Cost of Living in Richmond (how much, townhouse, taxes)

[happytravelmi]

My family is moving to Richmond area from Michigan.

We are in the market for a house. I am debating what size of home to purchase.

In Michigan, our house has a living space of almost 4000 sqr feet. We keep the house pretty comfortable all year long. That means 76 degree in the summer and 70 degree in the winter (natural gas).

How much will our electric/natural gas bill be in Virginia?

Lastly, is the water expensive in Virginia?

Thanks

[sls76]

We're paying about $250-$300 to cool a 3,400 sq. ft. house. It's a ten year old home and not particularly energy efficient but has trees providing shade. We keep the house around 78 during the day and 75 at night. Our electric rates just went up about 20%.

I'm guessing our most expensive gas bill will be $350 (this will be our first winter in this home). Natural gas rates are up at least 15% for this winter, but the winters here are somewhat mild (especially compared to MI!).

Water is very reasonable. We pay $50 for a family of 4 w/o irrigation, $100/month w/ irrigation.

[chris_cdn]

Hello sls76,

Is the $250-300 per month in electricity costs? Or per 2 month cycle?

Thanks
Chris

[sls76]

Originally Posted by chris_cdn

Hello sls76,

Is the $250-300 per month in electricity costs? Or per 2 month cycle?

Thanks
Chris

Per month (July and August). We were around $175 for June, but that was before the 20% increase. I'm expecting to be below $200 for September and continue decreasing until we get to around $100 per month for the winter.

[PickPatrick]

Hello !

Utility costs are influenced by so many variables, I think its nearly impossible to give you even a ball park figure. From the comments of many of my clients, I do not sense Richmond area utility cost vary much from other areas.

[ZUMAN]

For what it's worth, my annual average is .0629 per kWh. But for a layman, it's difficult to predict utility costs. My place is total electric and I live alone in a 1450 sq ft. townhouse. Of course, they tack on distribution costs and taxes on top of usage.

[sls76]

We pay over $0.11 / kwh in the summer. I think it's a couple pennies cheaper / kwh in the winter. Dominion Power is our provider.