One of the overlooked items in calculating living expenses before moving is utility costs.

In particular, the southern states see higher air conditioning bills during the summer than expected. Here's a breakdown of the reality of electricity and heating costs in Little Rock.

The main electricity provider in Little Rock is Entergy Arkansas. It is the Arkansas subsidiary of Entergy Group, which operates the regional power grid in the southern United States, supplying electricity to most homes and businesses in Little Rock. It is a private utility company regulated by the Arkansas Public Service Commission.

Electricity rates vary significantly by season. During the summer (June to September), electricity usage spikes due to air conditioning. For a one-bedroom apartment, you can expect electricity bills to range from $150 to $250 in the summer. There is a big difference between well-insulated new buildings and older ones.

For homes with three bedrooms or more, it is common for summer bills to exceed $300. Energy-saving tips include keeping the air conditioning temperature at 78 degrees Fahrenheit (about 26 degrees Celsius) and using window coverings during the day. Using ceiling fans in conjunction can be effective.

Winter heating costs vary depending on the type of fuel used. Depending on the apartment or house, electric heat pumps, gas heating, or electric strip heaters may be used. Homes using natural gas are supplied by Arkansas Natural Gas or CenterPoint Energy. Gas heating is often less expensive than electric heating. Winter electricity or gas bills are generally lower than in summer, but in cold months like January, they can reach $100 to $200.

In terms of electricity rates, Arkansas is generally in the mid to low range nationally. However, high usage (for summer cooling) drives up the costs.

Entergy Arkansas also operates an energy assistance program for low-income households (linked to LIHEAP), and you can monitor monthly usage in real-time via email or an app. Water bills are managed by the Little Rock City Hall and typically range from $20 to $50 per month. Internet is primarily provided by Cox Communications or AT&T, costing around $50 to $100 per month.

When you add up all utility costs, for a one-bedroom apartment in the summer, it is realistic to expect a total of $250 to $400 for electricity, water, and internet combined. In winter, this amount tends to be somewhat lower. It's advisable to handle utility applications in advance before moving.