Average Electric Bill for a 1 and 2 Bedroom Apartment

Whether you're moving into your first apartment or looking to manage your household expenses, understanding your monthly electricity costs is key. Often, electricity bills can be the most significant household utility cost, but they're also fairly easy to control and reduce! So how much should you actually expect to pay for electricity in a 1 or 2-bedroom apartment? While the answer depends on several factors—from your location to your lifestyle—this guide will break down what you can typically expect to spend and how you can reduce your costs.

What Is the Average Electric Bill for a 1-Bedroom Apartment?

As a rough estimation, the average electric bill for a 1-bedroom apartment in the U.S. ranges from $60 to $100 per month. However, there are several factors that impact the cost of an electric bill. 

• Location: In warmer climates like Texas or Florida, cooling costs from running an air conditioner spike in summer months. In colder regions, heating can be a major factor that drives up electricity costs.

• Electricity Rates: Location also informs how high or low your electricity rate is. Hawaii, Connecticut, and California have the three highest electricity rates in the United States. Conversely, North Dakota, Idaho, and Nebraska have the lowest rates in the nation.

• Square Footage: Larger apartments typically see higher electricity use and therefore higher costs. Heating and cooling costs are especially impacted by apartment size. 

• Usage Habits: Taking long hot showers, doing frequent loads of laundry, and extensive use of electronics can drive up your electric bill.

• Appliance Efficiency: Older appliances typically consume more electricity whereas newer energy-efficient models consume less.

• Seasonality: Winter and summer months usually see higher utility bills due to heating and air conditioning. More temperate months during the spring and fall typically see lower utility bills.

What Is the Average Electric Bill for a 2-Bedroom Apartment?

A 2-bedroom apartment typically incurs a slightly higher electric bill due to greater usage. The national average falls between $100 and $150 per month. With an additional room, you're likely using more lighting, possibly running an extra TV or computer, and increasing your heating and cooling usage.

Variables That Impact Your Electric Bill [table]

How to Reduce Your Apartment Electric Bill

Here are some energy-saving tips to help keep your utility costs low in your apartment:

Switch to LED Lighting

LED lightbulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last longer. Making the switch can help reduce your electricity usage and lower your bills.

Unplug Devices

Electronics like TVs, game consoles, and microwaves draw power even when turned off. Consider using smart power strips to manage phantom loads and unplug things like chargers when not in use.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

If you control your own thermostat, smart or programmable models can cut your cooling and heating costs by optimizing temperature settings.

Take Advantage of Natural Light

Keep your curtains open during the day to reduce lighting needs and reduce your electricity usage. 

Join a Community Solar Farm

Rooftop solar can be difficult if you live in an apartment but luckily, community solar is open to renters and homeowners alike and doesn’t require any installation. Community solar programs allow you to benefit from solar energy while saving on your electricity bills without any upfront costs.

Why is my bill higher this month?

You don’t need to worry if your bill spikes for a couple of months. There are a number of factors that may cause your bill to fluctuate. 

• Increased number of occupants

• Changes in temperature leading to increased heat or AC use

• Working from home or being away most of the day

• Time of year and local utility rates

If your bill suddenly gets high and doesn't stabilize, you might consider requesting a home energy audit to ensure that everything is running efficiently, and your apartment is properly insulated. You could also invest in energy monitoring tools to better track what is responsible for driving up your costs.

Electricity is a very controllable utility cost, especially in smaller living spaces like 1 and 2-bedroom apartments! When you understand how your habits contribute to your energy costs, you can start applying energy-saving strategies and save on your costs!