Curious about your average electric bill for 1 bedroom apartment in 2025? When it comes to apartment electricity, your power bills come right after rent as the biggest chunk of monthly expenses. Texas residents now pay an average of $170.63 per month in 2025, up a bit from $165.94 in 2024. But a one-bedroom apartment dweller can expect to pay nowhere near that much – just about $74.45 monthly for their apartment utilities. Understanding how much are utilities for an apartment is crucial for effective budgeting. You need to know your apartment’s average electric costs to budget well and cut costs where possible. Your apartment’s size plays a big role in power costs. Small units usually cost $60 to $90 each month, while mid-sized places with 1-2 bedrooms run between $80 and $120. Your location makes a difference too, along with seasonal shifts and your daily power habits. This piece shows you the hidden costs behind your 1-bedroom apartment’s energy use and ways to reduce electric bill.
Key Factors That Affect Your Electric Bill
Learning about your average electric bill for 1 bedroom apartment costs helps you make better money decisions. Your monthly payments depend on several things beyond just how big your place is. Understanding these factors can help you learn how to save money on electric bill.
Apartment size and layout
The size of your living space affects how much electricity you use. A typical 1-bedroom apartment (around 750 square feet) uses between 500-750 kilowatt-hours (kWh) each month [1]. Your apartment’s layout makes a difference too. Open floor plans help spread heating and cooling evenly. Poorly designed spaces create hot and cold spots that make your HVAC system work extra hard, especially in rough weather [2]. Energy-saving features like weather-stripping can significantly impact your electric bill costs.
Location and climate zone
Where you live plays a huge role in your electric costs. Electricity rates aren’t the same everywhere—in 2022, people paid anywhere from 39.85¢ per kWh in Hawaii to just 8.24¢ per kWh in Wyoming [3]. The weather in your area matters just as much. Places with extreme temperatures need more energy to stay comfortable. Summer cooling often costs more than what you save on heating in winter [4]. Climate change will push energy costs up by 10-22% in the coming years, according to economists [4]. These location factors significantly influence how much is electricity per month in an apartment.
Energy habits and daily routines
What you do each day changes how much power you use. Working from home means you can’t save energy by turning down the heat or air conditioning while you’re gone [5]. Leaving devices plugged in creates “phantom power” drain—standby mode eats up about 10% of your home’s electricity [6]. Using appliances during busy times (usually mornings and evenings) costs extra because rates peak then [6]. Personal habits play a crucial role in determining your average apartment electric bill.
Appliance efficiency and age
Old appliances can really drive up your monthly bills. Anything over 10 years old probably needs replacing [6]. A new fridge with a good Energy Star rating could save you $144 over five years compared to an old one [6]. ENERGY STAR appliances use half the power of older models [6], significantly improving your apartment’s energy efficiency.
Electricity provider and plan type
Your power company and rate plan can make a big difference in what you pay. Markets with competition give you choices between different pricing deals [1]. Fixed charges hit low-usage customers harder, and studies show that people with lower incomes tend to use less electricity [7]. You might save money with time-based pricing if you can run power-hungry appliances like air conditioning when rates are low [4]. Comparing utility providers can be an effective strategy for how to lower electric bill in apartment.
Average Utility Bill for 1 Bedroom Apartment in 2025
The average electric bill for 1 bedroom apartment is still a major budget item to plan for in 2025. Heating and cooling make up about 50% of your electricity usage [8]. You need to understand these costs to plan your finances better and find ways to save money on electric bill.
Typical monthly range: $70–$110
Most 1-bedroom apartment electric bills across the country run between $60 and $100 each month [9]. Your location plays a big role in the cost. New York residents pay between $70 and $100 monthly, while Seattle residents enjoy lower rates around $60 [10]. Houston residents face higher bills that average $147 monthly [10].
A 1-bedroom apartment uses between 500-750 kWh of electricity monthly [9]. This means about 20-30 kWh each day [8]. The total utility bill (with all services included) averages around $125 per month [8]. This gives you an idea of how much are utilities for an apartment.
Impact of summer and winter spikes
Your electricity costs change a lot with the seasons. Hot and cold weather makes heating and cooling systems work harder, which leads to higher bills in summer and winter months [11]. This seasonal demand can significantly impact your average apartment electric bill.
Places with hot summers like Texas or Florida see cooling costs jump when air conditioning runs non-stop [9]. To name just one example, Florida’s 1-bedroom apartments average $131 monthly for electricity, while Texas residents pay about $132 [5]. Bills usually drop during spring and fall as heating and cooling systems don’t run as much [9]. So, planning for these expected changes helps you avoid surprise costs throughout the year.
Comparison with 2-bedroom and studio units
The size of your apartment relates directly to how much electricity you use and pay for. Here’s how different units stack up:
| Apartment Type | Monthly Electric Usage | Average Monthly Bill |
| Studio | 300-500 kWh | $50-$80 |
| 1-Bedroom | 500-750 kWh | $60-$100 |
| 2-Bedroom | 650-1,000 kWh | $100-$150 |
| 3-Bedroom | 800-1,100 kWh | $120-$200 |
Extra people in your apartment raise the bills by a lot. A 1-bedroom apartment’s bill typically jumps from $60 to $66 when two people live there instead of one [8]. The average electricity bill for 2 person household in a 1-bedroom apartment can be slightly higher due to increased usage. The average electric bill for 2 bedroom apartment in Pennsylvania is about $113 monthly, while Georgia residents pay around $132 [5].
8 Hidden Costs You Might Be Overlooking
Your average electric bill for 1 bedroom apartment has several hidden charges beyond your simple electricity usage. You need to understand these costs to reduce your monthly expenses and learn how to save money on utilities in an apartment.
- Utility base fees
Your bill shows fixed charges that you’ll pay no matter how much electricity you use. The customer charges cover administrative costs such as billing and customer support [14]. You’ll still need to pay this fee even if you don’t use any energy during a billing period.
- Per kWh delivery charges
The delivery charges help pay for infrastructure, maintenance, and power transportation services to your home [15]. These fees change monthly based on your usage and can make up almost half your total bill [16]. The charges support the complete power delivery system, not just transportation costs [15].
- Metering and service fees
These charges cover the simple expenses of electric metering services [14]. Your meter’s installation, testing, maintenance and readings all fall under these costs [16]. While each charge seems small, they build up over time.
- Taxes and regulatory charges
Your electric bill has various taxes and regulatory fees that include state electricity excise tax, municipal taxes, and environmental compliance costs [14]. Studies show that taxes consume about twenty cents of every dollar spent on electricity [2]. These fees support local services and renewable energy projects.
- Phantom load from electronics
Your plugged-in devices use power even when they’re off. This “phantom power” might add up to 10% of your home’s energy costs [1]. Entertainment devices like gaming consoles and cable boxes waste the most power [17]. A laptop charger left plugged in all year costs about $6 [17]. Using power strips can help manage these phantom loads and reduce your electric bill costs.
- Shared building energy costs
Apartment buildings often split some utility expenses among tenants. The water bills might get divided by the number of residents [18]. Buildings that have central heating and cooling systems usually distribute costs based on square footage or how many people live there [19]. This is an important aspect of how utilities work in apartments.
- Inefficient HVAC systems
Old heating and cooling systems use substantially more energy than new models. These inefficient units raise your electric bill and make your home less comfortable [20]. Systems that work harder because of age or poor maintenance break down faster and need pricey repairs [20]. Proper insulation and regular maintenance of your air conditioning can significantly reduce these costs.
- Outdated lighting fixtures
Lighting makes up about 15% of a typical home’s electricity use [21]. LED light bulbs can cut your lighting energy use by up to 90% compared to incandescent ones [21]. LEDs cost more upfront but save money through their long life and better efficiency [21].
Compare Electric Plans to Save More
You can reduce your average electric bill for 1 bedroom apartment by choosing the right electricity plan. Texas residents with deregulated markets could save hundreds of dollars each year by shopping around [4].
How to shop electricity plans in Texas
Start by collecting your current electricity usage data. Most 1-bedroom apartments consume less than 1,000 kWh monthly [4]. The Public Utility Commission’s official Power to Choose website makes comparison shopping easy [22]. You just need to enter your zip code to see all available plans [22]. The key factors to consider are:
- Monthly base charges that could offset savings from lower rates [4]
- Contract terms and early termination fees [23]
- Plan pricing at your specific usage level [24]
The Electricity Facts Label (EFL) for each plan shows essential information about pricing, contract length, and termination fees [4].
Understanding fixed vs variable rates
Fixed-rate plans keep the same per-kilowatt-hour price throughout your contract. This helps you predict your budget more easily [6]. Your monthly bill changes based on usage, but the rate stays the same whatever the market does [6].
Variable-rate plans work differently. The rates adjust monthly based on market conditions [6]. These plans run month-to-month without long-term commitments [6]. They might save you money during market dips but could cost more during high-demand periods [25].
Using Ambit Energy rate table to compare
Here’s Ambit Energy’s recent variable rate history that shows market trends:
| Month/Year | TSC Variable Rate (Oncor) |
| 01-06/2025 | 15.50¢ per kWh |
| 12/2024 | 15.50¢ per kWh |
| 11/2024 | 15.50¢ per kWh |
| 10/2024 | 15.50¢ per kWh |
| 09/2024 | 15.26¢ per kWh |
| 08/2024 | 14.90¢ per kWh |
Based on 2,000 kWh usage [26]
When to switch providers for best savings
Check your current contract before making any changes. Early termination fees could wipe out potential savings [27]. You should calculate if a new plan’s savings make up for switching costs. Try to line up your electricity contracts with lease terms if possible [4]. Switching providers is straightforward. Enter your zip code, compare providers, and complete the signup process. Your service continues without interruption [28]. The new rate usually starts within 1-2 billing cycles [28].
Conclusion
Take Control of Your Electric Costs
Knowing your average electric bill for 1 1-bedroom apartment helps you make smarter money decisions. Most 1-bedroom apartments cost between $70-$110 each month for electricity. These prices change a lot based on where you live, the time of year, and how you use power.
On top of that, utility base fees, phantom loads, and inefficient appliances quietly eat away at your budget monthly. These often-missed costs can add up to hundreds of dollars each year.
Smart power management makes perfect sense for your wallet. You can cut your monthly bills by unplugging electronics you’re not using, switching to LED light bulbs, and keeping your HVAC system in good shape. Installing ceiling fans and improving insulation can also help reduce your reliance on air conditioning. These energy-saving habits can significantly lower your electric bill in an apartment.
People living in deregulated markets should look at different electricity providers once a year. The Ambit Energy rate table shows prices stay pretty steady, but shopping around could save you 10-15% on your power bill.
Note that your bills will change with the seasons whatever steps you take to save. So it’s smart to budget extra for those summer and winter peaks to avoid any money surprises.
The insights from this piece will help you understand your electric bills better and give you ways to reduce electric bill. Every dollar you save on utilities becomes money you can use for other things that matter to you. Consider conducting an energy audit to identify more ways to improve your apartment’s energy efficiency and reduce your overall electricity costs. Understanding what utilities are in an apartment and how they work can help you make informed decisions about your energy usage and costs.
FAQs
Q1. What’s the typical electric bill range for a 1-bedroom apartment in 2025?
The average electric bill for a 1-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $70 to $110 per month. However, this can vary based on factors like location, climate, and personal energy habits.
Q2. How does apartment size affect electricity consumption?
Apartment size directly correlates with electricity usage. A 1-bedroom apartment generally consumes between 500-750 kWh monthly, while studios use less (300-500 kWh) and 2-bedroom units use more (650-1,000 kWh).
Q3. What are some hidden costs in apartment electric bills?
Hidden costs can include utility base fees, per kWh delivery charges, metering fees, taxes, phantom power from electronics, shared building energy costs, inefficient HVAC systems, and outdated lighting fixtures.
Q4. How can I reduce my apartment’s electric bill?
You can lower your bill by unplugging electronics when not in use, upgrading to LED lighting, maintaining your HVAC system, using energy-efficient appliances, and comparing electricity providers annually if you live in a deregulated market. Using smart thermostats and adjusting thermostat settings can also help in how to lower electric bill in apartment.
Q5. Do seasonal changes impact apartment electric bills?
Yes, seasonal changes significantly affect electricity costs. Bills typically spike during summer and winter due to increased heating and cooling needs, while spring and fall months usually see lower costs due to milder temperatures.
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