Average Utility Bill for a 1-Bedroom Apartment by State (2026)

A typical 1-bedroom apartment uses 500-750 kWh per month, depending on climate, insulation, and appliance efficiency. At the 2025 national average residential rate of 16.6 cents per kWh, that puts monthly electric bills between $83 and $125.^[1]

This is lower than the overall U.S. household average of $147/month because apartments are smaller, share walls (better insulation), and often use gas for heating and cooking.

The range is wide because a 1-bedroom in Houston with electric AC running May through October costs far more than a 1-bedroom in Portland with mild summers. Location is the single biggest variable.

Your actual cost = monthly kWh usage x your rate per kWh + fixed charges. Knowing both numbers lets you budget accurately.

Rates and climate drive major differences across states.

Texas: $85-$130/month. Hot summers mean AC dominates. Average rate: 13-15 cents/kWh. Usage spikes to 900+ kWh in July-August.

Ohio: $65-$95/month. Moderate climate, many apartments use gas heat. Average rate: 11-13 cents/kWh. Summer AC adds $20-30/month.

Pennsylvania: $70-$110/month. Varies by utility—PECO territory is higher than PPL. Average rate: 13-17 cents/kWh.

Massachusetts: $95-$150/month. Highest rates in the country at 25-29 cents/kWh, but usage is moderate. Electric heating in winter can push bills above $200.

These ranges assume gas heating. If your apartment has electric baseboard or resistance heating, winter bills can double or triple these estimates.^[2]

In a 1-bedroom apartment, a handful of items consume most of the electricity.

Air conditioning: 30-50% of summer bills. A window unit uses 500-1,400 watts. Central AC is more efficient but runs longer in larger buildings.

Electric heating: 40-60% of winter bills (if applicable). Baseboard heaters are energy hogs—1,500 watts each.

Refrigerator: 8-12% year-round. Runs 24/7. Older models use twice the electricity of new Energy Star units.

Water heater: 10-15% (if electric). A 50-gallon tank draws 4,500 watts.

Lighting and electronics: 10-15%. LED bulbs have cut lighting costs by 75% compared to incandescent. But TVs, gaming consoles, and always-on devices add up.

If your bill seems high, check whether your apartment has electric water heating or baseboard heat—these are usually the hidden drivers.

Switch suppliers. In Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, shopping for a lower supply rate on ElectricRates.org can cut 10-20% off your bill immediately. Takes 5 minutes.

Use a smart thermostat. Even a basic programmable thermostat saves $50-100/year by reducing AC and heating when you are away or sleeping.

Seal windows. Apartments lose significant energy through drafty windows. Weatherstripping costs $5-10 per window and pays for itself in one month.

Switch to LEDs. If your apartment still has any incandescent bulbs, swap them. A 10-watt LED replaces a 60-watt incandescent.

Unplug chargers and idle electronics. Phantom power draw adds $5-10/month across all devices. A power strip with an on/off switch makes this easy.

Electricity is typically the largest utility bill, but it is not the only one.

Average monthly utilities for a 1-bedroom apartment:

- Electricity: $65-$125
- Gas (heating/cooking): $30-$60 (if applicable)
- Water/sewer: $25-$50 (often included in rent)
- Trash: $15-$30 (often included in rent)
- Internet: $50-$80

Total: $185-$345/month if you pay everything separately.

Many apartments include water, sewer, and trash in rent. Some include gas. All-utilities-included apartments factor these costs into higher rent—you are still paying, just indirectly.

When comparing apartments, always calculate the rent + utilities total. A cheaper apartment with electric baseboard heating can cost more overall than a pricier unit with gas heat and better insulation.

Expect your electric bill to swing 30-50% between seasons in most regions.

Summer (June-September): Peak electricity costs. AC drives usage up 200-400 kWh above baseline. Texas apartments see the biggest summer spikes—$150+ months are common.

Winter (December-March): If you have electric heat, winter is your peak season. Massachusetts apartments with electric baseboard heating can see $200+ bills in January. Gas-heated apartments stay relatively flat.

Spring and Fall (April-May, October-November): Your cheapest months. No heating or cooling needed. A 1-bedroom might use just 400-500 kWh. Bills of $50-70 are common in mild climates.

Budget for the peak months, not the average. Set aside $20/month extra during mild months to cover summer or winter spikes. Or ask your utility about budget billing, which averages your annual cost into equal monthly payments.