I have a small house and I don't live in a "township", "city" or "planned community" if I did, I would have to pay extra in taxes or home owner association fees.
here are a list of some of my expenses:
2010 property taxes $2,010
monthly cable: $75 (and that is the second cheapest package)
home phone & internet: $53
gas (for heating and cooking) $103 (this is a balance billing plan so I pay this amount every month even during summer)
water $106 (for 3 months)
electric $100 (but this will double during summer)
I don't pay for extra for garbage, snow removal, leaf pick up or that type of service. It is included with my county taxes. If I want to use the county pool I either pay per visit or get a membership.
does this help?