My boyfriend and I are looking at buying a house and are trying to get an idea how much utilities will cost so we can decide how much we can afford for a mortgage payment. We are looking to stay in the Inver Grove Heights/South St. Paul area, but information based on any suburb would help.

What we need to know is an average monthly cost for electric, gas, water, and trash removal. I have been trying to get information off the websites of local utilities providers but without signing up for service they don't tell you what the cost is. I understand that the costs can vary depending on age and size of home. We are looking at a home around 1200-1500 square feet (two or three bedrooms). I also understand that I can call the utility companies to get an estimate, but you have to provide an address for the service and we don't know where we are moving yet.

I would really appreciate any information about what others are paying.
Thanks!

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