How much on average, should I budget for utilities + Internet connection? I've seen $150 to $200, does that sound about right? I'll be home only a few days a week most likely and some evenings.
Energy bills will vary drastically based on season (summer/winter) and your location. Other things like Internet and Water don't really fluctuate that much.
Depending on the size of your apt, the electric bill should be pretty low from Oct -April. My most recent bill was only $50, but I have a small apartment. From April-Oct, when we all have to crank that AC, it can easily get into the $100-$150 range.
I pay about $150-$180 in electricity during the summer with the roommate cranking the AC and $40 for Internet.
I would expect anywhere from $50-$120 for electricity for a 1 bedroom. Not only does the size of your apartment matter but the orientation as well. An apartment with the majority of its windows facing the north and east will typically have lower bills than one facing the south or west. I had a tiny apartment in a complex that faced the north and paid about $45 a month. My friend had the same size unit but his faced southwest and he paid about $80-$100 a month. Also ground floor apartments tend to stay cooler than 2nd and 3rd floor units. It really helps if you get a programmable thermostat and are comfortable with using fans during the summer. Internet alone should start around $30-$45 depending on what is offered in your area.
