My tile and hardwood are within less than 1/16 inch of the same hight
- transition to the vinyl is less than 1/4 inch.

Still a transition.

Laminate to carpet in the basement is less than 1/4 inch transition as
well.

Again, still a transition and not desired here.

The local discount flooring emporium currently has tile on at $0.67
and $0.97 per square foot, Laminate at $0.97 for the cheap stuff, and
$1.37 for the better (Krona) stuff, and hardwood from $1.97 up - lots
of it at 3.25. Installation is $1.25 per sq foot for 300 sq ft or
more.. Vinyl plank at $1.37 and Clik vinyl plank at $1.97.
Clik engineered maple hardwood $2.97.


What "local discount flooring emporium"??

Every local place I have been to has no tile that cheap except small
leftover lots that would be insufficient to do an entire home. I can
only find cheap VLP for $0.89 when it is on sale and again in low
quanities. Most are $1.99sq ft and up. Hardwood is over $2 sq ft and
installation starts at $2.50 and up, depending on material. Those
prices don't reflect underlayment and old material removal cost.

I was quoted for medium quality VLP, installed with underlayment, for
a cost of $6k. That includes a special 15% discount for being referred
by a friend to the owner. I left the store.

Our trash pickup company will not take carpet, tile, etc,. Our
community switched to a new trash company a year ago and everything
must fit in the provided can, the lid must close and you must adhere
to the weight limit. Nothing will be picked up outside the provided
can. No paints, flooring, oils, electronics, etc,. They do not provide
any recycling pickup.

Moving is not an option. In case someone was going to bring that up.