How to Split Utilities Fairly Between Roommates
The average US household pays $400–500 per month in utilities — electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash. For roommates splitting that total, the default approach is an even split: divide every bill equally and call it fair. But equal isn't always fair.
An equal split becomes unfair when one person works from home full-time while the other is at an office all day, when bedrooms are drastically different sizes, or when one roommate runs space heaters or window AC units that spike the electric bill. A truly fair utility split adjusts for actual usage patterns so each person pays for the energy and resources they actually consume.
Average Utility Costs Breakdown
Before splitting anything, it helps to know what a typical utility budget looks like. Here's a breakdown of average monthly costs for a 2-bedroom apartment in the US and the fairest way to split each one:
| Utility | Average Monthly | Fair Split Method |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $120–180 | By room size + WFH hours |
| Gas / Heating | $60–100 | Equal or by room size |
| Water | $50–80 | Equal |
| Internet | $60–80 | Always equal |
| Trash | $25–40 | Always equal |
| Streaming services | $30–60 | By who uses what |
| Total | $345–540/mo | For a typical 2-bedroom |
When to Split Utilities by Usage vs. Equally
Not every utility needs a usage-based split. Some bills are shared infrastructure that everyone benefits from equally regardless of behavior. Others vary wildly based on individual habits. Here's how to decide:
- Always split equally: Internet, trash, and water. These are nearly impossible to measure on an individual basis, and usage differences are minimal. Everyone benefits from having internet access and trash pickup whether they're home or not.
- Split by usage: Electricity is the biggest variable and the most common source of roommate utility disputes. Streaming services should be split by who actually uses each subscription — there's no reason to pay for Netflix if you never watch it. Gas should be usage-based if one roommate runs a space heater or keeps the thermostat significantly higher than the other.
The single biggest variable in any roommate utility bill is electricity. It's the one bill that can swing $50–100 per month depending on habits. A roommate who works from home adds roughly $30–60 per month in electricity costs through computer use, lighting, heating or cooling an occupied room during business hours, and additional appliance use throughout the day.
The Work-From-Home Utility Adjustment
Working from home 40 hours per week uses approximately 15–20% more electricity than being away at an office. That extra cost comes from running a computer and monitor for 8 hours, keeping lights on in your room, and heating or cooling a space that would otherwise sit empty during the day.
A fair adjustment is straightforward: the work-from-home person pays an extra 15% of the electric bill. If you work from home part-time, you can prorate based on hours:
WFH surcharge = electric bill × 0.15 × (WFH hours ÷ 40)
For example, if the electric bill is $150 and you work from home 20 hours per week, your surcharge is $150 × 0.15 × (20 ÷ 40) = $11.25. That means you'd pay $86.25 while your roommate pays $63.75 instead of an even $75 each. It's a small difference that prevents a much larger resentment from building over months.
Setting Up Utility Payments with Roommates
The logistics of paying utility bills with roommates matters as much as the math. Here's a system that works:
- Designate one “utility manager.” One person puts all utility accounts in their name, pays every bill on time, and collects each roommate's share monthly. This avoids missed payments, late fees, and the chaos of multiple people logging into different accounts.
- Use auto-split apps. Splitwise, Venmo recurring payments, and Zelle make collecting shares effortless. Set up recurring payment requests so no one has to remember or be reminded. The utility manager sends a screenshot of each bill alongside the payment request for full transparency.
- Review and recalculate quarterly. Utility costs shift with the seasons — electricity spikes in summer (AC) and winter (heating). Review your split every three months to make sure it still reflects actual usage. If someone starts or stops working from home, adjust immediately rather than waiting for resentment to build.
For calculating how to split rent fairly alongside utilities, use our rent split calculator which adjusts for room size, natural light, and other features. And if you suspect you're already overpaying, the roommate betrayal calculator will show you exactly how much.