When you’re looking for an apartment for the upcoming year, one of the most important things to consider is what you’ll actually be paying each month. Many apartment websites highlight the base rent, but that number usually isn’t the full picture.
Your real monthly cost can be higher once you factor in additional expenses like utilities, parking, pet fees and other charges. That’s why it’s important to look beyond the advertised rate and account for these extra costs upfront. Understanding the full breakdown will help you build a realistic budget and avoid surprises later on.
At The Jay, we have helped hundreds of students find their home for the school year. To ensure you’re well-informed about the leasing process and overall costs involved, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide on utility fees, how they’re calculated and their impact on your overall expenses.
In this article, we answer a few FAQs, including:
- How are utility costs calculated?
- What is the average monthly cost of utilities?
- How will utility costs be billed?
Read Next: What Types of Housing Options Are Available for Texas A&M Students?
How Are Utility Costs Calculated?
For most student housing apartments in College Station, all utilities are included in your rental rate outside of electricity and water. These utilities may include gas, trash and internet or cable.
Electricity and water are usually tracked separately for your specific apartment, and you’ll get billed for your actual usage each month.
This cost will be divided among you and your roommates either equally or based on individual water and electricity usage, depending on your apartment complex.
What’s the Average Monthly Cost of Utilities?
In 2023, Texas water bills averaged around $35 to $50 for a one-bedroom apartment. As of 2024, Texas electricity bills for two-bedroom apartments ranged around $100 to $150 per month, meaning an extra $50 to $75 per roommate.
It’s important to remember that utility costs can vary significantly between apartments and may even exceed this range. To get a more accurate estimate, ask about the average monthly utility expenses for the specific properties you’re considering during your apartment tours.
Read Next: 15 Questions You Should Ask When Touring a Student Apartment in College Station
How Will Utility Costs Be Billed?
Utility charges are billed separately from rent payments. Typically, student apartments will look at utility fees for each apartment at the end of each month based on usage. These charges are often managed through a third-party billing platform or service.
For example, The Jay utilities will be billed monthly via ConService. ConService coordinates with the utility company to collect your grand total and split that price evenly between all your roommates. This way, you don’t have to worry about who is paying which month or who you’ll need to Venmo.
Read Next: When to Start Your Search for Housing as an A&M Student
We know that budgeting for your student housing experience is an important part of choosing your future home. Factoring in utilities can help to give you a clearer expectation of what your apartment may cost.
We hope this article gives you a better understanding of what to expect when you live in an off-campus apartment. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more about The Jay, please contact our leasing staff! We are more than happy to help in your search for housing.
Audrey
Audrey is a Property Marketing Intern for The Jay. She's a senior at Texas A&M University, majoring in Communications. Her favorite drink to order is an iced matcha latte with lavender syrup!
Published On: June 8, 2026
Last Updated On: May 12, 2026