Prices (condos, houses, school)

[micky]

Hallo need some info on utilities prices.
What can we expect to pay for water, ac , heat, electric, cable, ?

I know that it differs for everyone, and it depends on how big the house is.
I just want to know the averge

We don't have a house yet but will be a house with 4 bedrooms, normaal size kitchen and livingroom. Not a castle no queen and king living there.

thanks in advance Micky

[NY'er lost in MA]

Micky,

Utilities vary greatly over here.

Try to find a home that has a gas heating system as opposed to an oil system. Oil will run you about $300+ in the winter vs gas at $150+

AC depends on if you have electric window units or central.

Electric depends on if the house has been updated, or is new, or old. I would say, plan for $100+ (depends on how many TVs, computers, ACs etc.)

Cable- we have a Comcast package for around $100/month. That includes basic phone service as well as cable TV, and high speed internet. But if you have more cable boxes and computers and more premier cable channels, it could be about $150/month

water- depends on if you have a well or town water. Hard to say...varies.

good luck!

[Parsec]

Is gas really cheaper than oil? I've heard the opposite, that oil was slightly cheaper than gas. I wonder what the general consensus is on this. I've always had heat/hot water paid for, so I never really thought about it too much.

[NY'er lost in MA]

Originally Posted by Parsec

Is gas really cheaper than oil? I've heard the opposite, that oil was slightly cheaper than gas. I wonder what the general consensus is on this. I've always had heat/hot water paid for, so I never really thought about it too much.

gas is significantly cheaper than oil. I've had both.

[seldomseen]

This isn't necessisarily true in all cases...gas can be a lot more expensive than oil especially during the winter season. Many folks in Ma. participate in a program with the gas companies where they pay a higher monthly rate year round to help reduce thier gas bill..especially during the winter season where it can spike tremendously.

Oil on the other hand isn't cheap either it generally cost folks up $300 to fill thier oil take if it's down to 1/4 tank. You just need to shop around to find the oil filling company that is selling the cheapest oil. The impact of the heating cost in the winters is a "problem" for many families in New England.

[Parsec]

A little OT: I know families here complain about heating costs, but I just learned it's actually much worse in Alaska. Many natives go w/o heat for the winter because it's just too expensive to heat their homes. Not only is gas more expensive there, but the temperatures routinely drop to -40F (-60F windchill) in the winters.

[NY'er lost in MA]

I had oil in a house that was 3 beds/2 baths- 1100 sq. ft and the bill was approximately $300-400 January -March. With gas in our condo which is 1000 square feet and has 12' ceilings, the bill is around $125 during those same months. During the summer months the bill drops down drastically to maybe $40/month.

I don't see how oil prices can be comparable....

[Parsec]

Originally Posted by NY'er lost in MA

I had oil in a house that was 3 beds/2 baths- 1100 sq. ft and the bill was approximately $300-400 January -March. With gas in our condo which is 1000 square feet and has 12' ceilings, the bill is around $125 during those same months. During the summer months the bill drops down drastically to maybe $40/month.

I don't see how oil prices can be comparable....

Aren't condos generally much newer than houses though ... especially a contemporary one w/12' ceilings. I've heard the heating costs can triple for heating a 100 yr old house compared w/a new condo -- especially if it's a multi-unit building (you have units all around you to help insulate the place and keep the heat in).

[NY'er lost in MA]

Originally Posted by Parsec

Aren't condos generally much newer than houses though ... especially a contemporary one w/12' ceilings. I've heard the heating costs can triple for heating a 100 yr old house compared w/a new condo -- especially if it's a multi-unit building (you have units all around you to help insulate the place and keep the heat in).

The condo was built in 1870 and the 12' ceilings add ALOT more space to heat!

The common areas around the unit are not heated.

Regardless- Gas is more expensive. Call any home inspector and ask for a summary of cost analysis. If you tell them that you believe in some cases oil is cheaper, they will laugh in your face. The difference is significant- not even close.

[micky]

Thanks guys this week we will have contact with the relator she will be calling us and we will she.
End of july we will be in the area to choose a house and school for our daughter.
Micky