What is the average electric bill for an apartment in Texas?
Depending on apartment size, energy usage, HVAC efficiency and seasonal weather, understanding what increases electricity costs can help you estimate your bill and choose the right electricity plan.
What is the average electric bill for an apartment in Texas?
Depending on apartment size, energy usage, HVAC efficiency and seasonal weather, understanding what increases electricity costs can help you estimate your bill and choose the right electricity plan.
Electricity costs can vary significantly from one apartment to another. Keeping in mind the average cost of electricity bills in Texas are not reflective of month-to-month bill amounts, there can be several reasons for bill changes. Factors like apartment size, occupancy, building features and energy efficiency all play a role in how much electricity you use each month.
In Texas, seasonal weather patterns can shift dramatically, especially in the summertime. This can also result in electricity bill fluctuations due to an increase in cooling costs. According to a report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, running the AC is the single largest electricity consumer in the state and accounts for 28% of electricity consumption in Texas—9% higher than the average home in the U.S.
Renter tip: When apartment hunting, look for ENERGY STAR® certified appliances, heating and cooling systems. These products are designed to use less energy than standard models and may help reduce your monthly electricity costs.
Apartment electricity costs generally increase with square footage and household energy usage. The table below shows estimated average monthly electricity use and costs based on apartment size.
Studio or 1-bedroom unit |
2-bedroom apartment |
Large apartment or condo |
|
| Average apartment size in Texas (sq. ft.) | Less than 600 sq. ft. | About 900 sq. ft. | About 1,200 sq. ft. |
| Estimated monthly usage in kWh | 650-800 kWh per month | 900-1,100 kWh per month | 1,050-1,300 kWh per month |
| Estimated monthly electricity cost* | $88-$108 per month | $122-$149 per month | $142-$176 per month |
*Figures shown are estimated monthly averages based on Choose Texas Power findings. Actual electricity costs will vary and can change month to month based on additional factors such as individual home electricity use, weather conditions and electricity plan chosen.
Follow these three steps to help calculate your apartment's electricity costs.
Calculate your expected monthly electricity usage in kWh.
Find a plan's pricing details by reviewing that specific plan's EFL. You should be able to find this information at the top of the page.
Apply the pricing terms in the plan's EFL to your estimated monthly usage.
High temperatures in Texas can arrive as early as May and typically peak in August—running 10°F to 25°F above average statewide.
March through May and November are often lower-usage months because HVAC runtime is typically lower.
Winter electricity usage is usually lower in winter for Texans. Texas can experience cooler temperatures in early November, with frigid winter weather from December through February.
Even as a renter, there are a few things you can do to help improve your apartment’s energy efficiency to ultimately help lower your overall costs.
When properly installed and maintained, an HVAC has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Contact or submit a maintenance request to your property manager if you notice your system is not cooling or heating properly.
To follow the 4-by-4 rule, set your thermostat 4 degrees higher when you're away from home for more than 4 hours to help reduce your electricity usage and costs. Bonus points if your apartment already has or can install a smart thermostat.
Switching your ceiling fans to counterclockwise in the summer can help you feel about 4° cooler.
Close blinds, shades or curtains during the hottest part of the day to maintain a lower indoor temperature.
Energy-efficient light bulbs can last up to 25 times longer and use at least 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs. Leaving the room? Turn off the lights and unplug any electronics that are not in use.
Quick tip: The EPA's Home Energy Yardstick offers a quick energy-efficiency assessment (0 to 10 score) based on how your home uses energy, plus an estimate of annual carbon emissions and personalized ENERGY STAR® recommendations.
Before shopping for an apartment electricity plan, consider both apartment and plan benefits to help you choose.
Whether you’re renting an apartment for the first or fifth time, you can choose an energy provider in Texas alongside a plan that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Select a category from the drop-down menu.
For many apartments, an average estimated electricity bill in Texas is about $186.21 per month. The figures below are averages, which means actual monthly billed amounts can vary significantly due to variables including weather changes, apartment size, monthly electricity usage and other factors.
Your apartment electric bill may be higher than average because of your apartment’s:
Yes. Apartment size can affect electricity costs because larger units usually require more energy to cool, heat and power. A studio or small 1-bedroom apartment is estimated at 650 to 800 kWh per month, while a 2-bedroom apartment may use 900 to 1,100 kWh and a large apartment or condo may use 1,050 to 1,300 kWh per month.*
There are several ways that you can help potentially lower your monthly electric bill.
Cooling is often one of the biggest electricity uses in a Texas apartment, especially during hotter months. Air conditioners account for 18% of total energy costs in Texas, while electric water heaters can account for up to 18% of a home’s energy use.
Average estimated energy use for a 1-bedroom apartment is typically 800 kWh of electricity per month, depending on factors such as occupancy, HVAC usage, appliance efficiency and seasonal weather conditions.*
Average estimated monthly electricity costs for a studio apartment in Texas could range from around $88 to $108 per month.* Actual costs vary based on your energy usage, electricity rate and the apartment's energy efficiency.
Texas electricity bills often increase during the summer because air conditioners run longer and work harder to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Factors such as poor insulation, direct sun exposure and older HVAC systems can also contribute to higher electricity usage.
Estimated average usage for a Texas apartment can be between 650 to 1,300 kWh per month, depending on apartment size, household occupancy, building efficiency and seasonal energy demands.
In some cases, yes. Upper-floor apartments may receive more direct sunlight and can become warmer during the summer, which may increase air-conditioning usage and overall electricity consumption.
Apartment age can affect electricity costs. Older buildings may have less efficient insulation, windows and HVAC equipment, while newer buildings often include energy-efficient features designed to reduce energy consumption.
Electric water heaters can account for a significant portion of household energy use. The actual cost depends on the unit's efficiency, household size and how much hot water is used each day. Switching to a heat pump water heater can reduce water heating costs by up to 60%.
The best electricity plan depends on your apartment size, energy habits, budget and preferred contract length. When comparing plans, consider factors such as pricing structure, term length, billing options and any features that align with your lifestyle. Reliant also offers electricity plans designed specifically for apartment renters.
