It was like last week we bought our daughter her first a MP3 player for $39.99. It was not what it cost us. After sales tax, carrying case, and mp3 our cost was well over $50 and still going up.

That is why I want to take today and look at hidden or unexpected costs. We have chosen only the 5 most common hidden cost over and above the price tag. Some are expected. Some are hidden and unexpected. All are over and above the price tag.

Sales Tax – The first thing you must add to any price tag is sales tax. Most states have some kind of sales tax to earn revenue to run the state and provide police and fire services. There are only 4 states that do not charge sales tax when you buy a new pair of sox’s.

Buying a Car – Have you ever notice that when you buy a car from a dealer, there is several hundreds of dollars that are added to the bottom-line cost. In Idaho a $20,000 car will cost you another $1,500 before loan interest.

I did find on Edmund.com a great little calculator help figure your bottom-line cost when purchasing a car, truck, or SUV. They titled it Basic Loan Calculator.

Hotel Fees – A downtown hotel advertising rooms from $50 per night can cost you $100 by the time you check out the next morning. Fodors.com list 14 extras it will cost you just for staying at any motel or hotel.

The Cost of Flying – It is more than just baggage that will drain you wallet when going on a trip flying. At one time you expected to pay for long term parking, and tip the baggage handler, but now you are charged for extra baggage, snacks, meals, and even booking the flight. I found a list of 5 hidden airline fees, there may be more some airlines charge that others don’t.

Cell Phones – Have you looked closely at your cell phone bill, lately? 11.6% of my last months cell phone bill was for unexplainable charges. They were labeled “Use”, “Sales Tax and Fee”, and “Other”. I was basically told that they were standard valid charges.

Changing phone number, price plan, and putting a new phone on the account all bring extra charges. Some cell phone carriers offer some services for free, but charge for calling in and paying the bill. Then other cell phone carriers will charge you a little more and give you the same service for free.

These are only a fee of the hidden cost and fees that are out there. Tell me what hidden cost or fees that bug you the most.

Tags: Basic Loan Calculator, Buying a Car, cell phone, Cost of Flying, Fodors.com, Hidden Fee, Idaho, sales tax