Utilities in Baltimore: Average Costs and Setup Guide for Renters

Understanding utility costs helps you budget accurately before signing a lease. That advertised rent might look affordable until you add $200/month in utilities to a drafty rowhouse with electric heat.

This guide covers everything Baltimore renters need to know: average costs by apartment type, how to set up service, which utilities you'll typically pay versus what landlords cover, and strategies to keep costs manageable.

Overview: Who Provides What

| Utility | Provider | Typical Responsibility | |---------|----------|------------------------| | Electricity | BGE (Baltimore Gas & Electric) | Tenant pays | | Gas | BGE | Tenant pays (if applicable) | | Water | Baltimore City DPW | Varies (often landlord in apartments) | | Sewer | Baltimore City DPW | Bundled with water | | Trash | Baltimore City DPW | Included in property taxes (landlord) | | Internet | Comcast, Verizon, others | Tenant pays |

Important: Always confirm with your landlord which utilities are included and which you'll pay separately. This varies significantly between buildings.

BGE (Baltimore Gas & Electric): Your Primary Utility

BGE provides both electricity and natural gas throughout Baltimore. Most renters will set up a BGE account regardless of their specific situation.

Setting Up BGE Service

When to call: At least 3-5 business days before your move-in date Phone: 1-800-685-0123 Online: bge.com (create account and request service start)

What you'll need:

Social Security Number (for credit check)
Move-in date
New address
Previous address
Contact information

Deposit requirements: BGE may require a deposit based on your credit history. Deposits typically equal two months of estimated bills and are refunded (with interest) after 12 months of on-time payments.

Tip: If you have good credit, specifically request they check your credit to waive the deposit. If you don't want a credit check, expect to pay the deposit.

Average BGE Costs by Apartment Type

These estimates assume typical usage. Actual costs vary based on efficiency, habits, and heating/cooling type.

| Apartment Type | Summer (A/C) | Winter (Heat) | Spring/Fall | |----------------|--------------|---------------|-------------| | Studio | $60-100 | $80-150 | $40-70 | | 1 Bedroom | $80-130 | $100-200 | $50-90 | | 2 Bedroom | $100-170 | $130-280 | $70-120 | | 3 Bedroom | $130-220 | $180-350 | $90-150 |

Electric heat warning: These estimates assume gas heat. Electric heat can double or triple winter bills. Always ask what type of heating system an apartment has.

Gas vs. Electric: What It Means for Your Bill

Gas heat: More efficient and cheaper for heating. Winter gas bills run $50-150/month depending on apartment size and efficiency.

Electric heat: Significantly more expensive. Budget $150-300/month in winter for electric heat in a 1-2 bedroom apartment.

Gas cooking: Adds $10-20/month to your gas bill but many cooks prefer it.

Water heater: Gas water heaters cost less to operate than electric.

Bottom line: Apartments with gas heat typically have lower total utility costs than those with electric heat, sometimes by $100+/month in winter.

BGE Budget Billing

BGE offers budget billing, which averages your costs across 12 months so you pay the same amount monthly. This helps with budgeting but means you'll pay more than necessary in mild months and less than actual usage in extreme months.

Good for: Renters who want predictable monthly expenses Not ideal for: Short-term renters (less than a year) or those who might move mid-year

Baltimore Water Bills

Water service in Baltimore comes from the City's Department of Public Works. How you pay depends on your housing situation.

Water in Apartments vs. Houses

Large apartment buildings: Water is usually included in rent or charged as a flat fee. The building has one meter; individual units don't have separate bills.

Small apartment buildings (2-4 units): Varies. Some split the water bill among units; others include it in rent. Confirm before signing.

Single-family homes and rowhouses: Tenant typically pays the water bill directly to the city.

Average Water Costs

For renters who pay water directly:

| Household Size | Average Monthly Bill | |----------------|---------------------| | 1 person | $40-60 | | 2 people | $50-80 | | 3-4 people | $70-110 |

Baltimore water rates have increased significantly in recent years. Budget accordingly.

Setting Up Water Service

When you're responsible for water:

Contact Baltimore City DPW: 410-396-5398
Visit: publicworks.baltimorecity.gov
Service transfer typically takes 1-2 business days

What you'll need:

Lease agreement showing your name and address
Photo ID
Move-in date

The Bay Restoration Fee

Your water bill includes Maryland's "Bay Restoration Fee" (sometimes called the "flush tax"). This funds Chesapeake Bay cleanup efforts. Currently $5/month for most residential accounts.

Internet and Cable Options

Baltimore has decent internet competition in most neighborhoods, though Comcast dominates many areas.

Major Providers

Comcast Xfinity

Availability: Citywide
Speeds: 50 Mbps to 2 Gbps
Monthly cost: $40-80 for internet only (promotional rates)
Reality: Rates increase after promotional period. Budget $60-100/month long-term.

Verizon Fios

Availability: Many but not all neighborhoods
Speeds: 300 Mbps to 2 Gbps
Monthly cost: $40-90 (tends to maintain promotional rates better than Comcast)
Check availability: verizon.com/fios

T-Mobile Home Internet

Availability: Select areas with 5G coverage
Speeds: Variable (50-400+ Mbps depending on signal)
Monthly cost: $50/month flat (no price increases)
Good for: Renters tired of Comcast; those in areas with strong T-Mobile coverage

Checking Availability

Before signing a lease, verify internet availability at your specific address:

Xfinity: xfinity.com/locations
Fios: verizon.com/fios (enter address)
T-Mobile: t-mobile.com/home-internet

Some older buildings, especially in historic neighborhoods, have limited options or slower speeds due to infrastructure.

Average Internet Costs

| Service Level | Monthly Cost | |---------------|--------------| | Basic (25-50 Mbps) | $30-50 | | Standard (100-200 Mbps) | $50-70 | | Fast (300-500 Mbps) | $60-80 | | Gigabit (1000+ Mbps) | $80-120 |

Tip: For most renters, 200-300 Mbps is sufficient for multiple devices, streaming, and video calls. Gigabit is nice but often unnecessary.

Trash and Recycling

Good news: Baltimore City provides trash and recycling collection at no direct cost to residents. This is funded through property taxes, which landlords pay.

Collection Schedule

Trash: Once weekly (day varies by neighborhood)
Recycling: Every other week
Bulk trash: Scheduled pickups for large items (furniture, appliances)

Find your specific collection schedule at: publicworks.baltimorecity.gov

What You Need to Know

Containers: The city provides recycling bins free of charge. Trash goes in your own cans or bags.

Bulk pickup: Schedule online or by calling 311. Don't leave furniture on the sidewalk without scheduling.

Missed pickup: Report to 311 (call or use the 311 app).

Total Monthly Utility Costs: What to Budget

Here's what typical Baltimore renters actually pay monthly:

Studio Apartment

| Utility | Low Estimate | High Estimate | |---------|--------------|---------------| | BGE (Electric/Gas) | $50 | $120 | | Water (if separate) | $40 | $60 | | Internet | $50 | $80 | | Total | $140 | $260 |

1-Bedroom Apartment

| Utility | Low Estimate | High Estimate | |---------|--------------|---------------| | BGE (Electric/Gas) | $70 | $180 | | Water (if separate) | $50 | $70 | | Internet | $50 | $80 | | Total | $170 | $330 |

2-Bedroom Apartment

| Utility | Low Estimate | High Estimate | |---------|--------------|---------------| | BGE (Electric/Gas) | $90 | $250 | | Water (if separate) | $60 | $90 | | Internet | $50 | $80 | | Total | $200 | $420 |

Note: Water often included in apartment rent. The "high estimate" assumes electric heat in winter.

Strategies to Lower Utility Costs

Before You Sign the Lease

Ask about heating type. Gas heat costs significantly less than electric.
Check window quality. Single-pane windows in rowhouses mean higher heating/cooling costs.
Ask for average utility costs. Landlords should provide estimates; verify with BGE if concerned.
Consider orientation. South-facing apartments get more winter sun but may need more cooling in summer.

After You Move In

Use a programmable thermostat. Lower heat when you're away or sleeping.
Seal drafts. Weatherstripping is cheap and effective in older rowhouses.
Use ceiling fans. Fans cost pennies to run and reduce A/C needs.
Unplug unused electronics. "Phantom load" from electronics adds up.
Use LED bulbs. They use 75% less energy than incandescent.
Run appliances during off-peak hours. BGE charges less overnight (if on time-of-use rate).

BGE Programs for Renters

Quick Home Energy Check-up: Free assessment of your apartment's efficiency with installation of basic efficiency measures.

Low Income Assistance Programs: MEAP (Maryland Energy Assistance Program) and OHEP (Office of Home Energy Programs) help qualifying residents with utility bills.

Budget Billing: Smooths out seasonal variation for predictable monthly bills.

Questions to Ask Your Landlord

Before signing, get clear answers on:

Which utilities are included in rent?
What type of heating does the apartment have (gas or electric)?
Approximately what are the average utility costs?
Is the water bill my responsibility or included?
Who pays for trash and recycling? (Should be landlord, but confirm)
What internet providers serve this building?
Are there any utility issues I should know about?

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the average electric bill in Baltimore?

For a 1-bedroom apartment with gas heat, expect $60-100/month in summer (A/C) and $50-80/month in winter. Electric heat increases winter bills to $150-250/month.

How do I set up BGE for my new apartment?

Call BGE at 1-800-685-0123 or visit bge.com at least 3-5 days before your move-in date. Have your Social Security number, new address, and move-in date ready.

Is water included in rent in Baltimore apartments?

Often yes for large apartment buildings, but not always. Renters in rowhouses and small buildings often pay water separately. Always confirm with your landlord.

Which Baltimore neighborhoods have the highest utility costs?

Older rowhouse neighborhoods (Fells Point, Federal Hill, Canton) often have drafty buildings that cost more to heat and cool. Newer construction in any neighborhood tends to be more efficient.

Does Baltimore have recycling?

Yes, the city provides curbside recycling pickup every other week at no direct cost. Find your schedule at publicworks.baltimorecity.gov.

Can I choose my electric provider in Baltimore?

Technically yes, through Maryland's electricity choice program. However, savings are typically minimal or nonexistent. Most renters stick with BGE's standard service.