Cooling is the main variable
Air conditioning, ventilation and cooling account for a large share of summer consumption. A top-floor flat, a villa and a district-cooling connection can have very different bills.
Slab tariffs and fees
Electricity and water tariffs can rise in steps as consumption increases. A small increase in use can move part of the bill into a higher band. Check the tariff structure, not just the average.
Chiller and service charges
District cooling is often billed separately from electricity and water. Ask whether the chiller charge is fixed, metered or included in the service charge.
Deposits and connections
A new apartment may require a utility deposit, a connection fee and a meter activation. These are move-in costs, not monthly consumption.
Efficiency before a bigger flat
Insulation, window shading, thermostat settings and appliance efficiency can change the bill more than a small tariff difference. Ask for the previous summer’s bills before renting.