So You Want to Live in a Shoebox (with AC) in LA: A Utility Bill Breakdown (Hopefully Not a Break-Your-Bank Breakdown)
Ah, Los Angeles. The land of sunshine, dreams, and...wait, what's that on your first utility bill? Don't worry, newbie Angeleno, that heart attack-inducing number isn't your rent (hopefully). It's the lovely world of utilities, and figuring them out can be trickier than navigating the 405 at rush hour.
But fear not! We're here to shed some light (because let's face it, your studio apartment probably isn't going to have much natural light) on this murky topic.
The Big Three: Electricity, Water, Trash
These are the essential utilities, the bread and butter (or should we say avocado toast?) of your monthly expenses. Here's a breakdown:
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Electricity: This one can be a real shocker (pun intended) depending on your lifestyle. Think blasting the AC 24/7 because #Californiasummer? Prepare to pay a premium. More of a "sweat it out and pretend you're doing hot yoga" kind of person? You might be pleasantly surprised. The average cost for a studio apartment is around $75-$125 a month.
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Water: Unless you're single-handedly trying to recreate the Pacific Ocean in your shoebox-sized shower, this shouldn't be a bank breaker. Expect a range of $30-$50 a month.
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Trash: This one's pretty straightforward. Unless you're secretly running a banana peel empire, it'll probably be around $20-$30 a month.
The Wildcard: Internet
Ah, the internet. Where would we be without endless cat videos and questionable life decisions made at 3 am? Internet prices can vary wildly depending on the provider and package you choose. Do your research, shop around, and be prepared to spend anywhere from $50-$100 a month.
Pro Tip: Bundle your internet with your cable (if you still have that) to potentially snag a discount.
So, How Much Will it Really Cost?
The truth is, it depends. But as a general guideline, expect to pay somewhere in the ballpark of $150-$250 a month for utilities in your LA studio.
Here's the bottom line: Living in LA isn't cheap, and utilities are just another piece of the puzzle. But hey, at least you'll have a roof over your head (even if it is a roof over a very small head). And who knows, maybe that sunshine will keep your vitamin D levels up so much you won't even need the doctor (which would probably save you a fortune anyway).
