Couple in an apartment vs Couple in a house: Electricity Use Compared in France (2026)
The same two people use noticeably more electricity in a house than in a flat. Not because of the people, but because of what a house comes with: a tumble dryer, a chest freezer, more rooms to light, a garage door, garden tools, and often a home office. Regulators in Germany and Canada publish flat and house figures separately for exactly this reason.
In France, couple in an apartment uses about 3,017 kWh a year (€50.31 a month) and couple in a house about 4,287 kWh (€71.49 a month). That is 1.4× as much, or €21.18 more per month. Per person: 1,508 kWh vs 2,144 kWh a year.
Sources: France publishes no figure by household type. This is the Enedis national average of 4,287 kWh scaled by the German Stromspiegel ratio for this household type (1,900 ÷ 2,700). France publishes no figure by household type. This is the Enedis national average of 4,287 kWh scaled by the German Stromspiegel ratio for this household type (2,700 ÷ 2,700). Priced at €0.200 per kWh (EDF Tarif Bleu, Aug 2026).
Where the difference comes from
| Category | Couple in an apartment | Couple in a house | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating & cooling | 935 kWh | 1,329 kWh | +394 |
| Water heating | 462 kWh | 656 kWh | +194 |
| Refrigeration & freezing | 425 kWh | 604 kWh | +179 |
| Cooking | 217 kWh | 309 kWh | +92 |
| Washing, drying & dishwashing | 181 kWh | 257 kWh | +76 |
| TV, computing & network | 329 kWh | 467 kWh | +138 |
| Lighting | 94 kWh | 133 kWh | +39 |
| Other appliances | 374 kWh | 532 kWh | +158 |
- The dryer alone can add a tenth to the total.
- A garage freezer is often an old appliance and uses more than the kitchen fridge.
- Outdoor and security lighting runs all night in a house and not at all in a flat.
Only in the couple in a house
- Chest Freezer 242 kWh/yr
- Desktop Computer 213 kWh/yr
- Clothes Dryer 131 kWh/yr
- Outdoor Security Floodlight 43 kWh/yr
- Electric Lawn Mower (Corded or Battery) 22 kWh/yr
- Garage Door Opener 4 kWh/yr
- Printer (Inkjet or Laser) 3 kWh/yr
Only in the couple in an apartment
- Smart Speaker 13 kWh/yr
The same comparison in other countries
| Country | Couple in an apartment | Couple in a house | Ratio | Extra per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States (average) (same official figure for both) | 10,648 | 10,648 | 1.0× | $0.00 |
| United Kingdom (same official figure for both) | 2,500 | 2,500 | 1.0× | £0.00 |
| Germany | 1,900 | 2,700 | 1.4× | €24.67 |
| France | 3,017 | 4,287 | 1.4× | €21.18 |
| Australia (same official figure for both) | 5,237 | 5,237 | 1.0× | A$0.00 |
| Canada (average) | 7,417 | 10,750 | 1.4× | C$38.89 |