Portuguese Phrase
Quanto costumam custar as contas?
Meaning
The sentence asks about the typical price of the monthly bills (electricity, water, internet, etc.). It implies that the speaker wants to know the usual range rather than a single exact amount.
When to use
Use this question when you are moving to a new apartment, staying with a host, or simply comparing living costs in different cities. It is polite and neutral, suitable for both informal chats and more formal conversations with landlords or roommates.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quantocostumamcustarascontas?
Quanto
Interrogative adverb meaning ‘how much’; used before a verb to ask about price or quantity.
costumam
Third‑person plural of the verb *costumar* (to usually do). It agrees with the plural subject that is implied (as contas).
custar
Infinitive verb ‘to cost’. After *costumam* it stays in the infinitive because *costumar* is a modal verb.
as contas
Definite article + plural noun meaning ‘the bills’ (electricity, water, internet, etc.).
Verb‑subject agreement
Even though the subject is not explicitly stated, the verb *costumam* must be plural to match *as contas*.
🗨In Conversation
Quanto costumam custar as contas aqui?
How much do the bills usually cost here?
Em média, a conta de luz fica entre 80 e 120 reais, água 40 reais e internet 100 reais.
On average, the electricity bill is between 80 and 120 reais, water 40 reais and internet 100 reais.
✕Common Mistakes
Quanto costuma custar as contas?
The verb must agree with the plural subject; use *custam* (or the modal *costumam custar*) instead of singular *custa*.
Quanto costumam custar a conta?
You are referring to multiple bills, so the noun should be plural *contas*.
Quantas costumam custar as contas?
Do not add a gendered article (*quanto* is invariable).
↔Alternatives
Qual é o preço médio das contas?
What is the average price of the bills?
Quanto é que as contas costumam sair?
How much do the bills usually come out to?
Quanto normalmente gasto com as contas?
How much do I normally spend on the bills?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, it is common to break down the cost of each utility (energia, água, gás, internet) when discussing monthly expenses. When you ask about "as contas", people often respond with a range rather than a precise number because bills fluctuate with season and usage. Using the polite form *costumam* shows you respect the listener’s time and are not demanding an exact figure.