Florida is many things; It is beautiful, fun, friendly, it has great nightlife and even better people - but one thing Florida is not - is expensive to live in.

Since the moment I landed, I was astounded at the prices of things here in The Sunshine State - so much in fact - that I think I should move here instead of Mary moving to New York. From the cost of a pack of cigarettes to the monthly rent in apartments - I feel like I came to a different country where my dollar can stretch even further then it does in the States.

I remember going to James and Chris' house and hearing that there apartment costs them one half of what it costs me - although it is twice the size. I remember passing a gas station and seeing an ad for a pack of Camel cigarettes - for $2.39 - a far cry from the $8 per pack charge in New York City. Gas is fifty cents cheaper a gallon - and soda at all, and I mean all Florida restaurants - comes with free refills. Until I came here, I never realized how expensive it is to live in New York City.

The night before I came here, I went to a bar by Yankee Stadium to have a Bud before the big game - and was charged $7 for my pre-game cold one. When I went to Mastry's with James, Chris and Mary - that same Bud along with a Midori sour cost me $5.50. And tonight, we are heading to The Orpheum for "sink or swim" night - which translates to all-you-can-drink - for an unbelievable $9. Any bar that even tried that in New York City would not last two weeks.

While I love New York City and still refer to it as the greatest city in the world - I really enjoy Florida. It has a magic of its own and people that are as warm as the temperature. From strangers that say hello as you pass them by to shopkeepers and store employees that go far beyond the extra mile - New York could take a few "friendly" lessons from our southern counterparts - and a few more lessons on how to stretch the almighty dollar.

So as my vacation in Florida continues, I have plenty of more places to go and lots of things to see - and thanks to the cost of living down here - lots of more money to do it with.