More and more snowbirds are leaving or thinking about leaving Florida due to the very high cost of living. The Journal went to Florida to meet Quebecers and see their dismay.
The days of buying groceries, going to restaurants and playing golf “on the cheap” in Florida are over, recognize snowbirds who see many of their compatriots tightening their belts.
If inflation has hit hard and increased the cost of the grocery basket in Quebec, it is the same thing in the United States.
Michel Boulay and his wife, Lise, regulars in Florida for almost 14 years, observe a difference especially since the exchange rate in their early years was on par with the American dollar.
«[Maintenant]bananas are the same price as in Quebec, pineapples, steak too,” notes Mme Pétrin-Boulay.
Snowbirds look for bargains like at this food market on Route 1 in Hollywood which offers an array of fruits and vegetables.
Photo Louis Deschenes
On the other hand, chicken, milk, gasoline and cigarettes are still among the less expensive items compared to Quebec.
-The Saint-Hyacinthe couple frequents places where there are bargains and like many of their friends, there is less room for extravagance.
“Restaurants, [on y va] less often, it’s once a week,” they mention.
Changed habits
For the manager of Emerald Lake Village, Mado Gagnon, inflation is a factor in addition to insurance, taxes and all the costs that cause Quebecers and Americans to change their consumption habits.
“It seems, yes. You see it coming out pu. Before, it was okay in restaurants […]. People also find groceries expensive, and that’s true,” she says.
Snowbird golfers interviewed by The Journal also noted that costs at golf clubs are on the rise.
The price is around $70 in American currency for 18 holes. According to Florida regulars, the cost has more than doubled over the past dozen years.
