Average utilities cost in Atlanta (Emory, Decatur area) (Marietta, Smyrna: apartment complex, lease)

[emorygrad]

I am moving to Atlanta in August and am interested in receiving any assistance regarding the average costs of utilities paid by apartment renters. I am from the Washington, DC metro area and am used to utilities being included with rent, so in deciding between apartments, I would like to get an idea of the REAL costs of renting. Any assistance is welcome! If it helps the apartments that I am interested in most are Longwood and AMLI at North Briarcliff.

Thanks!

[Yeorwned]

Most renting utilities will cost just as much as if you had a home in Atlanta...

$50-$100 Cable/satellite
$50-$150 Power (Small Apartment, Summer Flux.)
$25-$80 Phone (Vonage* or Land or Cell)
$30-$60 Internet*
$50 Natural Gas (Probably won't have in apartment)
$50 Water, Garbage, Sewer

Probably not what you wanted to hear but those are realistic numbers in most of Atlanta. Obviously not all are required and the price is totally up to you...that being the premium packages and air/heat usage.

[emorygrad]

Thanks! While those numbers seem scary, I guess what is most important to me is that I am well informed before the signing of the lease. Thanks again!

[xxman777]

I just recently moved out of a 650 SF apartment right near Emory. Here is what I payed:

Comcast internet and basic cable (network channels only)- $65
Power- $15-$20; I tried to rarely use air conditioning in the summer but if I did it got up to $80
Gas- $30-$35; It got up to $50 in the winter but I rarely used the heat so yours might get higher
$15-$20 Water, Garbage, Sewer (they were all lumped together)

I didn't have a land line, only a mobile so I can't help you with that.

[emorygrad]

xxman677,

You paid 650 in the emory area? I am curious to know which apartment complex you referring to that charged such great rates?

Thanks for the response!

[xxman777]

Oh no, my apartment was 650 square feet. I wish I could only pay $650 for an apartment but I'm not sure that exists near Emory.

[Maria Newton]

Right now we live in alittle town called Trinidad Co. we are planning on moving to Marietta Ga. and we were wanting the average cost of utilites for a 3bed 2 bath? about 1800 sq. ft.

[greg_atlanta]

I average $115/mo power bill in an 1150 sq ft 2 br/2 ba in a newer unit (top floor, so hotter in summer). Apt is electric only. Thermostat is set on 78 in summer, 70 in winter.

No cable, my TV has an HD tuner and HD reception on the major networks is pretty good in the area.

Water/sewer is about $25/mo. Basic landline phone is about $30/mo.

[brownhornet]

Well I have an apt in Smyrna...

Lights/Electric Average - $38 per month
Cable - Free with apartment
Water - Included in rent
Phone - No home phone as I have unlimited cell phone
Internet - No internet as I have high speed tether svc on my cell phone (tether PPC to laptop) for extra $10 per month.

775 sq. ft apt., gated community $525 per month. It was a STEAL on a move in special and a nice gated community. Away from heavy traffic but still close to civilization near Cumberland.

[erinbearin]

This post caught my eye, as my husband has an interview in Atlanta next week. I almost choked when I read the power rates. I am currently in a 'burb of Houston and my kilowatt hour is 17cents, with most bills AVERAGING $250+ per month! I live in a 2/2 apartment that is just under 1100sqft. I installed a programmable thermostat and it's 80F during the day and between 76-78 at night, depending on the day. It totally sucks eggs.
This months bill was $434 (thanks in part to the "estimated" billing during Hurricane Ike).
My mom paid it as my Christmas AND birthday present.
I hope he gets the job in ATL!!!