Electricity and other utilities are a sizable part of anyone’s monthly housing costs, but are seldom factored into the cost of living when moving to a new home. The cost of utilities for renters and homeowners alike has skyrocketed in recent years (in tandem with rent prices), with the average American spending about 10% of their annual household income on utilities. Along with transportation costs, food prices, and property taxes for homeowners, the cost of big-city living can really add up.
Utility costs vary based on where you live, and are also impacted by other factors, such as the time of year and your home’s energy efficiency. Some of these factors are within your control–such as by adjusting your family’s energy use habits or investing in a greener home.
If you’re moving to Houston, Texas in the near future, you might be wondering what your monthly utility cost might look like, especially compared to other Texas cities,or the U.S. overall.
Below is everything future Texans need to know about the average monthly cost of utilities for a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Houston.
Key Takeaways
- The average cost of a monthly utility bill in Houston, Texas is $515.70.
- Many factors can affect your utility bill, such as the time of year, the size of your home, and local power grid infrastructure.
- You have the power to keep your utility bill in check by making small changes, such as investing in energy-efficient appliances or changing your cable and Internet plan.
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How Much Do Utilities Cost Per Month in Houston,TX?
Below is a breakdown of the average cost of each monthly utility in Houston, Texas.
| Utility | Average Cost |
| Electricity bill | $148.00 |
| Natural Gas bill | $114.70 |
| Cable/Internet bill | $85 cable + $60 Internet |
| Water bill (Includes Sewer & Trash service) | $108.00 |
| Total average utility bill | $515.70 |
What Other Factors Will Impact the Cost of My Utilities?
A variety of factors may affect the cost of your monthly utility bill. For instance, the age and size of your home or apartment can have an impact, as newer homes tend to be more energy-efficient and larger homes require more energy to power.
The number of people in your household consuming electricity will also be reflected in your bill. The time of year is a factor as well.During peak demand (i.e. during the summer when ACs are blasting), bills may spike. Grid infrastructure may affect your bill’s fluctuation, especially in Texas (the only continental U.S. state with its own power grid), where grid hiccups are a bit more common.
Certain utilities may even affect one another–for instance, the use of natural gas for electricity generation can lower electricity rates, but the varying availability and cost of natural gas can bring those costs back up.
What Are Some Pointers for Saving Money on Utilities?
If you’re frustrated with the cost of your monthly utility bill, there are small swaps you can make yourself that may bring those costs down. Investing in energy-efficient light bulbs, appliances, and windows will help you cut down on the amount of power you’re expending without altering your daily habits.
Alternatively, you can monitor your habits and make small changes where necessary. Unplug appliances when they’re not needed, only run the dishwasher or washing machine when it’s full, and ensure that your cable or Internet plan best matches your family’s TV and Internet use habits.
A programmable thermostat can work similarly, making small changes to the temperature in your home during times that you’re unlikely to even notice (i.e. the middle of the night). Keeping your air vents open, sealing any air leaks in your doors and windows, and changing your air filters regularly can help your AC or furnace not have to work as hard.