Upstart Cost for Moving/Small Apartment (Tucson: apartment complexes, to rent, refrigerator)

[Djbabybokchoy]

Hello, darling City-Data-ifiers...

So, my husband got laid off from his less-than-ideal job (wah!) and we might end up moving our plans to move to Tucson closer than we thought (hurray!). We need to weigh our options and see if what we have saved so far would be enough to get us going out there.

I can guesstimate the cost of first-month's-rent and deposit on an apartment, that's easy. But the cost of the deposit for electric/water/gas might be different.

What are your major expenses out there? I'm assuming water and electric top the list and the rest of you are saying 'what do you use gas for?'

This website Utility Price Comparison for Top U.S. Cities - The WhiteFence Index has Pheonix, but not Tucson -- is there a huge difference?

We're looking to rent a small one or two bedroom apartment, no more than $600 a month, I'd think. We have a big TV and use the computer a lot - I also love air conditioning and (in the muggy, humid South) have a bad habit of coming in from outside and standing as much so IN the refrigerator as I can.

Any advice you guys can give me, even if it's just links to utility companies or the price of your last bill would be a huuuuge help.

Thank you!

[sierraAZ]

No biggie...Water & garbage are normally included in rent. I've never averaged more than $60-70 a month max for electricity (or combined with gas) in apartments. Heck, I don't average more than that now in a 2-story, 1,448 sq.ft. house, but that's because it's way better insulated and I get billed on a little lower rate due to it being energy-efficient. My bills now are the same and even lower than in my 2-BR, 980 sq.ft. apartment, provided there are a washer and dryer and a 2nd fridge. I'm talking average because I pay more in the winter as I like it warm while most people pay more in summer. Of course, if you keep a meatlocker 24/7, your mileage may vary... You may have gas in some apartment complexes. I used to live in one where the heating and the stove were on gas. It evens out. I've been living here for a long time, so I've no recollection of deposits...

Oh, one piece of advice from me - don't get an apartment with all utilities included! It might sound like a good deal, but the complex gets to decide when to turn on the heat or the AC. Most apartments have common laundry rooms, but some do have washers and dryers inside, which is nice. We've talked about apartments quite a bit before. Search the forum, too.

[Djbabybokchoy]

Thanks Sierra!


I think you might be the only one on here that pays bills, hmm?

[OnryOne]

Well you can stop in Ohio and pick me up on the way out....I don't take up much room and I don't eat much either....LOL I'll be out there before summer ends!

[Djbabybokchoy]

Haha, let's go, Onry!

Except we're driving straight South, then West to avoid having to drive that truck through the mountains. You can meet us in Louisiana -- you don't mind sharing a back seat with the dogs, do you? They're real nice... and cuddly.

[OnryOne]

Sounds good to me...which are you taking across 20 or 10? I just love dogs, what kind do you have? I've have a female Rot, spoiled rotten....

[Djbabybokchoy]

We're taking the 10 and I have two Dobermans, biggest babies ever.