💡 Utility Cost Estimator

US averages by home size:

1,000 sqft (apartment/condo):

• Electric: $70-120/mo
• Gas: $20-50/mo
• Water: $30-60/mo
• Internet: $60/mo
• Trash: $25/mo
• Total: $205-315/month

2,000 sqft (average house):

• Electric: $120-200/mo
• Gas: $50-100/mo
• Water: $60-100/mo
• Internet: $70/mo
• Trash: $30/mo
• Total: $330-500/month

3,500+ sqft (large house):

• Electric: $200-400/mo
• Gas: $100-200/mo
• Water: $100-150/mo
• Internet: $80/mo
• Trash: $40/mo
• Total: $520-870/month

Quick wins (free/cheap):

• Thermostat: 68°F winter, 78°F summer = Save $50-100/mo
• LED bulbs: $50 investment = $10-15/mo savings
• Air filter monthly: $2/mo cost = Save $20/mo efficiency
• Seal air leaks: $30 caulk = Save $30-50/mo
• Unplug vampires: Save $10-20/mo

Medium investments ($500-2K):

• Programmable thermostat: $150 = Save $180/year
• Low-flow fixtures: $200 = Save $100/year water
• Attic insulation: $1,500 = Save $400/year
• Weather stripping: $100 = Save $200/year

Big investments ($3K+):

• New HVAC: $8K = Save $100-200/mo
• Solar panels: $20K = Save $100-200/mo
• New windows: $10K = Save $50-100/mo
• Heat pump: $12K = Save $100-150/mo

Top electricity users:

• AC/Heating: 40-50% of bill
• Water heater: 15-20%
• Washer/dryer: 10-15%
• Lighting: 10-12%
• Refrigerator: 7-8%
• Electronics: 5-7%

Common reasons for high bills:

• Poor insulation (AC running constantly)
• Old HVAC (inefficient)
• Air leaks (losing heated/cooled air)
• Old appliances (use 2-3x more energy)
• Pool pump running 24/7
• Electric heat in cold climate
• Mining crypto/running servers

Troubleshooting high bill:

1. Compare to last year same month
2. Check rate increase notification
3. Look for leaks (high usage days)
4. Turn off breakers one by one to find culprit
5. Request energy audit from utility (often free)

Apartments usually cheaper overall but depends:

Apartment advantages:

• Smaller space = less to heat/cool
• Shared walls = insulation from neighbors
• Often newer/more efficient
• Sometimes utilities included in rent
• No lawn watering

House advantages:

• Can invest in efficiency (solar, insulation)
• Control over thermostat
• Can shop utility providers (some areas)

Comparison (2 people):

800 sqft apartment:

• Electric: $60-90
• Gas (if separate): $20-40
• Internet: $60
• Water: $0 (often included)
• Total: $140-190/mo

2,000 sqft house:

• Electric: $130-180
• Gas: $50-80
• Internet: $70
• Water: $70-100
• Trash: $30
• Total: $350-460/mo

Difference: $210-270/month more for house

Typical rental:

• Tenant pays: Electric, gas, internet, sometimes water
• Landlord pays: Property tax, trash (sometimes), water (sometimes), major repairs
• Average renter utilities: $100-200/month

Homeowner pays everything:

• Electric: $100-200
• Gas: $50-100
• Water/sewer: $60-120
• Trash: $30
• Internet: $70
• Plus: Property tax ($300-500/mo), insurance ($100-150/mo)
• Plus: Maintenance reserve ($300-500/mo)
• Total: $1,010-1,640/month all-in costs

The hidden costs first-time buyers forget:

• HOA fees: $50-500/mo
• Lawn care: $100-200/mo
• Pool: $100-150/mo
• Snow removal: $50-100/mo (cold climates)
• Pest control: $40-60/mo

Surprisingly, utilities often increase in retirement:

While working (away 9-10 hours/day):

• Thermostat set higher/lower when gone
• Less water usage (not home)
• Less electricity (lights off, TV off)
• Typical bill: $300/month

Retired (home all day):

• Comfortable temperature 24/7
• More water (more showers, laundry, dishes)
• More electricity (TV, lights, cooking)
• Typical bill: $400-450/month

Increase: $100-150/month = $1,200-1,800/year

Plus rate increases:

• Utilities increase 3-5% annually
• $300/mo today = $540/mo in 20 years at 3%
• Must account for in retirement planning

Retirement utility budget:

• Start with current utilities: $300
• Add usage increase: +$100
• Project to retirement age: $400 × 1.03^years
• Retiring in 20 years: $400 × 1.81 = $724/month

Strategies to control:

• Solar before retirement (locked-in cost)
• Downsize to smaller, efficient home
• Move to moderate climate (less AC/heat)
• Energy-efficient appliances