Understanding Apartment Utility Costs

Today, we want to discuss an important aspect of renting an apartment—the cost of apartment utilities. Whether you’re a first-time renter or an experienced tenant, understanding the cost of utilities is crucial for budgeting and maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.

Why Does Average Utility Cost Matter?

The cost of apartment utilities can greatly impact your monthly budget, as these expenses are in addition to your rent. Knowing the average utility costs in your area can help you plan your finances more effectively and prevent being caught off guard by unexpected expenses. In addition, understanding the various factors that affect utility costs provides valuable insights into lowering these expenses, ultimately saving you money and making your apartment living experience more enjoyable.

What Are Average Utility Costs?

The average utilities for an apartment in Lansing, MI, vary based on the unit’s size, the building’s age, appliance fuel types and efficiency, and individual usage habits. Even so, here are the average monthly costs for basic apartment utilities in the United States:

• Electricity, including air conditioning: $70 to $150 per month (higher in the summer, lower in the winter)
• Natural gas, including home heating: $20 to $40 per month (higher in the winter, lower in the summer)
• Water and sewage: $30 to $50 per month
• Trash and recycling: $10 to $30 per month
• Internet and cable: $100 per month, depending on the services selected
• Monitored home security system: $20 to $100 per month, depending on system complexity and features

Keep in mind that these are general figures intended to give you an idea of what you might pay. The specific costs for your Lansing, MI, apartment may differ.

Utility Costs Are Sometimes Covered by the Landlord

In some cases, landlords cover certain apartment utilities as part of the rental agreement. This could include any of the utilities outlined above, but the services most likely to be covered are water, sewage, trash, and recycling. Review your lease carefully to understand which utilities, if any, are bundled with your rent. Having some or all utilities included offers significant savings and simplifies your budget.

How to Calculate Utilities for an Apartment

To estimate the cost of utilities for your apartment, follow these steps:

• Make a list of all the utilities you’ll need, such as electricity, natural gas, water, sewage, trash, recycling, internet, cable TV, and home security. This is your apartment utilities list.
• Research the average costs for each utility in your area. Feel free to use the national averages listed above as a starting point or ask other tenants what they pay.
• Consider apartment-specific factors that may affect your costs.
• Add up the estimated costs for each utility to get a total monthly expense, knowing that utility bills of $250 to $400 or more are common.

Ways to Lower Your Utility Costs

In general, the key to lowering your utility bills is to cut back on energy use. With a little effort, you can enjoy significant savings each month. Here are a few tips to try:

• Choose energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs to reduce electricity and natural gas consumption.
• Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use to save on electricity costs.
• Install a programmable thermostat to better manage your heating and cooling expenses. Most landlords allow tenants to make this simple upgrade.
• Take shorter showers, fix plumbing leaks, and run full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine to lower your water and water heating bills.
• Seal gaps around windows and doors using weatherstripping to reduce drafts and lower your heating and cooling costs.
• Hang sunlight-blocking curtains on south- and west-facing windows to prevent overworking your air conditioner.
• Replace the HVAC air filter regularly and clean the refrigerator coils to improve the performance of your appliances.
• Cut out unneeded utilities like landlines and cable TV by using alternatives such as cell phones and streaming services.

Rent an Apartment in Lansing, MI

By familiarizing yourself with the average utility costs, identifying which expenses your landlord may cover, and learning how to lower your utility bills, you can make more informed decisions and enjoy a smoother renting experience.

At Westbay Management Company, our goal is to help you find the perfect rental property to call home and ensure your satisfaction throughout your tenancy. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about apartment utilities, leasing options, or the properties available in Lansing, MI, and the surrounding area. To learn more, please contact us at 517-323-9400.