As I gradually become more settled in my new home town, I’ve begun to notice how inexpensive the cost of living here is compared to what I left behind in Florida. I may make more, but since my healthcare and other insurance costs through work are provided with zero contribution on my part, I have more money to take home each pay period. Subtract my 401(k) and stock option purchases, I still come out on top. Way on top.

But sitting home this evening, paying bills, and looking at previous expenses in Quicken, I’m amazed at how big the difference really is. Here are a few cases in point:

Car Insurance — Back in Florida, my annual premium through a reputable national provider was close to $3,100. Granted, my coverage is very high, nearing the limit in most types, like accident, personal injury, and so on. I just transferred my policy to Colorado, and had my premium drop to $1,600 a year. I’m still under 25, so I’m sure it will go down even further in future.

Utilities — My Power Mac G5 Quad, displays and miscellaneous tech toys all consume gobs of electricity. So, too, does heating my apartment, washing clothes, drying them, as well as cooking. Even with nominal heating use, and a (seldom used) gas fireplace, my utility bill this month was $116 for both natural gas and electricity usage. Broken down, my electric bill was $64. That’s nearly a third of what it was back in Florida, and, because I do a considerable amount of work from home, my computer is getting much more usage than it did previously. Amazing.

Rent — I did the research, and found that an apartment similar to mine in terms of size (roughly 1,400 square feet), with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, large, open kitchen, and equally as large living/dining rooms, plus equivalent interior styling, cabinetry, property age and amenities would run about $3,000+ a month back in Florida. Here, I’m comfortably under $1,000 a month, including a large garage and 6×6 storage unit.

Fuel — On average, the cost here is about 40 to 60 cents cheaper than stations back in Florida. The Mustang only gets premium-grade fuel (91 or 93 octane) which does contribute to a higher cost overall, but it’s still much less taxing on my wallet when I have to fill her up.

In General — Food is less expensive, even at the fancier restaurants I’m known to patronise. So, too, is grocery shopping. And shopping in general, on average, is much cheaper, thanks in part to a 4.9% sales tax rate. Even insignificant things, like getting a Colorado driving licence, all cost less than what I was used to back home.

A few months ago, I had serious reservations about this move, and whether I’d be able to make it on my own financially. Fortunately now, I am making it, and I can say this move was probably one of the more intelligent life decisions I’ve ever made.