Between all the excitement of opening a new property, sometimes we forget one of the most basic elements of hosting. Airbnb utilities. We’re talking about the cost of internet, electricity, water, gas, and everything in between. Do not fear! We’re here to explain everything you need to know about your Airbnb utilities.

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What are the most important utilities?

These Airbnb utilities are non-negotiable:

1. Electricity
2. Water
3. Internet
4. Cable or streaming services
5. Trash disposal
6. Lawn care
7. Pool maintenance

What is the typical cost of utilities?

How much you spend on your Airbnb utilities will likely depend on where your home is and how big it is. Here’s how much you can typically expect to pay every month on utilities:

1. Electricity: $50 to $150 per month for smaller properties. Larger properties or homes with extensive HVAC systems could push this to $300 or more during peak seasons. Smart thermostats can help reduce costs. However, the monthly average is $137.
2. Water and sewer: Water bills typically range from $50 to $175 per month. Homes with amenities like pools can increase this. Try installing low-flow toilets and showerheads to help conserve a bit. The national average is currently $86.
3. Gas: Expect to pay around $30 to $130 a month, depending on. Those homes located in colder climates may see higher bills during winter.
4. Internet: High-speed internet is non-negotiable for most guests. The average monthly internet bill ranges from $50 to $100, depending on the area and provider. For both internet and cable, the average is currently $121.
5. Trash disposal: Trash disposal services typically costs $20 to $80 per month. The average for the country is currently $70.
6. Optional and seasonal add-ons: Optional services such as pool or hot tub maintenance usually run $120 to $375 per month. Additionally, lawn care costs can range between $100 and $400, depending on how often you need this done.

So, how much can I expect to pay in Airbnb utilities?

On average, Airbnb hosts can expect to spend $500 to upward of $700 per month on utilities for a modest property. These costs will vary based on factors like guest behavior, local rates, and the presence of additional amenities. As of 2025, the monthly average for the United States is $590.

How to manage costs

There’s a lot to think about with utilities. While it can feel like the costs are constantly adding up, there are small things you can do to keep prices down.

1. Install energy-efficient appliances: Install energy-efficient appliances: One of the first lines of defense against over-consumption is choosing energy-efficient appliances. There are options for everything from washers to HVAC systems. Yes, the cost may be high upfront. However, the long-term savings are well worth the investment.
2. Utilize smart devices: Smart thermostats, energy monitoring tools, and smart lighting can help you control energy consumption remotely. For example, using a smart thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature for days when there are no guests staying.
3. Include signs: Provide clear instructions on how to use appliances and encourage energy-saving behaviors. For example, include a friendly sign that asks guests to turn off the lights when they ‘re out exploring.
4. Set limits: Consider setting temperature limits to prevent overuse.
5. Bundle service providers: Many service providers offer discounts for bundling utilities like internet, cable, and phone services.
6. Regular maintenance: Maintaining HVAC systems, plumbing, and appliances ensures they operate efficiently and prevents costly repairs.
7. Monitor utility usage: Use tools to track utility usage over time. Analyzing trends may help you identify periods of high consumption and do something to address them.

Things to keep in mind about Airbnb utilities

It’s just a fact of life that sometimes things go wrong. That said, we don’t need to sound the alarm every time something with your Airbnb utilities goes wrong.

1. Have an emergency fund: A burst pipe is no fun for you or your guests. Have an emergency fund on hand to cover these costs without adding too much stress to your daily life.
2. Occasionally, you may get a guest who overutilizes the Airbnb utilities. Maybe it’s leaving the lights on or keeping the air conditioning running at full blast. Investing in smart tools can help with this, as well as friendly reminders in your communications.
3. The seasons will affect your usage. A random warm day in the middle of Chicago winter could increase your AC, while a cold front in Texas could have folks cranking on the heat.

How Host Tools can help with Airbnb utilities

We know, we know. We covered a lot. However, we’ve got something that can help break down the stress and make things that much easier. Our platform, Host Tools, is designed specifically for hosts like you. We offer great tools like automated messaging, AI auto-replies, smart lock integration and a whole lot more. For instance, we can help you send automated reminders to guests to nicely ask them to turn off the lights when they leave!

Final Thoughts

Like it or not, Airbnb utilities are an essential part of this business. Use this post to make sure you’ve got them all covered. Add Host Tools into the mix, and you’ve got the perfect formula for five-star reviews from your guests

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!