After years of covering Chicago real estate—and paying more ComEd bills than I care to admit—I can tell you this: utilities are where apartment listings get fuzzy. One building’s “included” is another building’s “surprise charge.” If you’re renting in Chicago, knowing which utilities are typically included can save you hundreds a year—and a few winter meltdowns.
Let’s break it down the Chicago way: plain language, real numbers, and no leasing-office spin.
What “Utilities Included” Actually Means in Chicago
In Chicago apartment listings, “utilities included” almost never means all utilities. It usually means some—and the devil lives in the details.
Most Chicago landlords include utilities that are difficult or expensive to meter individually. Others get passed straight to you.
Utilities That Are Commonly Included
Heat (The Big One in Chicago)
If there’s one utility Chicago renters care about most, it’s heat—and for good reason.
Heat is often included in:
- Vintage courtyard buildings
- Older mid-rise apartments
- Buildings with central boiler systems
Why?
Central boiler heat can’t easily be split by unit, so landlords bake it into rent.
What this means for you:
Your rent might look higher, but your winter bills won’t spike when January hits and Lake Michigan decides to remind you who’s boss.
Estimated value:
$100–$200 per month during winter
Water & Sewer
Water is included in the vast majority of Chicago apartments.
Typically included because:
- Older plumbing systems
- City billing structures
- Cost-effective for owners to bundle
Exceptions:
Newer luxury buildings may submeter water usage.
Estimated value:
$30–$60 per month
Trash & Recycling
Almost always included, and almost never advertised—because no one gets excited about dumpsters.
Included in:
- Nearly all Chicago apartment buildings
- Condo rentals via HOA fees
Building Gas (Sometimes)
In some buildings, gas used for central heating or shared hot water systems is included. Gas for in-unit cooking usually is not.
Utilities That Are Usually NOT Included
Electricity (ComEd)
Electric is almost always your responsibility.
Used for:
- Lighting
- Outlets
- Appliances
- Window A/C units
Typical monthly cost:
$40–$90 (higher in summer with A/C)
Cooking Gas (Peoples Gas)
If you have a gas stove, you’re likely paying this bill.
Typical monthly cost:
$20–$50
Internet & Cable
Chicago landlords rarely include internet unless it’s a luxury building with a bulk agreement.
Typical costs:
- Internet: $50–$90
- Cable: Optional, often $70+
Utilities by Building Type (Chicago Reality Check)
Vintage Walk-Ups (Pre-1940s)
Usually include:
- Heat
- Water
- Trash
You pay:
- Electric
- Cooking gas
- Internet
These buildings dominate neighborhoods like Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and Logan Square.
Modern Mid-Rise & High-Rise Buildings
Often include:
- Water
- Trash
Sometimes include:
- Heat (if centralized)
You pay:
- Electric
- Gas
- Internet
- Amenity fees (separate but related)
Luxury Apartments & New Construction
Expect fewer inclusions.
Often utilities are:
- Individually metered
- Billed through a third party
Rent may look competitive—until utilities stack up.
Average Monthly Utility Costs in Chicago (Realistic Ranges)
| Utility | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $40–$100 |
| Gas | $20–$80 |
| Water | $30–$60 |
| Internet | $50–$90 |
| Heat (if not included) | $100–$200 (winter) |
Why “Utilities Included” Can Actually Save You Money
I’ve seen renters chase low rent only to get crushed by winter heating bills.
A $1,650 apartment with heat included can easily be cheaper annually than a $1,500 apartment where you’re paying gas heat during a Chicago winter.
Always look at total monthly cost, not just rent.
Questions Every Chicago Renter Should Ask Before Signing
- Is heat included—and is it gas or electric?
- Are utilities individually metered or shared?
- Any monthly utility admin fees?
- What did the previous tenant average per month?
- Is hot water included or billed separately?
Common Listing Language (Decoded)
- “Heat Included” → Central boiler, no winter bill
- “Tenant Pays Utilities” → Ask which ones
- “Utility Package” → Usually bundled billing, not free
- “Net Rent” → Utilities are still separate
Summary: Utilities in Chicago Apartments, Simplified
- Heat and water are commonly included
- Electricity and the internet usually are not
- Older buildings tend to include more utilities
- Winter heating costs matter more than rent differences
- Always ask for real monthly averages
Chicago apartments reward renters who ask better questions—and punish those who don’t.
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