Utilities in Gibraltar: What Renters Pay for Water, Electric and Internet

Quick Summary: Most Gibraltar rentals do not include utilities. Expect to pay £150 to £300 per month on top of rent for electricity, water, internet and other services. This guide breaks down every cost so you know exactly what to budget before signing a lease.

Moving to Gibraltar is exciting, but the monthly bills can catch you off guard if you only budget for rent. Utilities here work a little differently from the UK or Spain, and understanding the costs upfront will save you from surprises on your first statement. Here is everything renters need to know, with real 2026 figures.

Last updated: March 2026

1. Electricity

Provider: AquaGib (the sole supplier for both electricity and water in Gibraltar).

Electricity is typically the biggest utility bill for renters. Gibraltar's power is generated locally and supplemented by interconnection with Spain. AquaGib bills monthly based on metered usage.

A one-bedroom flat without AC typically sits around £70 to £90 per month. A three-bedroom apartment running AC through summer can hit £150 or more. If your flat has older windows or poor insulation (common in older blocks), expect higher bills.

Tip: Ask your landlord whether the property has a smart meter. Older coin-operated or key meters still exist in some buildings and can be less convenient to manage.

2. Water

Provider: AquaGib

Gibraltar produces most of its water through desalination plants. The water is safe to drink, though many residents prefer bottled or filtered water for taste.

Water bills are relatively low compared to electricity:

• 1-bed flat: £15 to £25 per month
• 2-bed flat: £20 to £35 per month
• 3-bed flat: £25 to £45 per month

AquaGib bills water and electricity together on the same statement, which makes tracking your usage straightforward. You will receive one combined bill each month.

3. Internet and Broadband

Providers: Gibtelecom and U-mee

Gibraltar has two main broadband providers, and both offer fibre connections across most of the territory. Speeds and reliability are generally good for such a small area.

Most renters go with a mid-range package around £35 to £45 per month for 200 to 300 Mbps. Both providers offer TV bundles if you want local and international channels, which adds roughly £10 to £20 per month.

Installation usually takes a few days after you apply. If the previous tenant had broadband, the line may already be active, which speeds things up. Check with your landlord before ordering a new connection.

4. Mobile Phones

Provider: Gibtelecom (primary), with roaming options from UK and Spanish carriers

If you are staying in Gibraltar long-term, a local Gibtelecom SIM is the most practical option. Pay-as-you-go SIMs start from around £10 per month, while contract plans with data typically cost £20 to £40 per month.

Many renters who cross the border daily use a Spanish SIM alongside a Gibraltar one. If you live in La Linea or work across the border, a dual-SIM phone is worth considering. Spanish plans from providers like Movistar, Vodafone or Orange tend to offer more data for less.

5. Waste Collection and Rates

Cost to the renter: Usually nothing

Gibraltar charges rates (similar to council tax in the UK) which cover waste collection, street cleaning and other municipal services. In most rental agreements, rates are paid by the landlord, not the tenant.

However, always check your tenancy agreement. Some landlords pass rates on to the tenant, particularly in commercial leases. For residential rentals, it is rare but not unheard of.

Waste bins are placed on the street, and collection happens daily in most areas. Recycling facilities are available at several points across Gibraltar, including at the Mid-Harbours and Eastern Beach areas.

6. Gas

Gibraltar does not have a piped gas supply. There is no gas network on the territory at all. Cooking and heating are done with electricity. Some properties have bottled gas (Calor gas style) for cooking hobs, but this is increasingly uncommon in newer apartments.

If your flat uses bottled gas, a canister costs around £25 to £35 and lasts roughly 2 to 3 months for cooking use only.

7. How to Set Up Utility Accounts

Setting up utilities in Gibraltar is straightforward, but you will need a few documents:

1. Tenancy agreement (signed and dated)
2. Valid ID (passport, Gibraltar ID card, or UK driving licence)
3. Proof of address (your tenancy agreement usually counts)

For electricity and water (AquaGib):

• Visit the AquaGib office at Waterport or call them on +350 200 75500
• Provide your tenancy agreement and ID
• They will set up the account in your name and start billing from your move-in date
• The previous tenant's account must be closed first, so coordinate with your landlord

For broadband (Gibtelecom or U-mee):

• Apply online or visit their retail stores on Main Street
• Provide ID and proof of address
• Installation is typically within 3 to 5 working days
• Some buildings are pre-wired for one provider but not the other, so check first

Tip: Ask your landlord which utilities are already connected and in whose name. In some buildings, electricity stays in the landlord's name and they bill you separately. Clarify this before you sign.

8. Total Monthly Utility Costs by Apartment Size

Here is a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to pay each month on top of rent:

These figures do not include rent. For rental prices by area, see our full guide to rental costs in Gibraltar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are utilities included in Gibraltar rentals?

In most cases, no. The majority of Gibraltar landlords charge rent separately from utilities. The tenant is responsible for setting up and paying their own electricity, water and broadband. Always check your tenancy agreement for specifics.

How much should I budget for utilities per month?

For a typical one or two bedroom flat, budget around £150 to £220 per month to cover electricity, water, internet and a mobile plan. Summer months will be higher due to air conditioning.

Is Gibraltar water safe to drink?

Yes. Gibraltar's tap water meets EU safety standards. It comes from desalination plants and is regularly tested. Some people prefer the taste of bottled or filtered water, but the tap supply is safe.

Can I keep my UK phone plan in Gibraltar?

You can, but it may cost more. Since Gibraltar is not part of the UK's domestic mobile network, your UK plan may treat it as international roaming. For longer stays, a local Gibtelecom SIM is more cost-effective.

Who do I contact if there is a power cut?

Contact AquaGib on +350 200 75500. Power cuts are infrequent but can happen during storms or maintenance. AquaGib usually posts updates on their website and social media.