For renters in Pittsburgh, utility costs can add significantly to monthly housing expenses. Understanding typical costs by unit size and season helps you budget accurately and compare rental options. This guide provides estimated monthly utility costs based on current rates for electricity, natural gas, water, and sewer services in the Pittsburgh area.
Total Estimated Monthly Utilities
For a typical apartment using 1,000 kWh of electricity and 5,000 gallons of water, total monthly utility costs in Pittsburgh average approximately $308 per month. This estimate includes electricity, water, sewer, and basic service charges. However, actual costs vary widely based on unit size, heating source, building efficiency, and seasonal usage patterns.
A broader estimate for basic utilities in an 85m² apartment (approximately 915 square feet) ranges from $219 to $300 per month, with an average of approximately $248. For a larger apartment, expect costs closer to $352 per month for electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage.
Electricity Costs
Average Electric Bills
The average monthly electric bill for a Duquesne Light customer in Pittsburgh is approximately $148 per month. For a one-bedroom apartment, the average bill is approximately $121 per month with average consumption of 690 kWh.
Electricity rates for Duquesne Light customers are approximately 14.14 cents per kilowatt hour. The generation portion of an average bill is approximately $85 per month.
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Seasonal Variations
Electric bills are typically higher in summer due to air conditioning and in winter for electric heating. A customer living in an all-electric home can use more than 200% more electricity compared to a customer who uses non-electric heating. Average monthly bills have increased 55% over the past five years for Duquesne Light customers.
Budgeting Tips
Duquesne Light offers budget billing programs that spread annual costs evenly across 12 months, avoiding high seasonal bills. Customers can also choose competitive electric generation suppliers to potentially lower rates.
Natural Gas Costs
Average Gas Bills
For Pittsburgh homes using Peoples Natural Gas, average monthly bills range from $105 to $140 depending on usage and season. Natural gas prices in the region are currently low, with Peoples Gas charging approximately $3.08 per 1,000 cubic feet.
Seasonal Variations
Gas bills are significantly higher in winter months due to heating demand. A mild winter can result in lower bills.
Budgeting Tips
Peoples Gas offers budget billing to spread annual gas costs evenly across 12 months. This helps avoid high winter bills and makes monthly budgeting more predictable.
Water and Sewer Costs
Average Water Bills
The average residential customer of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority pays approximately $115 per month for water, wastewater conveyance, and stormwater services. For a typical single-family residence using 3,000 gallons per month, the average monthly bill is approximately $115.
For renters, a typical 1-bedroom apartment may have a flat utility fee of $60 to $70 per month for water and sewer.
Rate Structure
Water and sewer rates are based on usage with a minimum charge. For a typical 5/8 inch meter (common in apartments), the minimum monthly charge is approximately $42 for water and sewer combined. Additional usage over the minimum is charged at approximately $18.28 per 1,000 gallons for water and $7.32 per 1,000 gallons for sewer.
Income-Based Assistance
The PWSA offers a bill discount program for income-qualified households. Those with income below 50% of the federal poverty line pay an average of approximately $21 per month, while those between 50% and 100% of the poverty line pay approximately $43 per month.
Utility Allowance Estimates for Renters
The Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh publishes utility allowance schedules that provide helpful benchmarks for estimating utility costs.
| Unit Size | Natural Gas Heating | Electric Heating |
|---|---|---|
| 0 BR | $59 | $38 |
| 1 BR | $66 | $45 |
| 2 BR | $70 | $59 |
| 3 BR | $74 | $72 |
Natural gas heating allowances range from $59 for a studio to $74 for a 3-bedroom unit. Electric heating allowances range from $38 for a studio to $72 for a 3-bedroom unit.
For cooking, natural gas costs range from $3 for a studio to $7 for a 3-bedroom unit, while electric cooking costs range from $7 for a studio to $15 for a 3-bedroom unit.
Summary: Estimated Monthly Utility Costs by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Electricity | Natural Gas (Heating) | Water/Sewer | Total Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $38-80 | $59 | $40-60 | $137-199 |
| 1 Bedroom | $45-121 | $66 | $50-70 | $161-257 |
| 2 Bedroom | $59-148 | $70 | $60-80 | $189-298 |
| 3 Bedroom | $72-180 | $74 | $70-90 | $216-340 |
Estimates based on utility allowances and average usage for typical apartments in Pittsburgh. Actual costs vary by building efficiency, seasonal usage, and individual consumption patterns.
Key Takeaways
- Total utilities average $308 per month for a typical apartment using 1,000 kWh electricity and 5,000 gallons water.
- Electric bills average $121-$148 per month depending on unit size and season.
- Natural gas bills average $105-$140 per month for heating and cooking.
- Water and sewer average $115 per month for a typical residential customer.
- Seasonal variations are significant. Winter heating and summer cooling can increase bills substantially.
- Budget billing programs are available from both Duquesne Light and Peoples Gas to smooth monthly costs.
- Income-based assistance is available for water, electric, and gas customers who qualify.
Before signing a lease, ask your landlord which utilities are included and request average monthly costs for the specific unit to budget accurately.
Renting in the Pittsburgh area?
Ultrarix Capital Partners manages houses and apartments for rent across the Greater Pittsburgh area. Browse what is available now, or learn more about renting with us.
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Common questions about renting in Pittsburgh
How do I find houses and apartments for rent in Pittsburgh?
Start on our available rentals page, or see an overview of houses and apartments for rent in Pittsburgh. Tell us your budget and preferred neighborhoods and we will match you with homes that fit.
Which areas around Pittsburgh do you serve?
We cover the Greater Pittsburgh area, including city neighborhoods and nearby communities like Bellevue, McKees Rocks, Penn Hills, and Verona. The full list is on our homepage.
How do I apply for a rental?
Find a home you like on the rentals page and submit an application with your details, income, and rental history. We review it quickly and follow up with next steps.
Are utilities included?
We typically do not include utilities. For most rentals, electric, gas, water, and trash are the tenant's responsibility. Each listing notes anything that is included.
Do you allow pets?
Pet policies vary by property. Some rentals allow pets, sometimes with a deposit or monthly pet rent. Check the listing or ask us about a specific home.
Can I refer someone and get paid?
Yes. If you refer a tenant who signs a lease with us, we pay you $100. See our referral page for details.
How do I contact Ultrarix Capital Partners?
Call +1-650-254-6706 or email [email protected]. We are a Pittsburgh based property management company at 725 School St, McKees Rocks, PA 15136.