How Much Is the Average Electric Bill for a 1-Bedroom Apt?

Understanding your electric bill is an important part of managing your monthly expenses, especially when renting a 1-bedroom apartment. Electricity costs can represent a notable portion of a renter’s utility expenditures.

Average Costs and Regional Variations

The average electric bill for a 1-bedroom apartment in the U.S. typically ranges from $60 to $100 per month. Some sources indicate a wider range, from $50 to $90, or even $75 to $168, depending on various factors. These figures represent national averages, and actual costs can vary significantly based on your geographic location. The average residential electricity rate across the United States is approximately 17.47 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) as of August 2025.

Electricity rates and consumption patterns are influenced by regional climate and local utility structures. For instance, states with hot climates, like Florida or Texas, often see higher electricity bills during summer months due to increased air conditioning use. Conversely, colder regions experience higher heating costs in winter.

Hawaii generally has the highest electricity rates, exceeding 40 cents per kWh, due to reliance on imported petroleum fuels. In contrast, states like Idaho or Utah often have some of the lowest rates, around 11 to 13 cents per kWh. Variations also exist within states, as different utilities have distinct pricing structures based on fuel availability, infrastructure costs, and local regulations.

Factors Shaping Your Electric Bill

Several elements contribute to the fluctuation of an electric bill beyond just the average rates. The characteristics of the apartment itself play a significant role. Older buildings, for example, may have less effective insulation or less efficient windows, leading to greater heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Poorly insulated windows can account for significant heat loss, and replacing single-pane windows with energy-efficient models can save on heating and cooling costs annually. The type and age of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, along with the efficiency of included appliances like refrigerators or water heaters, also impact energy consumption.

Personal usage habits are another determinant of your electric bill. The amount of time spent at home directly correlates with energy use, as does your preferred thermostat settings. Using high-energy appliances frequently, such as in-unit laundry or dishwashers, especially during peak hours, can also increase costs. Even electronic devices contribute, as many draw “phantom” or “vampire” power even when turned off or in standby mode. Older appliances generally consume more electricity than newer, Energy Star-rated models, which are designed for greater efficiency.

Utility rate structures influence the final bill. Some utility companies implement tiered pricing, where the cost per kWh increases after a certain usage threshold. Others use peak and off-peak pricing, charging more for electricity consumed during high-demand periods, typically mornings and evenings, and less during off-peak hours. Understanding these structures allows for strategic energy use, such as running energy-intensive appliances during off-peak times.

Reducing Your Apartment’s Electric Costs

Renters can take several actionable steps to lower their monthly electric bills. Simple behavioral adjustments are often the easiest and most cost-effective strategies. Turning off lights and electronics when leaving a room or not in use can reduce consumption. Unplugging devices that draw “vampire” power also contributes to savings.

Adjusting thermostat settings to recommended temperatures—78°F in summer and 68°F in winter when home, and higher or lower when away or asleep—can lead to reductions in heating and cooling costs. Taking shorter showers with cooler water helps reduce water heating energy.

Renter-friendly upgrades and optimizations can also make a difference. Switching incandescent light bulbs to LED bulbs is highly effective, as LEDs use up to 75% to 90% less energy and last much longer. Utilizing power strips, especially advanced or smart power strips, can automatically cut power to multiple devices when not in use, eliminating standby energy waste. Adding draft stoppers under doors and using temporary weatherstripping around windows can seal minor gaps and prevent air leaks, improving insulation. Using window treatments like blinds or curtains can help regulate indoor temperature by blocking sunlight in summer and retaining heat in winter.

Optimizing appliance use further contributes to savings. Running washing machines and dishwashers only when full and using cold water cycles for laundry can reduce energy consumption. Air-drying clothes instead of using a dryer, which is often a high-energy appliance, saves considerable electricity. Cleaning refrigerator coils can improve its efficiency. For larger energy efficiency issues, such as outdated heating systems or poor insulation, communicating with your landlord about potential improvements can lead to long-term savings.