Spokane info needed before move from Seattle (apartment, rent)

[marcidorfner]

I want to move from Seattle to Spokane for a calmer lifestyle, but have been told that utility costs (hot water/electricity, etc.) are brutal during the winter.
Could someone please tell me an approximation of heating costs for an approximately 700 SF/ 1 or 2 bd apartment?
Many thanks in advance

[vette-dude]

I own a home, but to get the answer from the "horse's mouth" contact the Spokane utility company, Avista @ Phone: 1-800-227-9187. They will give you an estimate with a close winter figure for the size place you are asking of. This winter may be alittle higher, most snow in our city in over 50 years....Good Luck...

I love the atmosphere here, originally from the west side of the state, it's a big city , but with a small city atmosphere, and most seem caring and friendly.... If I can further help, send a pm...

[marcidorfner]

Your consideration in taking time to help a stranger ...is another reason I want to move east...Everyone I met while on vacation there last summer were friendly and helpful also.

Thanks

[natman]

I wouldn't say the costs are brutal. It is not fun opening the envelope but considering the cost of rent over in Seattle compared to here in Spokane you will still be ahead. I would guess for the size of the place you want, it would be $130/month. It all depends on how warm you want the place. Then there is the AC in the summer. That is not as bad though.

[kena]

You can also ask the utility about spreading your bill out over a year's cycle so you don't get stung with overly high bills in the winter and make more even payments throughout the year. Avista calls it 'comfort billing' https://www.avistautilities.com/acco...nrollment.aspx

[RetiredChef]

I don't know if this is helpful, but I own a 5600 sq ft home and we "average" $ 205 a month for Electric and Gas. Add to that about $600 for wood since we do supplement heating with wood and our average would be $ 255.

We moved here from Los Angles and we had a 2200 sq ft home there. Our combined Electric and Gas bill there was averaged about $ 525 per month.

So we have 250% larger home and pay half as much to keep it warm or cool.

Bottom Line: Electricity is DIRT cheap up here, Natural Gas is more expensive, but still reasonable.

[jmu77]

Originally Posted by marcidorfner

I want to move from Seattle to Spokane for a calmer lifestyle, but have been told that utility costs (hot water/electricity, etc.) are brutal during the winter.
Could someone please tell me an approximation of heating costs for an approximately 700 SF/ 1 or 2 bd apartment?
Many thanks in advance

It depends a lot on what the heating is in the apartment as well as what floor you are and windows. I had an apartement about that size and our highest bill was just about $100; it was freezing last winter Find a few places you may be intersted in, find their heat type, and call. If you give them an address Avista (thanks to whoever already put the number in) will give you the high and low bill for the last year.

[marcidorfner]

Thank all of you who were kind enough to take the time to help! I look forward to moving to a city with so many thoughful citizens

[momgag]

Do most homes use gas or electric for heating? Which is cheaper up there? Also what are temps like in the summer?

[WendyK]

Originally Posted by momgag

Do most homes use gas or electric for heating? Which is cheaper up there? Also what are temps like in the summer?

it really depends on the house -- I would say there's probably a higher percentage of gas forced air systems than electric, but there are also still some older homes with oil heat, with gas hot water radiators, radiant floor and/or ceiling heat, electric forced air or electric baseboards.

Summer temps are generally in the 80's-90's with some days into the 100's. Evenings cool off down into the 60's-70's. I sure can't wait for those days!