Electricity and Gas Consumption: How Much Should You Budget ?
How much do you actually spend on energy in an apartment? This is one of the first questions tenants ask before signing a lease. Indeed, the bill can vary from one to three times depending on the size of the property, the number of occupants and the time of year. Getting a clear picture of these expenses is therefore essential for managing your budget with peace of mind.
This guide provides up-to-date figures, a simple method to estimate your energy costs and practical tips to reduce your bill throughout the year. Whether you live in a Paris studio, a T3 in Lyon or a family apartment in Strasbourg, this information will help you plan ahead.
How Much Energy Does an Apartment Consume on Average in France?
According to ADEME (the French Agency for Ecological Transition), the annual electricity consumption of a residential apartment in France generally ranges between 2,000 and 6,000 kWh. However, this figure varies significantly depending on several factors. Indeed, floor area, heating system, residents’ habits and the building’s thermal performance all play a major role.
Key Figures by Apartment Size
Here are the typical ranges observed for an apartment without electric heating, used as a primary residence:
| Type of apartment | Floor area (m²) | Annual volume (kWh) | Estimated annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bed | 20 – 35 m² | 1,500 – 2,200 kWh | €270 – €400 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | 35 – 55 m² | 2,200 – 3,200 kWh | €400 – €580 |
| 3-bedroom apartment | 55 – 80 m² | 3,200 – 4,500 kWh | €580 – €820 |
| 4+ bedrooms | 80 m² and above | 4,500 – 6,500 kWh | €820 – €1,180 |
With an individual electric heating system, these volumes can double or even triple. Thus, a 50 m² apartment fully heated by electricity can reach 5,000 to 7,000 kWh/year. The annual bill then rises to between €900 and €1,260.
A Cost That Varies Greatly by Season
Energy needs are not constant throughout the year. Three main periods can therefore be identified:
- Winter (November to February): this is the peak spending period. Heating runs at full capacity. Moreover, shorter days extend the hours of artificial lighting. As a result, the monthly bill can be 2 to 3 times higher than in summer.
- Spring and autumn: an intermediate period. Heating needs are occasional. Consequently, costs stabilise at a moderate level.
- Summer (May to August): minimum consumption without air conditioning. However, if you have an air conditioning unit, this single appliance can account for 30 to 40% of your summer bill.
Natural Gas in an Apartment: Volumes and Costs to Anticipate
In many residential buildings, natural gas powers the individual or shared boiler, the water heater and sometimes the hob. According to ENGIE and TotalEnergies, annual volumes differ depending on usage:
| Gas usage | Typical profile | Annual volume (kWh) | Estimated annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooking only | Studio / 2-bed | 200 – 500 kWh | €20 – €50 |
| Hot water + cooking | 2-bed / 3-bed | 1,500 – 2,500 kWh | €150 – €250 |
| Heating + hot water + cooking | 3-bed / 4-bed | 8,000 – 15,000 kWh | €800 – €1,500 |
Regional note: the local climate plays a determining role. For example, in Strasbourg, where winters are particularly harsh, a 3-bedroom apartment heated by gas can consume 30 to 40% more than an equivalent property in Montpellier. That is why it is important to factor in this additional cost before moving in.
The Main Factors That Affect Your Energy Bill
Two apartments of the same size can sometimes show very different bills. Several elements explain these differences.
The Number of People in the Household
Each additional resident generates on average 500 to 800 kWh/year of extra needs. Showers, cooking and personal devices are the main causes. Thus, a studio occupied by one person is not comparable to a 2-bed shared by a couple. In shared housing especially, pooling equipment reduces the individual cost. On the other hand, the overall household expenditure increases with each occupant.
The Heating System: Shared or Individual?
The heating bill represents 60 to 70% of a household’s energy expenditure according to ADEME. Two clearly distinct situations exist:
- Shared heating (gas or oil): costs are spread across building service charges. The occupant has limited direct control. However, they do not bear the full operating costs alone.
- Individual electric radiators: full freedom of adjustment. On the other hand, full financial responsibility. In older, poorly insulated buildings, this is often the most expensive scenario.
Household Appliances: Which Are the Most Energy-Hungry?
Excluding heating, here is an estimate of what common appliances consume annually in an apartment:
| Appliance | Power (W) | Annual volume (kWh) | Indicative annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator (class A++) | 100–200 W | 150–300 kWh | €27–€54 |
| Water heater (200 L) | 2,000–2,500 W | 1,000–1,500 kWh | €180–€270 |
| Washing machine (60°C, 5 kg/week) | 1,500–2,000 W | 150–250 kWh | €27–€45 |
| Dishwasher | 1,200–1,800 W | 200–350 kWh | €36–€63 |
| Oven | 2,000–3,500 W | 200–400 kWh | €36–€72 |
| Television (50 inches) | 80–120 W | 50–120 kWh | €9–€22 |
| Laptop computer | 30–65 W | 50–150 kWh | €9–€27 |
| LED lighting (entire apartment) | Variable | 100–300 kWh | €18–€54 |
| Air conditioning unit (9,000 BTU) | 900–1,200 W | 200–500 kWh (summer) | €36–€90 |
The Building’s Thermal Quality
The building envelope directly determines heating needs. Walls, roof and windows all play a key role. Thus, a property rated F or G on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC/DPE) requires 2 to 3 times more energy than a newer A or B-rated property. Before signing a lease, it is therefore worth consulting this document. It will give you a realistic estimate of your future energy costs.
How to Estimate Your Own Energy Expenditure
Several approaches can provide a reliable estimate. Here are the main ones, from the quickest to the most precise.
Monitoring via the Smart Meter
The Linky smart meter is now installed in virtually all French homes. It automatically transmits readings to Enedis. Thus, through your energy supplier’s online account or the Enedis app, you can access your consumption history day by day. It is therefore the most reliable tool for spotting peaks and identifying the most energy-hungry appliances.
Appliance-by-Appliance Calculation
The basic formula is as follows:
Volume (kWh) = Power (kW) × Hours of use × Number of days
Example: a 1,500 W radiator runs for 6 hours a day over 120 winter days. It therefore consumes 1.5 × 6 × 120 = 1,080 kWh. At the current tariff, that represents approximately €194.
Online Simulators from Energy Suppliers
EDF, ENGIE and TotalEnergies offer free online tools. Indeed, these simulators estimate your annual expenditure based on your floor area, appliances and heating system. They also allow you to compare the different tariff options available on the market.
Subscription, Tariff and Bill: Understanding Your Electricity Invoice
An electricity bill consists of two parts. On one side, a fixed charge: the subscription, linked to the contracted power in kVA. On the other, a variable charge: the cost of the kWh actually used. In 2025, EDF’s Regulated Sale Tariff (TRV) is approximately €0.18/kWh on the Base option.
| Power (kVA) | Recommended profile | Monthly subscription | Annual subscription |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kVA | Studio, 1 person, minimal use | ~€9 | ~€108 |
| 6 kVA | 2-bed/3-bed, standard use | ~€12 | ~€144 |
| 9 kVA | Large apartment or electric heating | ~€16 | ~€192 |
| 12 kVA | 4-bed+, intensive use | ~€20 | ~€240 |
For a 45 m² 2-bedroom apartment, the monthly bill generally ranges between €35 and €60 in summer. In contrast, in the middle of winter with electric convectors running, it can reach €90 to €150.
Off-Peak Hours: Is It Worth It?
The Peak/Off-Peak Hours (HP/HC) tariff gives access to a reduced rate. Concretely, it is around 20 to 25% cheaper during off-peak periods, generally from 10pm to 6am. It is therefore advantageous if you can shift certain uses:
- Water heater programmed to heat at night
- Washing machine and dishwasher running late in the evening
- Electric vehicle charging
- Storage heating system
On the other hand, if your consumption is concentrated during the day and evening, the Base option often remains more cost-effective. Indeed, the HP/HC subscription is slightly higher.
Reducing Your Energy Bill: The Most Effective Actions
Lowering your bill does not always require major works. Indeed, several simple steps and well-targeted adjustments can produce a visible effect on the annual cost.
Prioritise Heating
This is the most powerful lever. Indeed, heating accounts for the majority of expenditure during cold weather. Here are the most effective actions:
- Keep living rooms at 19°C and bedrooms at 17°C. Indeed, each additional degree represents 7% more spending.
- Programme a 3 to 4°C reduction at night and during extended absences.
- Air the apartment for 10 minutes a day rather than leaving windows ajar. This way, you lose up to 5 times less heat.
- Fit draught excluders on poorly sealed windows and doors. A simple adhesive strip can indeed reduce heat loss by 10 to 15%.
Optimise Everyday Appliance Use
- Choose A-rated appliances or better. For example, a modern refrigerator consumes up to 3 times less than a 10-year-old model.
- Wash laundry at 30 or 40°C rather than 60°C. You thus save around 40% on this single item.
- Switch appliances off completely rather than leaving them on standby. Indeed, standby mode accounts for 10 to 15% of a household’s total bill.
- Defrost the refrigerator regularly. Indeed, just 3 mm of ice increases energy consumption by 30%.
- Replace any remaining bulbs with LEDs. You thus save 80% for the same light output.
Control Hot Water Usage
- Prefer showers to baths. Indeed, a 5-minute shower uses around 60 litres of hot water, compared to 150 to 200 litres for a bath.
- Set the water heater temperature to a maximum of 55°C. This is both the health recommendation and the most economical setting.
- Programme the water heater to run during off-peak hours if your contract allows it. You will thus significantly reduce your bill.
💡 Good to know: Water damage caused by a faulty water heater or leaking washing machine is among the most common claims in rental properties. Your home insurance may cover these incidents — provided you have the right cover. To choose the right policy for your situation, read our guide: Home insurance for furnished rentals: how to choose?
Integrating Energy Costs into Your Tenant Budget
Energy charges represent on average €50 to €120 per month in a typical apartment, outside of winter peaks. This item is often underestimated during budget planning. That is why it should be factored in from the very start of your property search, on a par with rent.
Estimated Monthly Costs for a 45 m² 2-Bedroom Apartment (1 person)
| Expense item | Summer (June–August) | Winter (Dec.–Feb.) |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription (6 kVA) | €12 | €12 |
| Variable part (kWh) | €25 – €40 | €80 – €130 |
| Domestic hot water | €15 – €25 | €20 – €35 |
| Lighting | €5 – €10 | €12 – €20 |
| Major appliances | €15 – €25 | €15 – €25 |
| Estimated TOTAL | €72 – €112 | €139 – €222 |
See also: Energy charges are just one of the items to factor into your monthly budget. To get a full picture of the cost of living in a French city (rent, transport, food, leisure), discover our guides: Budget for Living in Nantes and Budget for Living in Strasbourg.
Shared Housing: What Is the Impact on Your Energy Bill?
Shared housing offers a clear financial advantage. Indeed, charges are split between several people. Thus, a large apartment shared by three flatmates costs less per person than a solo studio. However, a few points are worth anticipating from the outset:
- Pooling major appliances avoids duplication. As a result, it reduces the household’s overall expenditure.
- Each person’s habits can create friction. That is why it is advisable to establish common ground rules from the moment you move in.
- The question of the energy contract needs to be clarified before moving in. Indeed, the account holder’s name and the subscribed power level both have practical consequences.
Before you sign: The type of lease you choose directly affects your rights and obligations as a tenant in a shared property. To understand the key differences between lease types and choose the right option for your situation, read our article: Student, mobility or furnished lease: which to choose?
Financial Assistance and Schemes to Reduce Your Bill
Several public mechanisms can help reduce your energy expenditure. Here are the main ones.
The Energy Voucher (Chèque Énergie)
This scheme is automatically allocated to low-income households. It can be used directly with any supplier to pay all or part of the bill. The amount ranges between €48 and €277 per year. It depends on the household composition and declared income. No steps are required: the voucher is sent by post each spring.
The Regulated Tariff and the Tariff Shield
The Regulated Sale Tariff (TRV) offers stability that market offers do not always guarantee. It is available through EDF and local distributors. Furthermore, the authorities can activate a tariff shield to limit price rises during periods of market tension. This is notably what happened between 2022 and 2024.
MaPrimeRénov’ for Landlords
Do you own a rental apartment? In that case, MaPrimeRénov’ can fund insulation works or heating system replacements. These improvements raise the property’s EPC rating. They thus reduce your tenants’ energy costs and increase the value of your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average monthly consumption in kWh for an apartment?
For a 45 m² 2-bedroom apartment occupied by one person, consumption generally sits between 200 and 280 kWh/month over the year. In the middle of winter with electric convectors, this figure can reach 400 to 600 kWh/month. In summer, on the other hand, it often drops below 150 kWh.
What power level should I subscribe to for my apartment?
3 kVA is sufficient for a studio without heavy appliances. For a 2 or 3-bedroom apartment with standard use, 6 kVA is recommended. On the other hand, with electric heating, plan for 9 or 12 kVA depending on the floor area. This avoids circuit breakers tripping during peak load periods.
Gas or electricity: which is cheaper for heating?
At equivalent use, natural gas remains generally less expensive. Its price is around €0.10/kWh compared to €0.18/kWh for the Base electricity option. However, modern heat pumps produce 3 to 4 kWh of heat per kWh consumed. They therefore now compete with gas on economic grounds.
How do I check whether my consumption is normal?
Check your history through your supplier’s online account or the Enedis app. Then compare with ADEME’s averages for a household with your profile. An abnormally high spend may indicate a faulty appliance. For example, a water heater that never stops or an ageing refrigerator.
What is the difference between kWh and kVA?
The kWh measures the energy actually used. It is what appears on your consumption statement. The kVA, on the other hand, refers to the maximum power available simultaneously in your installation. It is the level chosen when signing the contract. If it is too low, it causes automatic trip switches whenever several energy-hungry appliances run at the same time.
Key Takeaways Before Starting Your Property Search
An apartment’s energy costs depend on many variables. Floor area, appliances, heating system and season all play a role. For a standard 2-bedroom apartment, budget between €50 and €150 per month. However, gaps can be significant depending on whether the property is well insulated or not.
The key is therefore to know your usage patterns and to compare available tariff options. A few well-targeted adjustments allow you to reduce your bill by 15 to 30%. For example, controlling your thermostat setting, programming the water heater during off-peak hours or replacing bulbs with LEDs. These simple steps require no radical change to your lifestyle.
These costs should thus be factored in from the very start of your property search. Indeed, they add to the rent and service charges. Lodgis offers more than 10,000 furnished apartments across France — in Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Strasbourg, Nantes and many other cities. Find the property that matches your project and your budget.
