your price for rent and utilities? Electric bill depend a lot on the age of the house and the AC unit.

More than likely you aren't going to have a gas bill as gas is not in most areas unless it is propane.

[Songbird42]

Do you want a house with a pool? Will you maintain the lawn yourself or get a service, if you have a pool will you service it yourself or get a service to do it weekly.

I pay to have my lawn mowed and trimmed, $50.00 a month. I pay $70.00 to the pool guy to come and keep it clean. I pay $400.00 a yr. for indoor pest control. I pay $90.00 every other month for lawn spraying to keep the grass green. I pay $75.00 every 6 month to have lani pressure washed as the lani gets mold, also driveway.

With A/C for 3,000 thats 1,000 more than my home, I pay $298.00 a month in the summer when the air is running continually, lower in winter right now $200.00 a month.....we are with a co-op electric company so its a little cheaper.

Cable with Bright House is around $144.00 for TV/phone and internet.

Hope this helps.

[smax]

Actually it did help - a lot! I really appreciate it, as I know poeple ask these questions all the time. I'm quite geeked at the concept of moving out that way