How Much Do Utilities Cost in an Apartment?

In the US, the average cost of basic utilities, including electricity, gas, and water, is $240 a month. That comes out to $2,880 a year.

Here’s how much you can expect to pay monthly for each basic utility:

• Gas: $30-$50
• Electricity: $103-$191
• Water: $28 - $60

That said, the cost of utilities varies by location and provider. So, you may experience higher or lower rates. For example, you’ll pay much higher water rates in the state of California than you will in any of the states surrounding the Finger Lakes.

Likewise, living in a state with a mild climate like Tennessee means you’ll spend a lot less on heating costs than you would in a state with brutal winters like Minnesota.

Average Apartment Utilities Cost by # of Bedrooms

Utility costs differ depending on the bedroom type. Not surprisingly, utilities are going to be cheaper in a space that has a smaller square footage like a studio or 1-bedroom than a larger space.

Here's how utilities compare by bedroom type:

• The average utility bill for a studio apartment is $114.66
• The average utility bill for a 1-Bedroom apartment is $125.01
• The average utility bill for a 2-Bedroom apartment is $194.60
• The average utility bill for a 3-Bedroom apartment is $257.16
• The average utility bill for a 4-Bedroom apartment is $318.44

How Much is the Average Electricity Bill?

Your electricity bill will likely be the largest portion of your total utility bill, so it’s important to know what you’re paying for. There are two major contributing factors that’ll determine the extent of your electricity bill.

The Size of Your Apartment: The bigger the home the more space you’ll have to heat or cool if those appliances are electric. Consider both your floor space and the height of your ceiling. Both can impact your electric bill total.

The Number of Roommates: This one is pretty self-explanatory. If you have multiple roommates, that means you're using more lights and appliances, and more phones are being charged. Prepare for your electricity bill to be significantly higher if you live with roommates. For a typical one-bedroom apartment with no A/C or heater usage, your electricity bill will likely be around $30-$50.

How to Save Money on My Electricity Bill

The best way to save money on your electricity bill is to target habits and appliances that drive costs up. Fortunately, it’s easy to identify major electricity-drainers, such as A/C usage and continuous light usage.