Before renting an apartment, it’s important to consider how much the utilities will cost. People frequently overlook this cost when determining how much rent they can afford. It’s important to include utilities in the monthly rent payment because they are typically the tenant’s responsibility to get a complete financial picture.
Gas, electricity, water, garbage collection, and recycling are possible monthly expenses to keep track of, depending on your building. Phone plans, cable, internet, and streaming services are some additional expenses that could be categorized as utilities. Therefore, these utility tips are for you whether you live in warm San Diego, California, or rent an apartment in snowy Buffalo, New York.
Many factors influence utility costs. The monthly utility bill is influenced by the home’s size, location, utility providers, and usage patterns. For instance, because people use more energy to heat their homes during the winter in cities like Minneapolis, MN, and Denver, CO, electric bills rise during this time. Similar to this, in hotter areas like New Orleans, LA, there is a greater need for air conditioning, which results in higher summer electric bills.
Water, sewer, and garbage are typically covered by landlords in apartments and are typically included in your monthly rent. Electricity, gas, and any other bills, including cable, internet, and others, are typically your responsibility.
Moving from One State to Another: The Difference in Utilities Costs
If you’re considering moving from one state to another, understanding how much different apartment utilities will cost can help you create a budget. We developed this calculator to give you an idea of the typical utility prices in various states.
What you purchase and place in your apartment has a significant impact. Major appliances are probably out of your control, but when buying items like TVs, be mindful of their energy efficiency to avoid spending more money at the end of the month.
Prior to signing the lease when looking around for an apartment, be sure to ask the property manager about the cost of utilities. Learn what the tenant is responsible for as well as what you are. If you decide to rent the apartment, make sure to include this in the lease.
Formerly the chief editor and head of content for FinTech companies in New York and San Francisco, Claire Tak is a writer. Her work has appeared on FOX Business, Bloomberg and Forbes. She frequently writes about being a good person, traveling, and making money. Traveling and snowboarding are her two favorite things to do.
Depending on how frequently you use your gas stove or oil heater, your monthly gas bill for cooking could range from $15 to $100. Your gas bill will be considerably lower if your apartment has an electric stove or heater, if it is not already included in the price of your rent.
Knowing how much you’ll spend on utilities each month will give you the most accurate estimate of how much it will cost to rent an apartment each month. Before signing the lease, be aware of what to expect, and shop around to find the best deals.
Water
Average cost: $28 (single) – $116 (family)
Water usage and cost in the US are calculated per 1,000 gallons. On average, 1,000 gallons cost around $11. 48. According to estimates, a single American household uses about 328 gallons of water daily, or about $3. 76 daily.
It’s usually a sign that you’re not using the water in your house effectively if your water bill is consistently higher than average.
How Much Do Apartment Utilities Cost?
FAQ
How much are utility bills in California?
| Utility | Average California Bill |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $117 |
| Gas | $63 |
| Cable & Internet | $118 |
| Water | $77 |
How much is a water bill in an apartment in Georgia?
| Utility | Average Georgia Bill |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $129.92 |
| Gas | $141.19 |
| Cable & Internet | $111 |
| Water | $28 |
How much is heat in NYC?
If you have gas heat or forced air heating, the average cost to heat an apartment during the winter is typically around $80-100 per month. The price to heat your apartment will be significantly more, probably between $200 and $250 per month, if you have oil heating.
How much are utilities in NYC?
The average monthly utility bill in New York City is $273. 04 monthly or $3,276. 48 for the year. This rate covers essential services like water, electricity, and gas. However, depending on your personal preferences, your apartment, and your lease agreement, your utility rates may vary.
Reference:
https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/apartment-search-2/money/apartment-utilities-breakdown/
https://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/estimating-how-much-apartment-utilities-will-cost/