Cost of living
Going off-grid can remove some bills, but rarely all of them. Property tax, insurance, healthcare, fuel and repairs usually remain. Enter your monthly costs to see your real cash need.
Your monthly costs
The example amounts below are illustrative, not averages. Replace them with your own.
| Cost | $ per month | Notes |
|---|
For comparison: the average U.S. household
In 2024 the average U.S. household spent $78,535. Housing and transportation made up half of it.1
| Category | Per year | Per month |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $26,266 | $2,189 |
| Transportation | $13,318 | $1,110 |
| Food | $10,169 | $847 |
| Personal insurance and pensions | $9,797 | $816 |
| Healthcare | $6,197 | $516 |
| Entertainment | $3,609 | $301 |
| Apparel and services | $2,001 | $167 |
| Education | $1,569 | $131 |
| Personal care | $978 | $82 |
| Other | $4,630 | $386 |
"Other" combines cash contributions, miscellaneous, alcohol, tobacco and reading.1
Costs people forget
- Septic: EPA says to have a tank inspected every 1 to 3 years and pumped every 3 to 5, typically $250 to $500 per service. A failed conventional system can cost $5,000 to $15,000 to repair or replace.2
- Well testing: EPA recommends testing a private well every year for coliform bacteria, nitrates, dissolved solids and pH.3
- Replacing equipment: batteries, inverters, pumps, saw blades and tools all wear out. Set money aside every month.