It can be challenging to find the perfect city to call home. It demands a balance of affordability, and the option to cultivate your career. Between Dallas’ desirable living cost and a flourishing business scene, single professionals and families find a home in the renowned Texan city annually.
At times, rent incorporates utilities, however; if you don’t conduct some research beforehand, you could potentially miss some of the expenses you should cover. Here’s a breakdown of the utility costs as a Dallas renter.
Electric &Gas
Your gas and electric utilities will heat your home while providing you with power and lights. The amount of your electric and gas bill will rely on usage, which has a direct relation to your home’s size and the amount of electricity and natural gas you require.
The electricity will probably be one of your highest utility costs. Typically, the average utility cost-which comprises electricity, garbage, and heating, is similar to a huge-city price tag, just below $140 monthly for a 195sqft apartment.
You’ll want to integrate the average internet cost in Dallas, which is approximately $60 monthly. The largest contributor to an apartment’s electricity cost is the AC unit. Throughout summer, it could rack up an extra $30-$140 monthly to the total cost depending on the rental’s size and the temperature settings.
To attain electricity savings, consider using your AC unit at a minimum. The room number in your rental has a huge impact on the utility cost. On average, the electricity cost for 1-bedroom apartments is approximately $60 monthly if you reside alone.
However, it could increase by $30 or more if you have roommates in a 3bd apartment. For instance, if your roommates leave the computers on for 10 hours daily, that would add $16 to the bill while a second fridge would add another $10. If you live with roommates, you’d rather split the costs by the number of renters to save money.
Water
The average water cost in Dallas has reports of rising considerably over the past numerous years. In early 2018, bills were under $100 per month on average. However, this cost is high compared to other American cities because of its dry climate.
Groceries
Grocery bills, one of the biggest players in a monthly budget, frequently reflect the living cost in an area. The average grocery cost per month is approximately $242 per month. This is 36% lower than in New York. On a similar note, the average price of a gallon of milk is around $2.42 in Dallas where it’s almost $4.40 in New York.
Decreasing your food cost per month adds up fast. Regardless of the Dallas neighborhood you select, the city has a wide array of discount stores such as Trader Joe’s and Aldi.
Cable and Internet
For most people, cable broadband is the best option whereby you obtain more than the adequate speed at a reasonable cost. For $45, it’s possible to obtain a good broadband connection, but ensure you inquire of any extra costs such as modem installation charges. If you want cable TV, it’s better you seek deals from a similar provider. Alternatively, you could opt for streaming services.
Final Thoughts
When you find your ideal rental, it’s easy to budget for the rent and overlook the utility costs. Keep in mind that utilities are a considerable hidden cost, so don’t ignore them. Make sure you identify what to anticipate before signing the lease and research to obtain the best rates possible.
For more information on utility costs in Dallas, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave a message.