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Moving: What's the Real Cost After Your Move?

By Diane Schmidt, About.com

  • Car Costs: If you've moved to a new state, the first thing you'll need to do is have your car registered and licensed for that state. Sometimes this will include paying for an inspection and depending on how old your vehicle is, there can be items that need to be fixed before it can be certified. This is difficult to predetermine, so add a 15% contingency to cover any additional costs.

    The United States Postal Service site provides links to motor vehicles licensing and registration information for most states. State websites will provide fees, regulations and steps you need to take to get your vehicle registered.

    While you're at your new state's website, check out the fees to obtain a new driver license.

    Another hidden cost can be parking. If you do not have a garage, or if you have two vehicles but enough space for one, you may be parking your car on the street or in a secure lot. Some cities and towns will provide you with a parking permit for a yearly fee, allowing you to park on your street, but depending on how many permits they give out, you could be paying for space that isn't always available. The other option is to pay for a space in a secure lot. Again, add this on as a monthly expense. And like apartment fees, renting a space may involve a deposit or two-months of rent up front.

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