average bills esitmation

mkgirl1981

hi
im thinking of moving out and in to a flat on my own for the first time
i was just wondering if people in a similar situation could help me work out some costs for water/elec/gas etc... so i can work out a more accurate budget

water: i always have showers so lets say 10 showers a week as sometimes i have one before and after work
average kettle use
maybe 2-3 loads of washing a week

elec: somedays i work 12-11 so i will be out the house for 12 hours at least 3 days a week so hardly any elec being used these times, the rest of the time it will be usual use of kettle, 2-3 loads of washing a week. there are electric heaters but i will and try and only use when absolutely neccessary
average use of tv,laptop freeview box
also does a lamp use less leccy than have a ceiling light on or is it pretty much the same ?

i have looked at similar threads already on here but none of them really answered my question

just hoping that someone with maybe a similar living situation can give me a rough estimate on how much there bills are per month

thanks

iwilldoitthistime

Hi there

My mother is a single person living alone, and pays £15 a month for water. She has a shower, average kettle use and 2 or 3 loads of washing a week.

Sorry - cant comment on elec other than I live in a 3 bed detached and am at work all day (so normal evening usage) and I pay £70 a month for elec and gas combined.

Hope this helps!

LilacPixie

No clue on water.

Electric fine you will be out the house but things still on like fridge/freezer, how are you drying clothes? In winter clothes dring inside with no heating will take an age and tumble dryers cost a fortune. Electric heaters are expensive to use and a winter can be harsh especially if your home is poorly insulated or draughty. We are £70 a month 5-6 washes a week, same tumble dryer, 10-12 showers and average kettle use. 2 bed flat.

mkgirl1981

thanks guys that really helpful, if its £70 a month for 3 bed house then mine bill should be quite a bit less hopefully

TOBRUK

Hi mkgirl1981,

Well I can give you figures based on my expenditure - I live alone in a 2 bedroom house and am at home 24/7. The house has double glazing and the walls have been insulated. I pay all my bills by direct debit which I would recommend as then there aren't any big shocks when the time of the bills come round! Many of these figures will be higher than your costs as I am at home 24/7.

My costs per month:

Water: £19 a month - On a water meter, check if you are on a meter as othewise your water rates will be higher.

Electric: £48 - my computer is on around 18 hours a day, high kettle use, 2-3 loads washing a week and use tumble dryer throughout the year. Low Energy light bulbs - you ask if using a lamp is cheaper than ceiling light - depends on the wattage of the bulb as many lamps use 60watt - again low energy bulbs make a difference. I have tv or radio on all day (for company) from around 5am to midnight!


Gas: £17: I have gas central heating, gas cooker. You say there are electric heaters - these are very expensive.

Phone/broadband: No point in giving you my phone /broadband figures, depends on what provider you go with and package - shop around. Remember landline phone rental. My phone rental is with BT - £34.62 - £11.54 a month.

COUNCIL TAX: Depends what Band and also county you are in. If you are living on your own make sure you get 25% reduction.

TV LICENCE: £12.12 a month

House contents insurance: Up to you but I would recommend you do get some contents insurance while renting. My figures won't help as I have both building and contents insurance which is £154.85 a year - £12.90 a month.

Hope this helps you work out a budget and I would really recommend making Monthly Direct Debits as you are paying every month and is less stressful!

Remember my figures are based on me being at home 24/7 so some of your expenditure will work out less. However, electric heating is really expensive and electric has gone up.

Water meter for 1 person is a lot less than if you are not on a meter - water rates which could be as much as £50 a month or more! Check if the flat has water meter.

Enjoy your first time living in your own flat! Very exciting.;)

poppysarah

The EPC should show bills for gas/elec.

TOBRUK

poppysarah wrote: »

The EPC should show bills for gas/elec.

Sorry EPC?

mkgirl1981

TOBRUK wrote: »

Sorry EPC?

you read my mind lol

M.Holloway

Hiya, just saw this thread and thought I should be more budget-concious and made my own here! https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/36573013#Comment_36573013

Hope you guys can help!!