Utilities are cheaper for a smaller apartment. Especially if you conserve. My electric bill is $40 and my gas is $180. 3br, 1bath house with old crank out windows, vaulted ceilings, and hardwood floors. The gas is for my heat, hot water tank, and stove. But in the summer it drops to like $45-$70. It all depends on which utilities works which appliance. LOL But 1k is a good guess, but it's good to have some money saved up, too.