Before moving, this was the most realistic thing I wanted to know. While you can find out about rent from listings, you only really understand the management fees, electricity, and heating costs once you actually live there. I've organized the story of utilities, which can easily be overlooked in the cost of living in Brooklyn, based on my personal experiences.

In New York City, including Brooklyn, electricity is supplied exclusively by Con Edison (ConEd). As of 2024, the residential electricity rates in New York are about 17 to 22 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is significantly higher than the national average of about 12 to 14 cents. For a single-person household, the monthly electricity bill during the summer (July and August) typically ranges from $80 to $150, and there can be a big difference depending on the air conditioner's capacity and usage time. If you run an old window air conditioner for 8 hours a day, it can add about $40 to $60 to your monthly bill. In winter, if you use electric heaters instead of air conditioning, your electricity bill may increase further.

The heating method varies greatly depending on the type of residence. Most traditional brownstones and older apartment buildings in Brooklyn use a steam heating system. In such buildings, heating costs are often covered by the landlord, so tenants have less concern about heating expenses.

On the other hand, newly developed condos or single-family homes are increasingly using gas boilers or electric heat pumps. In the case of gas heating, it utilizes Con Edison's gas supply, and the winter gas bill for a single-person household typically ranges from $50 to $120 per month. During extreme cold snaps (below -10 degrees Celsius) lasting several days, gas usage can double.

When you combine the actual costs, the average monthly electricity bill for a single-person household in Brooklyn during the summer (June to August) is about $100 to $180, while the combined electricity and gas bill in winter (December to February) averages around $130 to $250. Naturally, costs will be higher for households with two or more people or larger spaces.

For saving tips, you can utilize Con Edison's smart energy program or run your washing machine and dishwasher in the evening or on weekends to avoid peak times (weekday afternoons). Additionally, New York State's energy assistance program (HEAP - Home Energy Assistance Program) provides heating support for low-income households, so it's a good idea to apply if you qualify. Since utilities can take up a significant portion of living expenses in Brooklyn, calculating these costs in advance can help you live more clearly and comfortably.