Utility costs in New York City depend less on the size of your apartment than on one question: do you pay for heat? Most NYC renters don't. Heat and hot water come from the building's boiler and are included in rent. Those renters mainly pay Con Edison for electricity, plus internet and sometimes cooking gas. Use the calculator to see your average, summer and winter bills.
Average NYC utility bills by apartment (2026)
| Home | Electric (avg) | Cooking gas | Internet | Typical total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $80–$130 | $25–$35 | $50–$90 | $155–$255 |
| 1 bedroom | $100–$160 | $25–$40 | $50–$90 | $175–$290 |
| 2 bedrooms | $130–$210 | $30–$45 | $50–$90 | $210–$345 |
| 3 bedrooms | $170–$270 | $30–$50 | $50–$90 | $250–$410 |
| House (you pay heat & water) | $250–$450 | $120–$300 | $50–$90 | $530–$950 |
Average utility bill for a 1-bedroom in NYC
For a typical one-bedroom where heat and hot water are included in the rent (the norm in NYC buildings), total utilities including internet average about $220–$260 a month. Summer bills run higher because of air conditioning, and winter bills only jump if you pay for electric heat.
| One-bedroom scenario | Average / month | Electric only | Summer month | Winter month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person, heat included, 1 AC | $223 | $122 | $251 | $209 |
| 2 people, heat included, 2 ACs | $246 | $145 | $302 | $218 |
| 2 people, one works from home, 2 ACs | $260 | $159 | $316 | $232 |
| 1 person, you pay electric heat, 1 AC | $286 | $185 | $251 | $360 |
Average Con Edison electric bill in NYC
Most NYC apartments use roughly 250–450 kWh of electricity a month, which works out to an electric bill of about $95–$160 outside the summer peak. Con Edison's own rate-case example puts a 280 kWh apartment at about $105 a month in 2026.
- Supply and delivery: your bill combines the cost of the electricity itself (supply) with the cost of moving it to you (delivery). Delivery is the larger share. Together with taxes and fees it comes to roughly 30 cents per kWh.
- Fixed charge: a monthly customer charge of about $21 applies even if you use almost nothing.
- Summer spikes: each window air conditioner used daily can add $35–$60 a month in July and August.
- Estimated vs. actual reads: if your bill says "estimated", submit a meter reading or check your smart meter data online to avoid a catch-up charge later.
Electricity: Con Edison rates in 2026
Con Edison's approved 2026–2028 rate plan raised typical residential electric bills by about 3.5–4% in 2026. A small NYC apartment using 280 kWh a month pays roughly $105. All-in, including supply, delivery, taxes and fees, electricity costs about 30 cents per kWh, plus a monthly customer charge of around $21.
| Appliance | Monthly use | Approx. cost |
|---|---|---|
| Window AC (summer, daily use) | 120–200 kWh | $35–$60 per unit |
| Refrigerator | 35–60 kWh | $10–$18 |
| Electric stove / induction | 25–45 kWh | $8–$14 |
| Washer + electric dryer | 50–80 kWh | $15–$24 |
| Home office (laptop, monitor, lights) | 30–60 kWh | $9–$18 |
| Electric heat (winter, 1BR) | 400–700 kWh | $120–$210 |
Gas: Con Edison vs. National Grid
- Con Edison gas: Manhattan, the Bronx and northern/western Queens.
- National Grid: Brooklyn, Staten Island and most of Queens.
If you only cook with gas, most of your bill is the fixed basic service charge, so expect $25–$45 a month. Paying for gas heat and hot water in a house can mean $200–$350 in January and February.
Water, sewer and trash
Renters almost never pay for water. Homeowners in one- and two-family houses pay NYC DEP directly, typically around $1,200–$1,500 a year for a single-family home. Trash collection is provided by the city and paid through property taxes, not a separate bill.
Internet and phone
Spectrum, Verizon Fios, Optimum and Astound are the main home internet providers in NYC, and availability varies building by building. Plans run $50–$90 a month after promotions. Ask whether your building has a bulk deal. Newer rentals sometimes include internet in an amenity fee.
Budgeting tips for NYC renters
- Ask before you sign: which utilities are included, whether gas is metered separately, and what last summer's electric bills looked like.
- Avoid electric heat if you can. Apartments where tenants pay for electric baseboard heat have the highest winter bills.
- Enroll in budget billing to spread summer and winter peaks evenly across the year.
- Check assistance programs: HEAP grants and Con Ed's Energy Affordability Program lower bills for eligible households.
- Look at community solar: Con Ed customers can subscribe for about 5–10% off the supply portion of their bill.
Budgeting for a move? Pair this with our cost of living calculator, the 40× rent calculator and the moving cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average utility bill for a 1-bedroom apartment in NYC?
About $220–$260 a month including internet, when heat and hot water are included in the rent, which is typical in NYC. Electricity is the biggest part at roughly $120–$160 a month on average, more in summer. If you pay for electric heat, expect around $285 a month on average and $350 or more in winter.
How much is the average electric bill in NYC?
Most apartments use about 250–450 kWh a month, for a Con Edison bill of roughly $95–$160 outside summer. Con Edison's 2026 rate example puts a 280 kWh apartment at about $105 a month. Air conditioning can push summer bills $35–$60 higher per window unit.
What is the average Con Edison bill in NYC?
A typical NYC apartment using about 280–400 kWh a month pays roughly $100–$145 for electricity in 2026. Bills often double in July and August when air conditioners run.
Are utilities included in rent in NYC?
Heat and hot water are included in most NYC rental buildings, and water and sewer are almost always paid by the landlord. Tenants usually pay electricity, cooking gas (if it's metered separately) and internet.
How much is the gas bill in a NYC apartment?
If you only cook with gas, expect about $25–$45 a month, mostly the fixed basic service charge. If you pay for gas heat, winter bills can reach $150–$300.
Who provides utilities in NYC?
Con Edison provides electricity in all five boroughs (except the Rockaways, served by PSEG Long Island) and gas in Manhattan, the Bronx and parts of Queens. National Grid provides gas in Brooklyn, Staten Island and most of Queens.
How much is internet in NYC?
Home internet costs about $50–$90 a month in 2026 for 300 Mbps to 1 Gig plans from Spectrum, Verizon Fios, Optimum or Astound, with promotional rates for the first year. Low-income households may qualify for affordable plans.
How can I lower my Con Ed bill?
Use ENERGY STAR window AC units on a timer, switch to LED bulbs, run large appliances off-peak if you're on a time-of-use plan, and apply for the Energy Affordability Program if you receive benefits such as SNAP or HEAP.
Sources & methodology
Prices are compiled from published provider price lists, government fee schedules and quotes, then adjusted for 2026. See how we price.