Sims 4 players have been complaining about outrageous high bills for years. Many players had to use money cheats to be able to pay the bills. They complained about bills and lot taxes being astronomically high ever since Seasons was launched.
That usually has to do with using the thermostat.
In this guide, we’ll take a quick look at some of the most common reasons why bills are too high in Sims 4.
I’ll also share with you some tips and tricks I’ve been using to keep my Sims 4 bills low.
Why do my bills keep increasing in The Sims 4?
Inventory items can add to bills
The things in your Sim’s inventory contribute to the overall bill amount. Check to see what items your Sims have stored in their inventories.
Sell any items you don’t really need or haven’t used in a long time.
Your own a big house with too much stuff
Sims that have one of the cheapest houses in the neighborhood will have lower household bills. If your Sims live in a big house cluttered with stuff, that will add to their bills.
Owning TVs and computers will increase your bills. The more expensive your items, the higher your bills. Upgraded household items add to your bills.
In The Sims 4, bills are calculated based on the total value of your lot, which includes all your household items and the default value of the house when empty.
You’re switching households
If you have multiple households and you’re always playing different families, several Sim weeks may pass before revisiting them.
If you play only one family for one or two weeks straight, the second bill is always cheaper.
Play fewer households for longer and your bills should go down.
You’re using the thermostat for using heating and cooling
Heating and cooling can add to bills. If you frequently use the thermostat to keep your Sims warm or cool, you’ll quickly notice the bills keep increasing.
The thermostat adds a cost when it’s used.
For example, after 3 days of freezing weather with the heat on, the bills can go as high as 20,000 Simoleons.
One quick way to reduce your heating-related bills is to place down fireplaces in the house instead of using the thermostat.
⇒ Must-Read: The Sims 4 Cottage Living: How to make enough money to easily cover your bills
How do you lower your bills in The Sims 4?
Get the Frugal reward trait
The Frugal trait reduces bills by 25 percent in Sims 4. This trait makes living in a big mansion and owning expensive items much cheaper.
But if you want to further lower your bills, try owning fewer expensive items and move to a smaller house.
Use heating and cooling less frequently
Instead of using the thermostat, place down fireplaces to warm up your Sims. Change their clothing when inside to save money. Put on some warm clothes and they should be just fine with a fireplace around.
Use the thermostat only in extremely cold or hot weather.
Be a minimalist, own a smaller house, and own fewer items
You don’t need a big house if half the rooms are empty. If your Sims live in a mansion, bills can go through the roof.
Be a minimalist, use only essential items, and don’t use any extra decor.
Keep your inventory items down to only the things you actually need and use.
⇒ Quick Tip: Get yourself a money tree and make lots of money
Get Eco-Lifestyle
The Eco-Lifestyle expansion can help you lower your bills significantly. For example, you can mount solar panels and generate electricity.
You can also build an eco-friendly house to lower your bills.
Or you can go completely off-the-grid.
By the way, if you’re into farming, make sure to grow high-paying plants.
Install a mod to lower bills
If you’re looking for a quick fix, you can install a mod to lower your bills. There are plenty of options that you can choose from such as Realistic Bills, Very Low Bills, No More Bills, and so on.
If you want to get rid of bills altogether, get the No More Bills mod.
Conclusion
Sims 4 bills have to do with what your home and furnishings are worth, your Sims’ inventories, the family inventory, how often you use the thermostat, and so on.
To lower your bills, get the Frugal trait, use the thermostat only in extremely hot or cold weather, move to a smaller house, and own fewer items.
If you want to get rid of bills, install the No More Bills mod.