Hi Ange,
Florida does not have an income tax as you stated. But is does have a tax on umearned income which affects many seniors. You should look closely into that.
Home are cheaper in FL. or so it may seem because it was over built in the boom years, the weather and what must be considered is the cost for home owner insurance if you can get it. I personally know of a fellow who was quoted almost $12,000.00 a year and only owns an average priced home. He decided to go without insurance.
I have a great relocation package I can mail to you that would answer many of your questions. Just email or call.
You can look on my web site and many of the active communites have Quick links so you can see homes that are for sale in allprice ranges. That should give you some ideas as well.
Thanks
Rich
Rich Lecinski
Long Realty Company
520-834-4663
http:rlecinski.longrealty.com

Hello Ange,
This is a question that is tough to answer accurately, simply because there can be so many variables. Depending on where in town the house is, age and size of home, your habits and lifestyle, type of community, etc. All of these factors will play a role in taxes, insurance, utilites, HOA costs, etc.

I will throw out some ballpark figures based on my experience in an attempt to give you an idea. Property taxes in the $200K range will probably be around $2,500 annually, give or take. Homeowner's insurance will probably be around $300 per year. Between electric, gas, water, sewer, and trash you can expect to pay between $200 & $250 a month. HOA fees can run anywhere from $20 a month to $200 a month. I think HOA is the toughest one to pin point.

Obviously utility costs are going to be higher in summer and winter when you're using more power and/or gas. Water costs can vary greatly depending on landscaping requirements and lifestyle. If you are looking to keep your HOA costs low, stay away from areas that have community pools. Maintenance, heating, cleaning and insurance costs are always passed on to the homeowners through the HOA fees. Townhome communities will generally have much higher HOA fees as well as they typically have a community pool and/or recreation area. HOA in townhomes will usually take care of landscaping, homeowner's hazard insurance, termite, roof, and sometimes water. If you are interested in a single family home, there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to fing one in a nice, clean community for well under $50 a month HOA.

Like I said, these answers are just to give you an idea. I hope this helps! By the way, I am a native Tucsonan and I help people from all over the country retire here. I know the city and it's neighborhoods very well and would be more than willing to assist you and your husband if you do decide to pursue Tucson as your next home. Feel free to contact me directly anytime if I can be of service to you. Take care and best of luck to you both!

Chris Mabry
Realty Executives Southern Arizona
Chris@MabryHomes.net
520-991-7806

Home seller,
Your question is difficult to answer because of a large variation in costs depending on specific location.
This answer is based on example of a real home for sale $200,000 in Sahuarita (Southeast side of Tucson area). Adult community, 2Br/2Ba, 1,660sq.ft, community pool, built in 1998,
Taxes $2,200, association fee $40/m, electric bill from $55 to $125 per month (highest in summer), gas $20 to $150 per months (highest in January), water $20/m, garbage disposal $35/m.
The same house in SaddleBrooke (Northeast are of Tucson) would cost $230,000, taxes $2,800 and association fee $140/m.

George in Tucson
http://www.DestinationTucson,biz