Brief Summary
This video compares the cost of living in The Villages, Florida, a popular retirement community, versus living full-time on the Villa Vie Residences cruise ship for 15 years. It breaks down expenses like mortgage/cabin costs, monthly fees, utilities, food, transportation, and entertainment to determine which option is more cost-effective. The analysis reveals that while the initial sticker price of cruise ship living may seem high, it ultimately saves money compared to the land-based retirement community due to the inclusion of various amenities and travel expenses.
- The Villages, Florida vs. Villa Vie Residences cruise ship are compared.
- Key expenses like housing, utilities, food, and transportation are analyzed.
- Cruise ship living includes travel, making it potentially more valuable.
- Villa Vie Residences can be a more affordable option than traditional retirement.
Introduction
The video introduces the topic of comparing the cost of living in a retirement community (The Villages, Florida) versus living full-time on a residential cruise ship (Villa Vie Residences). The presenters, Jordan and Jared from JJ Cruise, aim to provide a detailed cost analysis for a couple considering either option for a 15-year period, highlighting the potential savings and expenses associated with each lifestyle. They encourage viewers to subscribe to their channel for more cruising-related content and updates on their own journey of living on a residential cruise ship.
Cost of Living in The Villages, Florida
The cost of living in The Villages, Florida, is analyzed, starting with the median home price of $407,000 in 2024, requiring an $81,400 down payment. The average monthly cost, including mortgage, taxes, and insurance, is approximately $3,500. Additional monthly expenses, such as utilities, community development fees, gym access, and Wi-Fi, amount to around $1,300 for two people. Transportation costs, including car payments, insurance, and gas, average $820 per month, while groceries cost about $647 per month. Eating out adds another $425 per month, bringing the total monthly expenses to $6,700. This figure excludes travel, entertainment, and personal extras, and it's noted that inflation could increase these costs over the next 15 years.
Cost of Living on Villa Vie Residences
The cost of living on Villa Vie Residences is examined, noting a current promotion for an ocean-view cabin at $120,000. A 50% down payment of $60,000 is required. If a payment plan is chosen, a 10% interest is added, resulting in an additional $12,000. The remaining balance of $72,000 is paid over three years in annual lump sums of $24,000, equating to $2,000 per month. The monthly fees for two adults in an ocean-view cabin are $5,000, which covers food, transportation, wine and beer at dinner, gym membership, entertainment, cabin cleaning, and laundry service. During the first three years, the total monthly payment is $7,000, dropping to $5,000 after the cabin is paid off. These fees are guaranteed not to increase for a minimum of 15 years, regardless of inflation.
Cost Comparison and Conclusion
Over 15 years, living on Villa Vie Residences costs $900,000 in fees plus $132,000 for the cabin (including interest if the payment plan is used), totaling $1,032,000. In comparison, living in The Villages, Florida, at $6,700 per month for 15 years, amounts to $1,206,000, a difference of nearly $200,000. The analysis does not account for travel expenses, which are included in the Villa Vie Residences fees. The presenters emphasize the priceless value of traveling the world while living on the cruise ship, making it an appealing and potentially more affordable option than traditional retirement communities. They encourage viewers to share their thoughts on cruise ship living in the comments and provide links to Villa Vie Residences for those interested in learning more.
