Total Monthly Housing Cost Comparison


(1,334 sq ft home, 30-year mortgage @ 6.5%, Midwest utility averages)

Monthly Costs

Monthly CostTraditional Home ($280K)Our Model ($195K)
Mortgage Payment$1,770$1,235
Utilities$260$180
Maintenance$200$120
Total Monthly Cost$2,230$1,535

Our homes cost ~$695/month less overall (and $8,340 per year), driven by both lower purchase price and dramatically reduced operating costs. Assumes 0-5% down.

Lifetime Costs

Cost CategoryTraditional HomeOur Model
Mortgage Payments$637,200$444,600
Utilities (30 years)$93,600$64,800
Maintenance (30 years)$72,000$43,200
Total Lifetime Housing Cost$802,800$552,600

Estimated lifetime savings of approx. $250,000. Assumes 0-5% down.