3.3.2. Other housing expenses
The Detailed Budget tab on the Excel workbook shows a fairly comprehensive list of additional,
persistent housing expenses that you should consider when creating a budget. Some of these, such
as cable/internet service and renter’s insurance, are a set amount that are paid on a monthly or quarterly
basis. You can often obtain a reasonable cost estimate by visiting provider web sites. It may be
more difficult to determine the cost of electricity or natural gas. The apartment manager can tell you
which utilities you must pay for separately and may be able to give you an average monthly cost. The
utility company may also be willing to provide information for a specific location. Be mindful that
utility costs can fluctuate considerably depending on the climate and time of year. You will also need
a sum of money up front for a rent deposit (often one month’s rent) and for setting up your household.
For example, consider the need to purchase furniture, linens, and kitchen items.