Here in Australia, in my City at least, most houses aren't furnished. Apartments sometimes are, but definitely not always. The dishwasher is pretty much the only appliance that is typically included that isn't bolted to the building.
Oh I forgot to mention, my new house is also a 5 minute walk to the train line, and a 2 minute walk to a bus straight into the CBD. It's also 100 metres from a major bicycling path, and 90 second drive from the freeway entrance. And since it's near the CBD, if you did have to drive on the freeway you would be heading in the opposite direction of the peak/rush hour.
I think even with one car, it will spend 99% of it's time sitting on the street parking. If we had rent-by-the-hour car rentals here we would probably just do that. Although the fixed costs for her car are extremely low, although On road vehicle registration costs are quite high in Australia. Probably around $650 or so for compulsory insurance and registration, plus third party property at $200/year, plus maintenance etc. Depreciation is probably next to nothing though.
Another note, the new house has a dishwasher and gas cooking. I have electric hotplates and no dishwasher where I am now and I hate it. Also electricity is much more expensive here than gas.
It also has reverse cycle air conditioning in the master bedroom and living room. Max and min temperatures for my climate are probably -2 degrees to +48 degrees centigrade depending on season. In winter we just use an electric blanket (70w Max per person, usually leave it on lowest setting) and have no room heating when we sleep. The house is insulated, clay terracotta tile roof unfortunately but at least the walls are white. Gets limited sun in winter but has good shading in summer. I'm hoping we won't need the heating at all, and plan to toughen up and only use the aircon if it gets unbearable. I hate it how most people I know (including my dropkick housemates) will turn the HVAC on as soon as it gets 1 degree out of their comfort zone. I also hate it how most people believe "Well if I'm using the air conditioner, I may as well turn it up all the way so I am super comfortable".