Real Example Costs of Apartment Utilities? (Dallas, Plano: apartment complex, condo, house)

[Ralph_Kirk]

We're trying to figure out the likely cost of living for my daughter who will be moving into a 1-bedroom apartment in west Plano.

We're using the the powertochoose.org website, and she's pretty much sold on going with the "green" company, because that's how she rolls.

But as we're figuring out what her likely monthly cost is going to be, all we can see is something in the range of $30-$50. I have a feeling it's going to be much higher than that, but I don't see what we're missing.

What are some representative costs anyone knows about for 1- or 2-bedroom apartments in the area?

[Walter Benjamin]

It varies so much with the season. It could be about that much for most of the year, but with big surges in July-August for a-c, and January-February for heating.

[bencronin04]

It REALLY depends on the apartment complex. I've lived in some that had electric bills in the 300 range during summer while others were under 100. Her best bet would be to ask other residents in the complex.

[FalconheadWest]

It also depends on how old the complex is for energy saving building materials as well as what floor she'll be on. The 2nd floor of a 3 floor complex would have the lowest bills because it's insulated top and bottom.

[sossie]

^ This is so true.....we rented an 3 bed apt and our electricity bill was higher than our 5300 sp ft house in summer....crazy-but the older the complex the less energy efficient they are

[stephwin]

Most apartments probably don't have programmable thermostats either. Those can help quite a bit, or she could try and remember to manually adjust it when she leaves for work.

My apartment (back in 2008) usually ran from $50-$150 a month. It was electric only, no gas. The highest bills were summer time. The apartments weren't that old (maybe 5-7 years old at the time) but they were very inefficient. I was on the 2nd floor, but above a garage so maybe that was part of the problem. It also depends on which way it faces.

ETA: Mine was a 1 bedroom, about 700 square feet

[CollegePalooza]

My 750 sqft apt. in Plano ran about $80-140 in the summer time. Apts. built in the 90s.

[CMC_TX]

Originally Posted by CollegePalooza

My 750 sqft apt. in Plano ran about $80-140 in the summer time. Apts. built in the 90s.

Exact same range for my cousin's 680 Sq Ft apartment in West Plano built in the 90's, but at the time, she had TXU and paid a higher rate per KW/H, but I know she'd turn it off during the day at work etc and just use general good judgement.

If you're using PTC website, I'd be surprised if a 1 bedroom apartment ran more than 150/month in the summer, even somewhere without the best insulation.

[Shayne_]

my 2 bedroom 1200 sq foot condo would varry, would run me $80 to $150 in the summer time. Highest I seen was $300. It was hot lol.

[NoPostcodeEnvy]

Lived in 900 sq ft apartment in Dallas (The Village...built in the 70s) and electricity ranges from 40-90/month. Surprisingly low!