When choosing between renting an apartment or buying a house in Beaumont, CA, it’s important to understand the cost differences. Let’s take a visual walkthrough of the typical layouts and features that impact the monthly expenses for each housing type.
Picture a standard 2-bedroom apartment in Beaumont. The compact 800-1000 square foot floorplan includes an open living area, small kitchen, shared walls, and outdoor spaces maintained by the complex. In contrast, a 3-bedroom single-family home sprawls across 1500+ square feet with distinct rooms, a private yard, and systems the owner must maintain like HVAC and plumbing.
These layout differences directly affect ongoing costs. Renting a 2BR apartment in Beaumont typically costs $1,800/month, while a 3BR house may cost $2,450/month. Apartments often include some utilities and maintenance in the rent price. Homeowners face separate bills for all utilities, plus repair costs that can add hundreds per month.
Renting vs. Owning in Beaumont: What You’ll Pay
Let’s dive into the numbers. The average rent for a 3BR house in Beaumont is $2,450/month. Rents have climbed steadily, with the cost of a 3BR rising 6% in the last year alone. More affordable options can be found in neighborhoods like Cherry Valley, while new construction near downtown commands top dollar.
Buying that same 3BR house requires a mortgage around $2,200/month, assuming a typical down payment. While this base cost is lower than renting, owners must budget for additional expenses like property taxes, insurance, and upkeep that can push the monthly total above $3,000.
Apartments offer a lower-cost alternative, especially for singles or couples. A mid-range 2BR unit runs about $1,800/month. That rent payment covers most of the occupancy costs, requiring just a small budget for electricity and renters insurance. However, apartments provide less space and control than owning a home.
Table: Cost Comparison – Apartment vs House
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of common monthly costs in Beaumont:
| Expense | 2BR Apartment | 3BR House |
|---|---|---|
| Rent/Mortgage | $1,800 | $2,200 |
| Electricity | $60 | $150 |
| Water | Included | $80 |
| Internet | $50 | $60 |
| Insurance | $15 | $80 |
| Maintenance & Repairs | $0 | $250 |
| HOA/Fees | $0 | $250 |
| Total | $1,925 | $3,070 |
Estimates are for mid-range units with typical usage.
Utility and Upkeep Differences
Apartments and houses have very different utility footprints. These are some of the key cost drivers:
- Electricity: Cooling a larger home uses much more power than an apartment, leading to higher summer bills. Many Beaumont houses still use older, less efficient AC.
- Water: Homes with yards require irrigation, while apartment landscaping is covered by the complex. Bigger households also use more water for showers, laundry, etc.
- Maintenance: From leaky faucets to exterior paint, all upkeep falls on the homeowner. Hiring pros or buying supplies adds up quickly. Apartments handle most repairs at no cost to tenants.
- Insurance: Homeowners need enough hazard coverage to rebuild after a disaster, which gets pricey. Renters insurance only has to cover personal property and is much cheaper.
These expenses add hundreds per month to the base cost of owning a home. Apartments avoid most of these costs, making them more predictable for budgeting.
Lifestyle Tradeoffs
Of course, monthly costs are just one factor in the apartment vs house decision. Lifestyle priorities also play a big role for Beaumont residents:
Many people choose apartments for the convenient location and included amenities. Complexes are often walkable to dining and shopping, with on-site fitness centers and pools. The low-maintenance lifestyle appeals to busy professionals and frequent travelers.
Growing families tend to prefer houses for the extra space and privacy. A private yard gives kids and pets room to play. Houses also allow more freedom in decorating and renovations, so the home can evolve with the family.
Parking is another consideration. Apartments usually include one or two spots, while a home’s garage and driveway fit several vehicles. This is a big perk for multi-driver households or owners of large trucks and RVs that are common in Beaumont.
Which Is Cheaper Long Term in Beaumont?
Comparing lifetime costs requires some assumptions and math. Let’s forecast housing costs over a 5-year period for our example 2BR apartment and 3BR house:
The apartment starts at $1,925/month including utilities and renter’s insurance. Annual rent hikes around 5% push the monthly cost to $2,350 by year five. Over the full term, the renter pays a total of $128,000.
The house has a $2,200 mortgage payment plus $870/month for taxes, insurance, utilities, and upkeep. The owner must also fund occasional repairs like a new roof or HVAC system. After 5 years, the out-of-pocket cost totals $185,000 — but the owner has built about $50,000 in equity.
So is renting or buying cheaper in Beaumont? It depends on your situation. Renting is often cheaper in the short run, while owning can be an investment that pays off over time. Talking to a local real estate pro can help you run personalized numbers.
FAQs About Housing Costs in Beaumont
How much more does a house cost per month?
A typical house in Beaumont costs about $1,000 more per month than an apartment when you include the full cost of ownership. Our example 3BR home totals $3,070/month versus $1,925/month for a 2BR apartment.
Do houses come with higher utility bills?
Yes, houses have higher utility costs due to the larger space, yard irrigation, and less efficient systems. An average apartment runs $60/month for electricity, while a house is closer to $150/month plus water, trash, and gas.
Are apartments cheaper even with pet fees?
For most pet owners, apartments are still cheaper than houses when you factor in pet rent and deposits. A typical $50/month pet fee adds $600/year. But houses cost $10K+ more annually, more than offsetting pet expenses.
Making the Right Housing Choice in Beaumont
As we’ve seen, apartments offer a lower-cost, low-maintenance lifestyle while houses provide more space and long-term investment potential. The right choice depends on your household size, location needs, and how much you can afford to spend each month.
Beaumont residents can explore how much it costs to live in Beaumont each month to build a realistic budget for either option. Homeowners should also understand what they’ll pay in property taxes and HOA fees on top of the mortgage.
By digging into the numbers and considering your lifestyle priorities, you can find the perfect Beaumont home at a monthly cost that fits your finances. Explore our other articles for more tips on budgeting for housing and saving on monthly bills.