The Shocking (or Maybe Not So Shocking) Truth About Utility Bills in Los Angeles: Will You Need Ramen Noodles or Just Regular Noodles?
Ah, Los Angeles. The land of sunshine, celebrities, and...surprisingly reasonable utility bills? That's right, folks. While the rent may leave you wondering if you're accidentally funding a small nation's GDP, utilities in LA aren't quite the bank breaker you might expect. But before you start picturing a life of luxury with a swimming pool filled with Evian (okay, maybe not that), let's break it down.
The Big Three: Electricity, Gas, and Water
These are the essential utilities, the bread and butter (or should we say avocado toast?) of your monthly expenses. Here's the skinny:
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Electricity: Ever dreamt of living like a vampire and shunning the sun entirely? Well, unless you're rocking serious vampire energy efficiency, your electricity bill will likely be the priciest of the bunch. Especially during those scorching summer months when you practically live inside your AC unit. Expect to pay somewhere in the ballpark of $142 to $183 a month.
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Gas: Unless you're a chef with a passion for flambé everything (not recommended for your eyebrows), your gas bill probably won't break the bank. Think between $40 and $60 a month.
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Water: Watering that award-winning cactus collection? Washing your car daily? Then you might be on the higher end. For most folks, though, $30 to $50 a month should cover it.
Don't Forget the Fun Stuff: Trash and Internet
Yes, even your trash disposal comes with a price tag (although, let's be honest, it's probably a small price to pay for not having to live in a mountain of your own garbage). Factor in another $20 to $30 a month.
And then there's the internet. The bane of every student's existence when it cuts out right before a deadline, and our lifeline to the outside world (because, let's face it, who doesn't love procrastination social media?). Expect to pay around $50 to $70 a month for internet depending on the provider and package you choose.
The Bottom Line
So, how much will your utilities REALLY cost? That depends on a few factors, like the size of your place, your energy habits (are you a sweater in a 70-degree room or someone who chills like a lizard on a rock?), and even how often you cook. But to give you a ballpark figure, expect to spend somewhere between $242 and $343 a month on utilities in Los Angeles.
Pro Tip: How to Save Some Moolah
Look, even a reasonable utility bill is money you could be spending on...well, more avocado toast! Here are some ways to keep those costs down:
- Unleash your inner vampire: Embrace the natural light, ditch the AC when you can, and take shorter showers. Mother Earth and your wallet will thank you.
- Negotiate with your internet provider: Don't be afraid to play hardball. There are always deals to be had!
- Cook at home more often: Eating out adds up, and so does the energy used to cook all that restaurant food.
By following these tips, you might just be able to afford that fancy Evian-filled pool after all. Or, you know, some regular noodles. Hey, baby steps!
