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Couple in an apartment vs Couple in a house: Electricity Use Compared in the US (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 the US, couple in an apartment uses about 10,648 kWh a year ($159.72 a month) and couple in a house about 10,648 kWh ($159.72 a month). That is 1.0× as much, or $0.000 more per month. Per person: 5,324 kWh vs 5,324 kWh a year.
Sources: EIA Residential Energy Consumption Survey 2020, Table CE2.1, average kWh per household using electricity: 2-person household. EIA Residential Energy Consumption Survey 2020, Table CE2.1, average kWh per household using electricity: 2-person household. Priced at $0.18 per kWh (EIA Electric Power Monthly, 2026-06).
Where the difference comes from
| Category | Couple in an apartment | Couple in a house | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating & cooling | 4,249 kWh | 4,249 kWh | +0 |
| Water heating | 1,278 kWh | 1,278 kWh | +0 |
| Refrigeration & freezing | 1,033 kWh | 1,033 kWh | +0 |
| Cooking | 298 kWh | 298 kWh | +0 |
| Washing, drying & dishwashing | 596 kWh | 596 kWh | +0 |
| TV, computing & network | 618 kWh | 618 kWh | +0 |
| Lighting | 660 kWh | 660 kWh | +0 |
| Other appliances | 1,917 kWh | 1,917 kWh | +0 |
- 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 413 kWh/yr
- Clothes Dryer 303 kWh/yr
- Desktop Computer 282 kWh/yr
- Outdoor Security Floodlight 213 kWh/yr
- Electric Lawn Mower (Corded or Battery) 44 kWh/yr
- Garage Door Opener 4 kWh/yr
- Printer (Inkjet or Laser) 4 kWh/yr
Only in the couple in an apartment
- Smart Speaker 24 kWh/yr
The same comparison in other countries
| Country | Couple in an apartment | Couple in a house | Ratio | Extra per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States (average) | 10,648 | 10,648 | 1.0× | $0.000 |
| United Kingdom | 2,500 | 2,500 | 1.0× | £0.000 |
| Germany | 1,900 | 2,700 | 1.4× | €24.67 |
| France | 3,017 | 4,287 | 1.4× | €21.17 |
| Australia | 5,237 | 5,237 | 1.0× | A$0.000 |
| Canada (average) | 7,417 | 10,750 | 1.4× | C$38.89 |