Bills Included or Not? I Calculated The True Cost
"Bills included" sounds amazing. One simple payment, no surprises.
But is it actually cheaper? Or are you paying a premium for convenience?
I did the math using real 2026 data. The answer is... it depends. But I'll show you exactly how to figure out which is better for YOU.
What "Bills" Actually Cost Students in 2026
Let's start with the reality check. If you DON'T have bills included, here's what you're paying:
| Bill | Monthly (per person) | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gas & Electric | £25-35 | £300-420 |
| Water | £10-15 | £120-180 |
| Internet | £8-12 | £96-144 |
| Contents Insurance | £5-8 | £60-96 |
| TOTAL | £48-70/month | £576-840/year |
Average student bill spend: £88/month according to Save the Student's 2024 survey. That's £1,056/year.
The "Bills Included" Premium
Most providers add £10-20/week for bills included.
Let's do the math:
Bills NOT included:
- Rent: £100/week
- Bills: £15/week (£60/month ÷ 4)
- Total: £115/week
Bills included (same property):
- Rent: £115-120/week
- Bills: £0
- Total: £115-120/week
🧮 The Verdict
In most cases, bills included adds £5-10/week more than you'd actually spend on bills. That's £255-510/year extra for convenience.
When Bills Included IS Worth It
1. You're in a House Share (Not Purpose-Built)
Private rentals don't have bills included. You'll deal with:
- Setting up accounts with suppliers
- Arguing with housemates about heating
- One person forgetting to pay and everyone getting cut off
- Variable monthly costs (summer vs winter)
The stress alone might be worth the premium.
2. Winter Energy Costs
Here's what websites don't tell you: energy costs are NOT flat across the year.
| Month | Typical Energy Cost |
|---|---|
| July-Sept | £20-25/month |
| Oct-Nov | £35-45/month |
| Dec-Feb | £50-70/month |
| March-April | £35-45/month |
| May-June | £20-25/month |
That December-February spike can blow your budget. Bills included = predictable.
3. You Have Unreliable Housemates
One late payment from one person = everyone's problem. Bills included removes this risk entirely.
When Bills NOT Included Is Better
1. You're a Low-Energy User
If you:
- Keep heating off/low
- Shower quickly
- Use energy-efficient devices
- Are away often
You might spend only £35-45/month on bills. Bills included would cost you more.
2. You Want Control
Some people WANT to see exactly what they're spending. Bills included hides consumption.
3. Summer Months
If your contract includes summer and you're going home, you're paying for utilities you won't use.
The Real-World Decision Framework
✅ Choose Bills Included If...
- • You want zero surprises in your budget
- • You're living with strangers
- • You don't want to argue about heating
- • You're bad at admin (setting up accounts, etc.)
- • You're staying for winter months
✅ Choose Bills NOT Included If...
- • You're a low-energy user
- • You're living with trusted friends
- • You want to save every possible pound
- • You're leaving for summer
- • You like having control over spending
What's ALWAYS Included (Usually)
Even in "bills not included" properties, you typically DON'T pay:
- Council Tax (students are exempt)
- TV License (if you don't watch live TV/iPlayer)
- Building insurance (landlord pays)
My Take
For most students, especially first-years: bills included is worth the premium.
The convenience, predictability, and stress reduction are worth £5-10/week extra. That's one pint per week for peace of mind.
For second/third years in a house with friends: bills not included can save you money if you're all responsible and energy-conscious.
Find properties with bills included →
Bill estimates based on Save the Student data and Ofgem price cap rates for 2026. Actual costs vary by location and usage.