Sims 4 players have been upset about high bills for years. Many had to use money cheats from time to time just to pay them.
Complaints have been especially common since the Seasons expansion came out. One major cause is the thermostat.
In this guide, I’ll explain why bills get so high in Sims 4. I’ll also share tips and tricks I’ve used to keep my Sims 4 bills low.
Why Do Bills Keep Increasing in The Sims 4?
Inventory Items Add to Bills
Items in your Sim’s inventory increase the total bill amount. Check what your Sims have stored. Sell any items that are not needed or have not been used in a while.
Big Houses with Too Much Stuff
Living in a big house with lots of items leads to higher bills. Sims with cheaper homes in the neighborhood have lower household bills. TVs, computers, and other expensive items will raise your bills.
Upgraded items also add to the cost.
Bills take into account the total value of your lot, including all household items and the default value of an empty house.
Using the Thermostat for Heating and Cooling
Heating and cooling with the thermostat can significantly increase bills. Frequent use to keep Sims warm or cool raises costs.
For example, after three days of freezing weather with the heat on, bills can reach 20,000 Simoleons.
To reduce these costs, use fireplaces instead of the thermostat.
How to Lower Bills in The Sims 4
Get the Frugal Reward Trait
The Frugal trait reduces bills by 25%. This trait helps make living in a big mansion with expensive items more affordable.
The more Frugal Sims you have, the bigger the discount you get.
As you add more Frugal Sims, the percentage of your discount increases. With just one Frugal Sim, you get a 25% discount. With eight Frugal Sims, you save 90%.
Here’s a breakdown:
- 1 Frugal Sim = 25% discount
- 2 Frugal Sims = 44% discount
- 3 Frugal Sims = 58% discount
- 4 Frugal Sims = 68% discount
- 5 Frugal Sims = 76% discount
- 6 Frugal Sims = 82% discount
- 7 Frugal Sims = 87% discount
- 8 Frugal Sims = 90% discount
To lower bills even more, own fewer expensive items, and move to a smaller house.
Use Heating and Cooling Less Frequently
Instead of using the thermostat, use fireplaces to warm up your Sims. Change their clothing when indoors to save money. Warm clothes and a fireplace can keep them comfortable.
Use the thermostat only during extreme weather.
Be a Minimalist
Own a smaller house and fewer items.
You don’t need a big house if many rooms are empty. Living in a mansion can make bills skyrocket. Opt for a smaller house to keep costs down.
Use only essential items and avoid extra decor. Keep inventory items to what you actually need and use.
Sell expensive items in your household inventory like fish, flowers, and paintings, as they contribute to your billable household value.
Reduce the size of your house and the number of expensive electronics like multiple TVs, computers, microwaves, and fancy appliances.
This minimalist approach helps keep bills low.
Get the Eco-Lifestyle Expansion
The Eco-Lifestyle expansion helps lower bills significantly. Install solar panels to generate electricity and build an eco-friendly house.
You can even go completely off-the-grid. If you’re into farming, grow high-paying plants to further save money.
Develop the Natural Living Skill
The Natural Living skill in The Sims 4:Enchanted by Nature lets your Sims live outdoors and take care of themselves without needing a house. No house means no bills.
Sims can gather fruits, veggies, and other edible things from nature instead of cooking in a kitchen. They can clean up in rivers, ponds, or other natural water sources, and sleep on the ground or on benches.
Install a Mod to Lower Bills
For a quick fix, install a mod to lower your bills. Options include Realistic Bills, Very Low Bills, and No More Bills. If you want to get rid of bills altogether, use the No More Bills mod.
Or, if you want an easy shortcut, you can use cheats to add Simoleons to your household funds and completely forget about bills.
What Happens if You Don’t Pay the Bills in The Sims 4?
- Electricity will be cut off within 48 hours
- The water supply will be cut off after 96 hours
- Repo-man will start repossessing valuable items
Happy Simming!