I want to move out for the first time. Besides the rent cost can someone give me ideas on other costs?

Question

I will be moving soon. I do understand the first months rent, deposits, and application fees. I just want a general idea on the cost of the utilities and other cost. We already have cell phone bills, just need the rest.

Answer 1

Water isn't covered at my apartment... only heat.

so you have to think about heat, hot water, trash removal, electric, cable, internet, home phone, food.

Answer 2

Most of that will vary depending upon number of people living in the apartment/house, personal habits (do you like to run the AC a lot, take long showers), etc.

Obviously you will control your food/beverage costs.  But don't forget to add in laundry/clothes washing costs, electric, heat if not electric, water, and possibly cable and internet.  Ask to see a typical bill for utilities when you go to look at an apartment (maybe a neighbor).  If you are renting a house, ask the owner if he has any old utility bills from the last tenant.  One thing to keep in mind, these expenses are always higher at first then you expect until you get in the habit of doing the little things (turning off lights, turning down the AC, etc.) that saves money that you never had to worry about at home since your parents did that :)

Answer 3

You also need to worry about all the essentials of everyday life. Life plates, bowls ect. Also Pots and pans, cooking utensils. Toothpaste, toilet paper is a pain. You should also find out if the apartment is fully furnished otherwise you will have to pay for furniture.

Answer 4

find out if your place requires you pay for gas or electric or water utilities. These will be extra. They can give you estimated costs at the utilities based on past bills possibly, or the landlord may be able to. Also, food is expensive. Gas, car payments, insurance is very high. Entertainment, presents, school tuition if you pay it, books, lab fees, parking fees, etc. Rental insurance for your rental unit. Credit card interest if you charge things and dont pay it off. Clothes, laundry if you dont have a washer and dryer, paper products, detergent, dish soap, hand soap, cable television, internet cost, software upgrade costs, bus or subway fare, travel expense if you live far away and come home for visits, dating expenses, contributions to charity if any, etc.

Answer 5

In a apartment you usually would only have a electric bill betwwen $20 and $90 depending. house phone under $20. water and trash are paid at apartments.

Answer 6

One thing I didn't see mentioned...if you are a first-time renter, all of your utility companies will require hefty deposits.  Where I live, in order to have electric turned on, you have to pay $250 - $350 in deposit, gas is $60 - $120 in deposit, cable was about $150 deposit....it costs a lot to have everything turned on!

Answer 7

Well my gas is about $128, my electric is about $50, phone $121, cable is about $45, water and sewer is about $55, you will need food i'd say about 250 a month, it all depends on your area. I know that it sure is expensive!