Short answer: “All bills included” means the rate you pay already covers the running costs of the apartment, so you pay nothing separately for utilities during your stay. At Holy Apartments, that means cleaning, internet, gas and all bills are included in one rate: $45 a night or $600 a month for a one-bedroom, and $35 a night or $400 a month for a studio.
Key takeaways
- In a typical Kigali rental you arrange electricity, water, cooking gas, internet, cleaning and waste collection yourself.
- An all-inclusive apartment folds those into one predictable figure, which is easier to budget and compare.
- Always ask exactly which items are included and whether any are capped or billed on top.
- Use the worksheet below to compare an all-inclusive rate with a rent-plus-bills quote.
What bills come with renting a home in Kigali?
Electricity
Many homes in Rwanda use prepaid electricity meters, often called “cash power”. You buy units (commonly via mobile money or an agent) and the meter counts down. It is simple, but someone has to remember to top up, and running out at night is a classic annoyance. Electricity is supplied through Rwanda’s national utility.
Water
Water is typically billed by the utility based on consumption. Tap water is generally not recommended for drinking, so many households also buy bottled or filtered water.
Cooking gas
Cooking gas (LPG) usually comes in refillable cylinders. When one runs out you need to arrange a refill or exchange. At Holy Apartments cooking gas is covered, so there is nothing to refill.
Internet
Home internet normally means a separate subscription and set-up, or buying mobile data bundles. At Holy Apartments internet is included in every apartment.
Cleaning
Cleaning is often arranged and paid for separately. In a serviced apartment it is part of the service.
Waste collection and small fees
Residential rentals can also involve waste collection fees and, in some buildings, service or security charges. Ask for a full list in writing.
What “included” should cover: a checklist
| Item | Typical rental | Holy Apartments |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Separate, prepaid or billed | Included |
| Water | Separate, billed | Included |
| Cooking gas | Separate, refill cylinders | Included |
| Internet | Separate subscription or data | Included |
| Cleaning | Arranged and paid separately | Included |
| Furniture and appliances | Often unfurnished or extra | Furnished |
| Air conditioning, hot water, TV | Varies | Available |
| Parking and security | Varies | Available |
| Backup generator | Varies | Available |
| Airport pickup | Arranged separately | Optional, paid separately |
Why it matters on a short or medium stay
On a long lease, setting up utilities is a one-off chore. On a stay of a few nights or a few weeks it is pure friction: opening accounts, buying electricity units, finding a gas refill, setting up internet. An inclusive rate removes all of that and, just as importantly, makes the total cost predictable before you arrive. For visitors and people relocating to Kigali, that predictability is often worth as much as the money.
A simple worksheet to compare quotes
- Write down the monthly rent in each option.
- Add an estimate for each bill that is not included: electricity, water, gas, internet, cleaning, waste, and any building or security fees.
- Add the one-off costs: deposits, set-up fees, furniture or appliances you would need to buy or rent.
- Add the cost of the time and hassle you would spend setting everything up.
- Compare the total with an all-inclusive monthly rate such as $600 (one-bedroom) or $400 (studio) at Holy Apartments.
Treat any quote that does not list exactly what is included with caution, and ask for the inclusions in writing.
One-bedroom or studio: what changes?
- One-bedroom ($45 a night, $600 a month): a separate bedroom, a living area and your own kitchen. Cooking gas is included.
- Studio ($35 a night, $400 a month): a private open-plan room with a shared kitchen. Cooking gas is included.
Both include cleaning, internet, gas and all bills. Monthly rates apply to stays of 30 nights or more, and we confirm the total when you send your booking request. Read more in our guide to furnished monthly apartments in Kigali.
Power cuts and backup
When you rely on an apartment, resilience matters. Holy Apartments has a generator available for backup power, hot water, and security on site, so an outage does not derail work or rest.
Questions to ask any landlord or host about bills
- Which utilities are included, and are any capped or limited?
- Is internet included, and what speed or type of connection is it?
- Is cooking gas included, and who handles refills?
- Is electricity prepaid or billed, and who tops up?
- Are cleaning and linen changes included, and how often?
- Are there service, security, parking or waste fees?
- What happens during a power or water outage?
How to avoid surprises with prepaid electricity
Prepaid meters give you control, but they punish forgetfulness. If you are renting a home, learn how to check the balance, keep a reminder to top up before it runs low, and buy a small buffer in advance. Air conditioning and electric water heating use more power than lights and chargers, so heavy use in a hot week can empty a balance quickly. In an all-inclusive apartment these decisions are taken off your plate, which is especially valuable if you are only in town for a short period.
Beyond bills: the other costs of setting up a home
- Furniture and appliances if the home is unfurnished.
- Deposits and advance rent.
- Moving and delivery costs.
- Bedding, kitchenware and basics.
- Time spent arranging all of the above.
For a stay of one to three months, those set-up costs often outweigh any difference in the headline monthly price. That is why many newcomers, as well as residents in transition, choose a furnished all-inclusive apartment first.
Inclusive pricing versus “rent plus bills”: a worked comparison
Imagine two options for a month in Kigali. Option A quotes a monthly rent, with utilities, internet, gas and cleaning left for you to arrange. Option B quotes one all-inclusive monthly rate. To compare fairly, add to Option A every line the host does not cover: the electricity units you expect to use, water, cooking gas refills, an internet plan, a cleaner, plus set-up time and any deposit. Then compare the total with Option B.
The exact numbers depend on your habits, so build your own table and be conservative with your estimates. Many people find the all-inclusive rate competitive once they count everything, and almost all find it simpler, which is its own benefit when you are busy with work, family or a move.
The hidden costs of “cheap” accommodation
- Utility deposits and connection fees. Opening accounts can involve upfront payments.
- Internet installation. A fixed connection may take time to arrange, leaving you without internet at first.
- Generator or fuel. If a building has no backup power, outages can disrupt work.
- Cleaning and laundry. Paying for these separately adds up.
- Transport. A cheaper place far from where you need to be can cost more in daily travel.
How AC, hot water and cooking affect energy use
Air conditioning, electric water heating and cooking appliances are typically the biggest electricity users in a home. In an all-inclusive apartment you can use air conditioning and hot water comfortably without watching a meter, and cooking gas is included. That removes a common source of stress for new arrivals who are still learning how much power they use.
Reading a rental quote line by line
- Base rate: per night, per week or per month?
- Minimum stay: is a monthly rate tied to a minimum number of nights? At Holy Apartments monthly rates apply to stays of 30 nights or more.
- Inclusions: list them item by item.
- Exclusions: ask what is not included, such as airport pickup.
- Deposit and payment terms: ask when and how you pay.
- Cancellation and extension terms: know your flexibility.
Who benefits most from all-inclusive pricing?
- Newcomers who do not yet know local utility providers and processes.
- Short and medium-stay guests who do not want set-up chores.
- Visitors and remote workers who need dependable internet and power from day one.
- Residents in transition who need a stable base between homes.
- Families hosting guests who want a simple, predictable cost.
Frequently asked questions
What does “all bills included” mean?
It means utilities and running costs are part of the rate, so you do not pay for them separately during your stay.
Is electricity included at Holy Apartments?
Yes. All bills are included, so there are no electricity tokens to buy.
Is Wi-Fi included?
Yes, internet is included in every apartment.
Is cooking gas included?
Yes, in both the one-bedroom apartments and the studios.
Is cleaning included?
Yes, cleaning is included.
Is airport pickup included?
No. Airport pickup is optional and paid separately. We confirm the price with your booking.
General information on typical rental costs in Kigali, last reviewed October 2026. Check with providers for current specifics.