The cost of electricity and utilities are often overlooked when moving to a new home, but they can account for a significant amount of your monthly expenses. According to the U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics, the average American household spends $4,223 per year on utilities, so it’s crucial to keep an eye on your monthly bills and make adjustments where necessary.
If you’re moving to Dallas, Texas in the near future, you might be wondering what the average monthly cost looks like for utilities such as electricity, water, and natural gas (especially compared to other Lone Star state big cities like Austin or Houston).
Below is a breakdown of everything you need to know before settling into your Dallas home.
Key Takeaways
- The average total monthly cost of utilities for a single adult in a one-bedroom apartment in Dallas, Texas is $371.52.
- Several factors may impact the cost of your monthly utility bill as a Dallas resident, from the time of year to the age of your house.
- There are small but effective changes you can make to your daily habits in order to keep your monthly utilities bill within your budget, such as investing in energy-efficient appliances and monitoring your cable and Internet use.
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How Much Do Utilities Cost Per Month in Dallas, Texas?
Below is a breakdown of the average cost of each monthly utility in Dallas, Texas.
| Utility | Average Cost |
| Electricity bill | $146.55 |
| Natural Gas bill | $114.06 |
| Cable/Internet bill | $85 cable + $60 Internet |
| Water bill (includes sewer & trash service) | $104 |
| Total average utility bill | $509.61 |
What Other Factors Will Impact the Cost of My Utilities?
Your average monthly utility cost as a Texan may vary due to a variety of factors. For instance, certain times of year bring peak demand for resources like electricity (i.e. those summer days when ACs are blasting).
Your cable and Internet bill may vary depending on what’s included in your monthly plan. Climate change, natural disasters, and changes in grid infrastructure may affect the cost of utilities (especially in Texas, the only continental U.S. state with its own power grid).
The age and size of your home may also affect electricity costs, as newer buildings are typically more energy efficient and smaller homes typically require less power. The number of people in your household will impact cost, as well. More devices using the Wifi, more rooms with the lights and AC on, more running water can all add up and be reflected in your monthly bill.
Certain utilities may even affect one another. For instance, using natural gas for electricity generation can lower the cost of electricity, but the varying availability and cost of natural gas can cause electricity prices to spike.
What Are Some Pointers for Saving Money on Utilities?
If you’re looking to save on your monthly utility bill, there are some small changes you can make that will have a big impact. For instance, investing in updated, energy-efficient windows, lightbulbs, and appliances can dramatically decrease the amount of electricity you’re using on a daily basis.
You can also cut down on the amount of energy expended by your furnace or AC by:
- Keeping your air vents open
- Sealing any air leaks in your doors and windows
- Changing your air filters regularly
Try using a programmable thermostat to make small changes to the temperature in your home at certain times during the day.
In addition, be sure to monitor your cable and Internet use to ensure you’re on a plan that makes sense for your family. Finally, make a plan to use appliances wisely in order to cut down on your energy bill. Turn off the lights when you leave a room, unplug “vampire” appliances when they’re not being used, and only run the dishwasher or washing machine when it’s full.
See Also: How Are Electricity Rates in Texas Determined?