Are utility prices in the States cheap?

Question

I'm moving into an apartment with some girls and I'm wondering if it'll be too expensive to keep a mini fridge in my room.

Answer 1

Seems like LA is cheap, but Hawaii would be expensive.  0.05-0.10 US dollars per kilowatt hour in most places, but some landlords (mine:) may pay utilities as part of the rent.  

Seems like you could be in a dorm, even with room-mates.  I think most would provide utilities (free with rent) and allow a mini-fridge

Answer 2

Yes

Answer 3

It depends, prices vary.

Answer 4

I am not sure what you mean by cheap, i am sure that everyone who pays for utilities think they are too expensive.

That being said, depending on where you locate , a small fridge, should not raise your utilities more that $5 and split 3 ways that is less than $2 a month.

having a fridge should save you more than that each month.

Answer 5

It really depends on region and the size and efficiency of the house. A 4 bedroom home should run around $100-$200 a month in a temperate climate but could be more in a hot or cold climate.

Be careful - college students are notorious for overusing electricity and running up the bill without knowing it until it comes in the mail.  I'd really think about getting an extra and unnecessary personal appliance if you're on a share plan - that doesn't seem fair to your housemates, especially if there's a fridge in the kitchen.

Answer 6

depends where in the states you are.NY & MA are the worst.

Answer 7

There have been a lot of answers, most of which are quite fitting.  Depending on where in the U. S. you are heading, you will find a wide range of electrical costs.  Generally the East Coast is much higher than the West coast, but here in the west, we are raising the bar.

If you are served by a Public Utility District, the costs will generally be a little less.  A mini fridge should not add too much to the bill.

Answer 8

If one does not have income, any cost will be too much. But if your budget would cover power for your fridge any other place it may also cover it in the states.

In general, people with a budget less than $20,000 per year are going to have to budget very carefully. But poor people do get by with 10,000.

Answer 9

thats nice to know...

Answer 10

If you keep a mini-fridge for your own use, you should be paying somewhat more than your apartment-mates. Cost of electricity varies a great deal with the area; I can't generalize for the States as a whole. Whatever it is, you will save it by doing your own cooking, rather than eating out.

Answer 11

It varies greatly from area to area.    I know some places its above 50c/KWH, while where I am now it's around 5c/KWH.   Average is probably 10.   A mini fridge will probably cost you $2-3 per month.