Costs of living + utilities in texas (Austin, Howe: mortgage, house, water heater)

[gnetcanada]

Hi All,

I am still working the numbers to see what a move to Texas would involve. However i am in need of some figures that will enable me to estimate cost of running a house and living here.

I understand the mortgage cost, property taxes, health care and income tax rates, but im looking specifically for things such as utilities for running a 2500-3000 sqft house in Texas (closer to the Austin area as possible). Basically what should i expect on average the monthly gas, water, electric, heating etc bill to be, i guess its different in the summer than the winter, but either a yearly total for each, or a monthly average would do fine.

I understand if this is "personal information", but it would help a lot.

Is there anything else i might need to consider, a reccuring charge that i wouldnt have here in ontario canada?

Thanks in advance

Shawn

[Mr. Football]

Electricity costs in the Deregulated parts of Texas are utterly ABSURD.

Prepare to pay twice what you pay in the still Regulated parts.

2500 sq ft house, less than 10 years old, with a pool - $380/month in December nearly $500/month in July.

[AustinTraveler]

Utility costs will vary based on so many things including location, size of family, house construction, etc.

I live in the City of Austin and my electricity, water, sewer and garbage are in one bill. It is usually around $120-$170 a month. Natural gas is very inexpensive and usually between $20-40 a month. I have natural gas heat, water heater, and stove/oven. My house is a little over 2,000 sf and about six years old.

As you can see, big difference from Mr. Football. I don't really think you will get a concrete answer until you decide exactly to what area you will be relocating.

[gnetcanada]

Hi,

Well i am thinking of a rural austin burb, such as leander, or dripping springs or if i could find a decent place with an acre or two near lake travis, that would be ideal.

So mr football, is that payment of $500 per month for water, electricty, gas and all? Are you in a "deregulated part"?

Austin Traveller, thats a big different, $120-$170 per month. Does that include the natural gas at $20-$40, or does that make the grand total $150-$210? Are you in a "regulated part". How do i find which areas are "regulated"?