When you move into a new home or apartment, one of the biggest “hidden” expenses is your monthly utilities—electricity, gas, and water. Knowing the averages ahead of time helps you set a realistic budget, compare homes properly, and avoid bill shock in your first few months. Whether you’re renting a studio or buying a single-family house, understanding utility averages can make your move smoother and your finances more predictable.
Ready to get moved? Get a FREE quote now
What Are Utilities and Why Do Averages Matter?
Utilities are the essential services that keep your home livable and comfortable. For most households, the core utilities include:
- Electricity – lights, appliances, electronics, AC in many regions
- Natural gas or propane – heating, hot water, cooking (in gas homes)
- Water and sewer – drinking, bathing, washing, flushing
Some people also count trash/recycling, internet, and sometimes heating oil as utilities. In this article, we’ll focus on the big three: electric, gas, and water. Averages matter because they give you a baseline for:
- Budgeting: Planning your monthly living costs before you sign a lease or mortgage.
- Comparing homes: A cheaper rent might be offset by higher utilities.
- Negotiating: Asking landlords what’s included and what’s separate.
- Choosing energy-efficient options: Appliances, insulation, and home features that lower bills.
National Average Utility Costs: Fast Overview
Actual utility prices vary by state, city, building type, season, and usage. But you can use national averages as a starting point. Typical ranges (for a “normal” usage household) are:
| Utility | Average Monthly Cost (Apartment) | Average Monthly Cost (House) | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $60 – $120 | $100 – $200+ | Size, climate, AC use, rate per kWh |
| Natural Gas | $25 – $60 | $50 – $120+ | Heating, hot water, winter temps |
| Water & Sewer | $30 – $70 | $40 – $100+ | Local rates, irrigation, number of people |
| Total (core utilities) | $115 – $250 | $190 – $420+ | Location + home efficiency + habits |
Think of these as ranges, not guarantees. The best way to get a realistic number is to estimate based on the home, the region, and your own lifestyle—which we’ll cover in detail below.
Average Electric Bill: What Drives the Cost?
Electricity is usually the largest and most variable utility bill, especially if your heating or cooling runs on electric power. Your bill is generally calculated based on:
- Usage (kWh): How many kilowatt-hours you consume.
- Rate per kWh: What your utility company charges per unit (varies widely by state and provider).
- Fees & taxes: Service, delivery, and local charges.
Typical Monthly Electric Bill Averages
Across the U.S., many households see:
- Small apartment (studio/1 bed): $50 – $90 per month
- Medium apartment (2–3 bed): $80 – $130 per month
- Small house (1,000–1,800 sq ft): $100 – $160 per month
- Larger house (1,800–3,000+ sq ft): $150 – $250+ per month
These numbers can spike in very hot or very cold regions, especially if you rely on electric heat or central AC.
Factors That Make Electric Bills Higher or Lower
- Climate: Hot summers (heavy AC) or cold winters (electric heat) mean higher usage.
- Home size & layout: More square footage = more space to heat, cool, and light.
- Appliances: Old fridges, freezers, electric dryers, and inefficient lighting drive bills up.
- Number of people: More people = more laundry, dishes, showers, and device charging.
- Work-from-home: Being home all day increases lights, electronics, and HVAC use.
Quick Tips to Reduce Electric Costs After You Move
- Swap to LED bulbs throughout your home.
- Use a programmable or smart thermostat to avoid heating/cooling an empty home.
- Unplug rarely used electronics or use a smart power strip.
- Run full loads of laundry and dishes on energy-saving cycles.
- Close blinds or curtains on very hot or very cold days to reduce AC/heating needs.
Average Gas Bill: Heating, Hot Water, and Cooking
If your home uses natural gas or propane, you’ll typically see those charges on a separate bill. Gas is often used for:
- Furnace / home heating
- Water heater
- Gas stove or oven
- Gas dryer (in some homes)
Typical Monthly Gas Bill Averages
Gas bills tend to be very seasonal:
- Warm months (little to no heating): $15 – $40 for many apartments; $20 – $50 for houses
- Cold months (active heating): $50 – $100 for apartments; $80 – $200+ for houses in cold climates
Over a full year, many households average around:
- Apartments: $25 – $60 per month (annual average)
- Houses: $50 – $120+ per month (annual average)
What Affects Your Gas Bill Most?
- Climate & winter lows: Colder regions use more gas for heating.
- Insulation & windows: Poor insulation means heat escapes and your furnace runs more often.
- Thermostat settings: Every degree higher in winter can add noticeable cost.
- Water heater efficiency: Older or oversized heaters can waste gas.
- Cooking habits: Gas cooking uses some energy, but it’s usually a smaller part of the bill compared to heating.
How to Manage and Lower Your Gas Bill
- In winter, keep the thermostat at 68°F (20°C) or lower when home, and lower at night.
- Seal drafts around doors and windows with weatherstripping.
- Use thick curtains over windows in very cold climates.
- Set your water heater to around 120°F (49°C) to avoid overheating water.
- Schedule annual furnace maintenance for efficiency and safety.
Average Water Bill: Usage, Sewer, and Local Rates
Water and sewer costs are influenced heavily by your local utility rates and how much water you use. A typical water bill will cover:
- Water consumption: Based on gallons or cubic feet used.
- Sewer charges: Often tied to your water consumption.
- Fixed fees: Service or base charges that apply every month.
Typical Monthly Water & Sewer Bill Averages
- Single person in a small apartment: $25 – $45 per month
- Couple in an apartment: $35 – $60 per month
- Family in a house (3–4 people): $50 – $100+ per month
In areas with high water prices, large yards, or frequent irrigation, bills can be higher, especially in summer.
Key Drivers of Your Water Bill
- Number of occupants: More showers, laundry, and dishwashing.
- Lawn & garden watering: Irrigation can dramatically increase usage.
- Appliance efficiency: Older toilets, showerheads, and washing machines use more water.
- Local drought policies: Some regions have tiered pricing that penalizes high usage.
Practical Ways to Cut Water Costs
- Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.
- Fix leaky toilets or faucets quickly—small drips add up fast.
- Run only full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine.
- Water lawns in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.
- Choose drought-tolerant landscaping if you’re responsible for the yard.
Apartment vs House: How Utility Averages Compare
One common question when moving is: “Will my utilities go up if I move from an apartment to a house?” In many cases, yes—because of extra space and sometimes less efficient construction. Here’s a side-by-side overview of typical ranges:
| Type of Home | Electricity | Gas | Water & Sewer | Estimated Total (Core) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bed Apartment | $50 – $90 | $20 – $40 (avg) | $25 – $45 | $95 – $175 |
| 2–3 Bed Apartment | $80 – $130 | $25 – $60 (avg) | $35 – $60 | $140 – $250 |
| Small House (1,000–1,800 sq ft) | $100 – $160 | $50 – $100 (avg) | $40 – $80 | $190 – $340 |
| Larger House (1,800–3,000+ sq ft) | $150 – $250+ | $80 – $150+ (avg) | $50 – $100+ | $280 – $500+ |
These are general ranges and can shift up or down based on location, building age, and what utilities are included in rent or HOA dues.
How to Estimate Your Utilities Before You Move
Instead of guessing, you can build a much more accurate estimate by gathering a few key pieces of information. This is especially useful when comparing multiple rentals or homes for sale.
1. Ask for Past Utility Averages
- Ask the landlord, property manager, or seller for a 12-month average of electric, gas, and water bills.
- Some utility companies will share historic usage for the property (not names) if you ask.
- Look for seasonal swings—winter heating or summer AC spikes.
2. Call Local Utility Providers
Once you have the address, you can:
- Call the electric and gas companies and ask for average usage (kWh/therms) and average bills for a typical household in that home size.
- Ask about current rates, fees, and any time-of-use pricing (higher rates at certain hours).
- Check if there are budget billing plans that smooth costs over the year.
3. Use Online Utility Calculators
Many utility providers and energy agencies offer calculators where you can input:
- Square footage
- Number of occupants
- Type of heating/cooling
- Appliance types and usage habits
These tools can give you a reasonable ballpark before you commit to a new place.
4. Factor in Your Lifestyle
Past utility averages for a property assume “typical” behavior. If you:
- Work from home full-time
- Take long daily showers
- Run multiple gaming consoles or high-end PCs
- Do laundry often (kids, sports, etc.)
…your actual bills may be higher than the last resident’s. Add a buffer (10–25%) if you know you’ll use more energy or water than average.
Setting Up Utilities When You Move
Planning your utility setup ahead of time keeps you from spending your first night in a dark, cold (or hot) home. Here’s a simple process:
1. Make a Utility Checklist
For your new address, list all services you’ll need:
- Electricity
- Natural gas or propane (if applicable)
- Water & sewer (sometimes set up by landlord or city)
- Trash & recycling
- Internet, cable, or streaming services
2. Contact Providers 1–2 Weeks Before Move-In
- Schedule start dates for the day you get your keys or the day before.
- Ask if a deposit is required (sometimes waived with good credit or prior history).
- Confirm whether someone needs to be present for meter reading or activation.
3. Take Move-In Meter Photos
On move-in day:
- Locate your electric, gas, and water meters.
- Take clear, timestamped photos of the readings.
- Keep them in case of billing disputes about your start usage.
4. Ask What’s Included in Rent or HOA
Some apartments and condos include certain utilities. Common arrangements:
- Landlord pays water/trash, tenant pays electric and gas.
- All utilities included in rent (often with higher rent).
- Shared water/sewer billed proportionally based on unit size or occupants.
Get clarity in writing so you know exactly what you’re responsible for.
Sample Monthly Budget Scenarios for Utilities
To help you plan more confidently, here are sample monthly utility budgets in different situations. These are examples, not guarantees, but they’re useful for rough planning.
Scenario 1: Single Person in a 1-Bedroom Apartment (Mild Climate)
- Electricity: $60
- Gas: $25
- Water & Sewer: $35
- Total estimated utilities: $120 per month
Scenario 2: Couple in a 2-Bedroom Apartment (Hot Summers)
- Electricity: $110 (AC used often in summer)
- Gas: $35
- Water & Sewer: $45
- Total estimated utilities: $190 per month
Scenario 3: Family of Four in a 2,000 sq ft House (Cold Winters)
- Electricity: $140
- Gas: $120 (heavy heating in winter)
- Water & Sewer: $70
- Total estimated utilities: $330 per month (annual average, with higher winter peaks)
Scenario 4: Remote Worker in a Small House (Year-Round AC/Heating Use)
- Electricity: $160
- Gas: $70
- Water & Sewer: $60
- Total estimated utilities: $290 per month
Utility Costs and Moving: Why Planning Ahead Matters
When you’re planning a move, it’s easy to focus only on rent or mortgage payments and forget how much utilities can change your total cost of living. Two homes with similar monthly payments can feel very different after you add electric, gas, and water.
How Utility Averages Can Influence Your Housing Choice
- Older vs newer buildings: Newer homes often have better insulation and more efficient systems, lowering utilities.
- All-electric vs gas+electric: All-electric homes may have higher electric bills but no gas bill.
- In-unit laundry vs shared: Convenient, but adds to electric, gas, and water usage.
- Yard size: A big lawn might be appealing but can increase water costs.
When comparing places, consider the total monthly cost: rent/mortgage + average utilities + any HOAs or fees. This gives you a clearer picture of what you’ll actually spend each month.
Make Your Move Smoother with Professional Help
Coordinating utility setup, packing, and moving day logistics can feel overwhelming. Partnering with a reliable moving company means you can focus on important tasks like calling utility providers, changing your address, and planning your new budget, while professionals handle the heavy lifting.
If you’re planning a move and want it to be as organized and stress-free as possible, consider reaching out to United Local Movers. Their experienced team can help you plan timelines, protect your belongings, and get you settled into your new place faster—so you can start monitoring and managing your new utility bills without added chaos. Visit https://unitedlocalmovers.com to request a quote and coordinate your next move with confidence.
Smart Habits for Keeping Utility Bills Under Control
Once you’re in your new home, your daily habits will have a huge impact on what you actually pay each month. Small changes can add up to noticeable savings over the course of a year.
Energy-Saving Checklist
- Set thermostats to reasonable temperatures (not extremes).
- Use ceiling fans to circulate air so you can raise the thermostat a bit in summer.
- Close vents in rarely used rooms (if your system allows it safely).
- Switch off lights when leaving rooms.
- Turn off computers and gaming systems when not in use.
Water-Wise Habits
- Shorten showers by a few minutes.
- Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or scrubbing dishes.
- Use a dishwasher instead of hand-washing when possible—it often uses less water.
- Check for hidden leaks if you notice a sudden spike in your water bill.
Monitor and Adjust
- Track your bills for the first 3–6 months after moving.
- Compare summer vs winter bills to understand your seasonal patterns.
- Adjust your thermostat, watering schedule, and appliance usage based on what you learn.
Key Takeaways: Planning for Electric, Gas, and Water Averages
Utility averages don’t have to be a mystery. By understanding what typical electric, gas, and water bills look like—and how they change with climate, home size, and your habits—you can:
- Create a realistic monthly budget before you move.
- Choose homes or apartments with your true cost of living in mind.
- Set up utilities smoothly so you’re comfortable from day one.
- Adopt smart habits that keep your bills manageable all year long.
Moving into a new home is the perfect time to reset how you think about utilities. With a clear plan, a thoughtful budget, and a reliable moving company on your side, you’ll be ready to enjoy your new space without worrying about surprise bills.
