Bills bills bills???? (Portland, Beaverton, Beaver: apartment complex, how much, houses)

[promise44]

What is the average cost for utilities in the area for a family of 3?

[promise44]

Seriously I'm not looking for specifics just an outline. We pay about $5-600 every two months for water. Our electric is about $110 in summer & and $200 in winter. Our natural gas is about $90 in summer & $350 in winter. And our trash is $25 a month for weekly trash. Can I expect to pay more or less for these bills in portland? We're a family of 3 plus a dog.

[oldtintype]

It's impossible to answer without knowing where you live in Portland, what your home is like, when it was built, etc. As an example, we live in a modern apartment (LEED certified) and we pay about $25-45 per month in electricity, $25-30 for water and we don't have gas or trash. We are also a family of three. I don't think you can possibly get cheaper. On the flip side, my old apartment had free water but our electricity was $65-110 per month. Some people on here have utilities that run in the hundreds per month. It's impossible to answer this question without knowing your specifics.

[hamellr]

Originally Posted by promise44

What is the average cost for utilities in the area for a family of 3?

If you call the utility companies with an exact address they'll give you that information.

The problem is that prices can fluctuate due to inefficient electric heaters and insulation, and if you're in an apartment complex a downstairs apartment can be more expensive to heat then an upstairs one. Houses may have gas heat instead of electric. Trash prices depend on what size Can you get and how often you have it picked up (if they even do weekly/biweekly pickups anymore.)

Generally, I'd budget about $50/person a month for water, and average $120 electric a month for electric. My gas is $10/month in Summer and $80/month in Winter. Trash is ~$40/month, but I'm in Beaverton and am pretty sure it's cheaper then Portland.

[ccjarider]

We operate a 3 bedroom home. 2 people in suburbs.
Super insulated and new windows.
Seldom run a/c
Heat set at 68 eve, 62 day and nighttime except weekends.
Ave costs -
Gas Summer 15-20. winter 75 -100
Electricity probably ave 40/mo over the year
Garbage 45/ every 2 mo.
Water and sewer 80/mo

[mc0624]

Originally Posted by promise44

We pay about $5-600 every two months for water.

Holy cow! That is a huge amount for water!!

I obviously don't know what other places around the US pay but I'm shocked its that high. We pay $75-85 every two months for water here in the Sacramento area.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

I'll tell you how much your utilities bills will be if you can tell me how much my grocery bills will be.

[promise44]

Originally Posted by oregonwoodsmoke

I'll tell you how much your utilities bills will be if you can tell me how much my grocery bills will be.

What???? Are you being funny or just an ass?

[oregonwoodsmoke]

Originally Posted by promise44

What???? Are you being funny or just an ass?

Think it through. I have complete confidence in you that you can figure it out.

[EnricoV]

Costs of utilities, etc. are dependent upon the size, age and type of house, not the size of the family.