While apartment utilities like electricity, natural gas, water, cable, and internet are not always clear-cut, the cost of rent is a fixed and transparent expense. And even though some utilities may be included in the rent, it’s important to know how much you should budget for these costs.
Fortunately, you can get a good idea of how much you’ll have to pay for utilities depending on your state by doing some research when looking for apartments for rent, in addition to learning about the cost of living. For instance, residents of northern states will save money on utilities by forgoing air conditioning in the summer but will pay more for gas in the winter.
View the interactive map below to learn more about the typical apartment utilities and the average monthly cost in your state.
Your monthly utility costs will probably include your electricity bill as one of the highest. The typical American apartment dweller uses 44% of the energy in their home for space heating and cooling, 32% for water heating, and the remaining energy is used for appliances, electronics, and lighting. The number of people living in your home, the state you reside in, the number of appliances and electronics that use electricity, and the size of your apartment will all affect how much you pay for electricity.
An interesting fact is that some states have higher average electricity consumption, which results in higher average electricity bills. Hawaii, with an average electric bill of $215, is at the higher end of the spectrum. It’s followed by Connecticut with $182 and Alabama with $157. On the other end of the spectrum, New Mexico’s average is $90, while Montana’s is $92. Utah sees the lowest average electric bill of $81.
Your utility costs will be significantly impacted by the number of rooms in your apartment as well. For instance, if you live alone in a one-bedroom apartment, your average monthly electric bill will be around $99, but if you live with roommates in a three-bedroom apartment, your bill may increase by as much as $64. Think about it: if your roommates love blasting the air conditioning or leave their computers on for 10 hours a day every day, your total electric bill could be $178. As a result, using apps to split the bills with your roommates is a simple way to save money.
It’s crucial to cut back on your consumption if you want to save money on your electricity bill. Learn how to maximize the efficiency of your air conditioner, which is one of the biggest energy consumers in your home. First, change the HVAC filters regularly and adjust the temperature. You may not even need to use the air if you live in a cooler climate. Otherwise, make it a habit to keep the thermostat set higher than what it would normally be during the winter months if you reside in the South or another warm region. By the end of the month, a few degrees will make a significant difference.
Making the switch to LED light bulbs from regular ones is another way to reduce your consumption. LED bulbs are more expensive initially, but they last longer and use less electricity. Similarly, you might think about incorporating smart power strips for appliances that consume electricity even when they’re not in use. These appliances consume a large portion of your energy, which you can easily cut back on. Alternatively, you could also unplug them when not in use.
Due to low monthly consumption and reasonable prices, southern states experience some of the lowest gas prices, followed by the West Coast. The states with the lowest average gas prices are Florida ($46), Idaho ($50), and Louisiana ($53). The typical gas bill in Nevada and Arizona is also under $60. Additionally, even though most people use gas to cook and heat their homes, average costs may vary because the service provider or a local official may add additional fixed fees or taxes to the bill.
For instance, if your gas-fueled appliances are extremely efficient, the typical gas bill for a one-bedroom apartment will be around $57 per month during the cold season. But keep in mind that weather is a significant factor as well, and that low temperatures in the winter will significantly increase the cost of heating. As a result, a three-bedroom apartment with a high-efficiency furnace and/or water heater can have an average gas bill of around $76. For a three-bedroom rental, however, be prepared to pay more than $85 if your appliances are low- to average-efficiency.
To reduce the cost of your gas bill, start by inspecting the seals on your windows and doors to see if you’re losing any heat. Gas consumption can be decreased by adjusting the temperature, which a smart thermostat can help with. Gas is typically used to heat homes during the winter. Similarly, adapt to wintertime temperature drops, even if they are only a few degrees. The difference will certainly show up on your bill.
Nowadays, an internet connection is a must-have for most households. And now that remote work is more common, it’s more important than ever. However, the average cost of internet access can range from $20 in Idaho to $70 in Alaska. Of course, rates could be even higher depending on the service provider and plan you select.
Similar to this, you can contract for cable TV separately or in a package with other services like internet. However, using streaming services might be less expensive. Alternatively, if you have a fast internet connection, you could forego cable television and only use the online options.
If you want to reduce the cost of your internet bill, a little bit of searching for a special offer can go a long way. First, research your options with various local providers so that you are familiar with market prices. Then, look for any special offers, sign-up bonuses or discounts. Additionally, you can speak with customer service and request a tailored offer. Usually, if you’re willing to commit to their service, they’ll give you a discount.
The typical person uses 85 gallons of water per day, which is divided between the bathtub, toilet, washer, and shower in addition to water for dishwashing, personal hygiene, drinking water, and outdoor use. Several other services related to water and sewer provision, such as the clean water program, the drinking water program, stormwater policies, and more, may also be part of a local bill, even though utilities like water, sewage, or garbage are frequently included in the rent.
Ask your landlord if the water bill is included in the rent before signing the lease. If it’s paid separately, you can expect to pay an average monthly water bill of $41; however, the cost will vary based on where you live. An average monthly sewer bill would cost an additional $58. Additionally, a small fee for garbage collection may be added to your bill, but your rent or other city fees likely already cover this cost.
Water consumption can be easily reduced. Check for leaks in your kitchen or bathroom first, then fix them. Leaky faucets aren’t just noisy and annoying. They’re also a waste of water. Replace your showerhead with an effective model to address this, and while you’re at it, try to take shorter showers.
While this is going on, the washer and dishwasher frequently have an eco-friendly cycle that can help use less water. This allows for the washing of less-maintenance items like clothes and lightly used dishes at lower temperatures for shorter periods of time.
Therefore, take a hypothetical tenant named Tom into account to see how utilities add up. Tom, who resides in Kansas, runs high-efficiency heating equipment in the winter but cranks up the air conditioning in the summer. Tom has three roommates, never cooks, and enjoys taking extraordinarily long showers. Although he has broadband, he does not have a cable TV subscription. If you’re like Tom and his roommates, the total utilities for the apartment will cost you about $471 per month.
However, to get a better idea of how much utilities cost for a specific apartment, in addition to taking into account the average cost of apartment utilities, we also suggest speaking with the landlord or the previous tenants.
New Mexico, Wisconsin, and North Dakota are the states with the lowest overall utility spending. Minnesota, Arkansas, Nevada, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Colorado, Illinois, Vermont, Kansas, Mississippi, and Utah are additional states with reasonably priced utilities. In these states, monthly utility costs average under $400.
On the other hand, in places like West Virginia, Alaska, and Hawaii, the cost of utilities on average can exceed $500. Connecticut, Wyoming, Oregon, California, Maryland, Maine, Missouri, D.C., and Connecticut come in at less than $400/month but are still on the more expensive side of our ranking. C. , South Carolina, Indiana and Massachusetts.
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.
Estimate your monthly water usage
Depending on how much water you use, some utility companies impose a flat fee. More commonly, you’ll pay a certain rate per gallon. When demand is high, like during the hot summer or when there is a drought, the price may rise. Ask your local utility provider how its rate structure works.
According to the EPA, a typical American uses 88 gallons of water per day. Multiply that by the number of people in your household. To estimate how much your monthly water bill will be, multiply that by the service rate charged by your provider and the number of billing days. You can also look back at old bills to see what you usually use and spend.
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When planning your household budget, there are other factors to take into account in addition to the amount of your monthly rent or mortgage payment. Additionally, these additional costs include your utility costs, including your water bill, unless you intend to live completely off the grid. Although the cost of water varies depending on where you live, having a general idea of what to expect to pay will help you set a budget and determine what you can afford. Additionally, it will aid in preventing any unpleasant surprises when you receive your first bill.
The average American family spends at least $2,200 a year on home utility bills, which include electric, water, and gas, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That’s nearly $185 a month that needs to be set aside for utilities, though depending on your usage it could be even higher. (There are quite a few ways though to save on utilities and keep your costs down, especially when it comes to your water bill—more on those later.)
We’ve outlined what you need to know about the typical water bill and how it’s calculated below, so you can see how much money you should plan to spend on water each month. We’ve also provided some sage advice for increasing efficiency in your home so that you can lower both your monthly bill and your environmental impact. Let’s get to it.
Average Water Bill in Charlotte | Cost of Living Charlotte – My Personal Water Bill Info
FAQ
What is the average water bill in New York City?
At $477 per month, New York’s utility costs are the fifth-highest in the country. Natural gas costs $100 on average, while electricity bills are typically $175. Your water bill will be around $40 and 60 mbps internet will cost you $60.
How much is a month worth of water?
The average American water bill is $45. 44 per month. Additionally, Americans use 82 gallons of water per day on average at home. Examining the breakdown of charges on your water bill is the best way to determine how much water you are utilizing.
What is the average water bill in the US?
Cost of the Average Water Bill In the United States, the average water bill is $72. For a family of four using 100 gallons of water per day, the cost per month is $93
How much does water cost in NY?
| Fiscal Year | Period Covered | Water Rate per 100 cf (748 Gals) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 7/1/19-6/30/20 | $3.99 |
| 2019 | 7/1/18-6/30/19 | $3.90 |
| 2018 | 7/1/17-6/30/18 | $3.81 |
| 2017 | 7/1/16-6/30/17 | $3.81 |
Reference:
https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/water-prices-by-state
https://www.moving.com/tips/how-much-does-the-average-water-bill-cost/