Average Utility Bills by State

Electricity rates per kilowatt-hour (kWh) have steadily increased in recent years, although consumers in deregulated states can find relief by comparing providers and switching to lower-rate plans. Electricity remains the most significant utility expense, accounting for 55% of the average household’s utility costs, or $145 per month.

Natural gas bills, while generally lower than electricity, fluctuate more seasonally. Weather conditions and heating system type play crucial roles in determining monthly gas expenses. Homes with gas heating typically see higher bills during winter months, while those with electric heat pumps may experience more consistent gas costs throughout the year.

Water bills, averaging $40 monthly, tend to be the most stable of the three main utilities, though rates can vary significantly by region based on local water availability and infrastructure costs.

To compile these figures, we analyzed comprehensive data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) for electricity and gas and Statista for water, examining consumption patterns and costs across different states and regions.

What Is The Average Utility Bill for Each U.S. State?

The average utility bill in the U.S. is $266 per month, but varies widely depending on the state you live in, ranging from a low of $185 to a high of $389 per month.

Geographic patterns play a major role in determining utility costs across the United States. While West Virginia has the highest utility bills nationwide, at $389 monthly, substantial variations exist across mainland regions, particularly between coastal and inland states.

New England emerges as the mainland region with the highest utility bills, with Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts exceeding $300 per month. Two other mainland states cross the $300 monthly threshold: Wyoming ($303) and Maryland ($302). These higher costs often reflect a combination of aging infrastructure, severe weather patterns requiring intensive heating or cooling and complex energy delivery systems.

At the other end of the spectrum, Wisconsin and New Mexico are the only states with average utility bills below $200 per month. Close behind is Utah, with an average monthly bill of $213. The Mountain region consistently shows lower utility costs, benefiting from newer infrastructure and abundant local energy resources.

The Midwest and South present a more nuanced picture, with utility costs varying significantly state by state rather than following a clear regional pattern. This diversity reflects a complex interplay of factors such as local energy production, population density and climate variations within these regions.

The Average Monthly Electric Bill in the U.S.

While residential electric bills vary based on factors like location, home size and energy usage patterns, examining national averages provides valuable context for evaluating your own electricity expenses.

Our analysis of current U.S. Energy Information Administration data reveals how these costs break down across regions and what drives the significant variations from state to state. Here's a detailed look at what Americans typically pay to keep their lights on and their homes powered.

The EIA's latest data reveals that electricity costs constitute a significant portion of household utility expenses across America. Monthly electric bills average $145 nationwide, accounting for more than half of the typical $266 total utility costs. This proportion varies substantially by state, ranging from 40% to 70% of total utility expenses.

For even more perspective, the average monthly electric bill in the U.S. sits at approximately $136.84 based on the most recent residential data. In 2023, Americans paid an average price of 12.68 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), a drop from the 2021 rate of 13.72 cents per kWh. The shift in per-unit pricing reflects broader trends in fuel costs, regional generation sources, and evolving consumer demand.

Key State-by-State Electricity Costs:

Highest: Hawaii leads at $208 monthly due to heavy reliance on imported petroleum
Highest Mainland: Connecticut follows at $203 monthly
High-Cost States: Texas ($179), Alabama ($173), Maryland ($172), Massachusetts ($163), West Virginia ($162) and South Carolina ($161) all exceed $160 monthly.
Lowest-Cost States: Utah ($87) and New Mexico ($94) are the only states with average electricity bills below $100 monthly, followed by Colorado ($102).

The relationship between electricity generation sources and costs emerges as a crucial factor in price variations. States dependent on imported fossil fuels typically face higher costs, while those with diverse energy portfolios, like Texas, can often maintain more moderate rates. Texas exemplifies how energy diversification, including significant investments in wind and solar power, can help stabilize electricity costs despite growing demand. Texas homes have high bills due to their high consumption, but local electricity rates are below the US average.

Seasonal factors also play a substantial role in electricity expenses, particularly in warmer regions. Southern states like Texas and Florida experience pronounced cost fluctuations during summer months when increased air conditioning usage drives up both consumption and rates per kilowatt-hour due to higher demand. This seasonal impact becomes especially significant in areas with extended cooling seasons.

For consumers in regulated states, the local utility company's operational costs, infrastructure investments and regulatory environment directly influence electricity rates. This regulatory structure means consumers cannot shop for alternative providers, making regional cost variations particularly significant for household budgeting.

The Average Cost of Heating and Cooling Your Home

Heating and cooling account for a substantial share of residential energy spending in the United States, making them the primary driver behind seasonal spikes in your electric bill. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration indicates that nearly half of the typical household’s monthly energy cost, now averaging around $137, goes to keeping homes warm in winter and cool in summer.

What Drives Heating and Cooling Expenses?

While the national baseline offers useful perspective, the cost to heat and cool your home depends on several key factors:

Geographic Location: Households in colder northern states or regions with sweltering summers, such as the Midwest or Southeast, generally pay more due to longer and more intense heating and cooling seasons.
Home Size and Build Quality: Smaller, well-insulated homes cost significantly less to heat and cool compared to older or larger properties. Updated windows and modern insulation can make a notable difference.
Efficiency of Appliances: Outdated furnaces, air conditioners, and thermostats can dramatically increase consumption. Upgrading to ENERGY STAR® or high-efficiency systems often yields substantial savings.
Energy Source and Market Conditions: Whether your home uses natural gas, electricity, or other fuels will impact the cost, and those prices are influenced by factors like supply, demand, production trends, and even global events.
Household Habits and Conservation: Simple adjustments, like maintaining recommended thermostat settings, sealing drafts and regular HVAC maintenance, can help minimize costly energy waste.

Appliance and Electronics Energy Use: What’s Draining Your Power the Most?

The amount of electricity your household appliances and electronics consume can vary dramatically—sometimes in surprising ways. While charging your phone barely registers on your energy bill, running your oven or air conditioner can quickly drive up costs.

Typical Appliance Energy Consumption

Here's how energy use stacks up, based on manufacturer data and summaries from utilities like Silicon Valley Power:

Lighting: Modern CFL and LED bulbs are highly efficient, using only a fraction of the wattage of old incandescent bulbs. Running an 8-watt LED for an hour typically costs less than a penny.
Small Electronics: Devices like desktop computers and flat-screen TVs (especially newer OLED or 4K models over 40”) use more power than you might expect, averaging between 0.06-0.14 kWh per hour. Still, their hourly impact on your bill generally stays below a few cents.
Climate Control: Central AC and heat pump systems are among the most energy-hungry household items. A central air conditioning unit can pull about 3.0 kWh every hour it’s cooling your home, translating to roughly 39 cents per hour. Electric furnaces and heat pump strips consume 10 kWh or more per hour, potentially costing over a dollar each hour they run—making them the “big spenders” on peak heating or cooling days.
Major Appliances:
- Oven: Bakes and roasts at an average 2.3 kWh per hour (about 30 cents/hour).
- Electric Clothes Dryer: Depending on the load, expect to use 2.5 to 4.0 kWh per cycle. That’s 33 to 52 cents for each load of laundry.
- Washing Machine: Using warm wash and cold rinse, a full load uses about 2.3 kWh (30 cents/load).
- Whirlpool Tub: Notorious for energy use at nearly 1.8 kWh per hour (about 23 cents/hour).
Always-On Appliances:
- Refrigerator (ENERGY STAR 21 cu. Ft.): Operates continuously, averaging 51 kWh per month. That’s approximately $6.63 monthly just to keep your food chilled.
- Electric Water Heater: Among the highest for monthly consumption, these can use 380-500 kWh, costing between $49 and $65 each month, especially if your household uses plenty of hot water.

Energy Use Takeaway

In short, while leaving a fan or lamp on may seem trivial, your main cost drivers are often those all-day appliances (like your water heater and refrigerator) and the power-hungry machines you rely on for comfort like heaters, AC units and dryers. Understanding where your electricity goes can help you make simple changes, like adjusting your thermostat, running full laundry loads, or switching out lights for LEDs, all of which may yield savings over time.

The Average Gas Bill in the U.S.

Natural gas costs vary dramatically across the United States, influenced by factors like climate patterns, infrastructure availability and local regulations.
Our analysis reveals that natural gas typically accounts for between 16% and 44% of monthly utility bills across the United States, with the national average standing at $81 per month.

Northern states, particularly those heavily dependent on gas imports for winter heating, face the highest costs. West Virginia leads the nation at $137 per month, followed by Rhode Island ($135), Missouri ($132) and Wyoming ($128). However, these figures tell only part of the story. Natural gas prices are significantly more volatile than electricity prices, and monthly gas bills can spike in specific states if they experience winter storms or extended periods with unusually cold temperatures.

Southern states show a markedly different scenario. With their warmer climates reducing heating requirements, states like Arizona and Florida experience much lower natural gas costs, averaging $58 and $36 per month, respectively. This dramatic regional variation reflects not just climate differences but also variations in infrastructure development and energy policies.

The type of heating system in a home significantly influences these costs. Households using electric resistance heaters or heat pumps typically see their energy usage shifted toward electricity rather than gas, resulting in higher electric bills but lower gas expenses. This interplay between heating system choice and utility costs demonstrates how household infrastructure decisions can substantially impact monthly expenses.

Seasonal patterns add another layer of complexity to natural gas costs. Winter months bring increased consumption for heating in most regions, leading to predictable spikes in gas bills. This seasonality affects northern states most dramatically, where extended cold periods drive sustained high usage, while southern states see more moderate seasonal variations.

The nationwide variations in natural gas costs illustrate how geographic location, infrastructure choices and seasonal patterns combine to create distinct regional energy cost profiles across the United States.

The Average Water Bill in the U.S.

Factors like local water availability, infrastructure age, population density and climate patterns influence monthly water expenses. Based on data from Statista, here's how water expenses vary across the country.

Water utility costs represent the smallest portion of U.S. household utility expenses, averaging $40 monthly nationwide. However, these costs vary significantly by region, ranging from 7% to 30% of total utility bills.

West Virginia has the highest water costs, at $91 monthly, followed by California ($77) and Oregon ($76). These higher costs typically reflect factors like infrastructure age, terrain challenges and water treatment investments. In contrast, Wisconsin ($18), Vermont ($18) and North Carolina ($20) maintain the nation's lowest water costs, often due to abundant water resources and efficient delivery systems.

Most importantly, reducing water consumption can lead to additional savings beyond the water bill itself. Since heating water requires energy, lower water usage typically results in decreased electricity or gas costs, depending on the type of water heater installed.

Water Costs Over Time: The Impact on Low-Income Households

Water rates have trended upward in recent years, with the burden falling especially hard on low-income households. Analysis from the US Water Alliance and national policy think tanks reveals that essential water and sewer services are eating up a growing share of household budgets for families with limited financial resources.

In some communities, residents earning minimum wage must dedicate more than 10 hours of work each month just to pay for basic water services. For these households, water bills can represent over 12% of disposable income, a stark contrast to the national average. This underscores how rising utility costs deepen financial stress among those already struggling to afford basic needs.

The continuing escalation in water expenses across the country has heightened concerns around affordability and access, particularly for vulnerable populations. As rates continue to climb, utility costs are fast becoming a key part of the wider conversation about household economic security.

How To Save Money On Your Utility Bills

To minimize monthly utility expenses, you can find strategic benefits by focusing first on electricity costs, which typically represent the largest portion of utility bills. While some solutions require initial investment, they can lead to significant long-term savings. Here are the most effective ways to reduce your utility costs:

Switch Energy Providers: In deregulated states, comparing and switching to lower-rate electricity or gas providers can yield immediate savings without any equipment changes. Check if your state offers provider choice for either or both services.
Install Solar Panels: While requiring significant upfront investment, solar panels can dramatically reduce grid electricity dependence. Most systems pay for themselves within 6–10 years, providing substantial long-term savings and protection against rising utility rates.
Upgrade HVAC Systems: Since heating and cooling typically account for the largest portion of energy usage, investing in an ENERGY STAR-certified HVAC system can significantly impact your bills. Modern systems can reduce energy consumption by 20%–40% compared to older models.
Smart Temperature Control: Installing a programmable thermostat and adjusting temperatures by 7–10 degrees for eight hours daily can cut heating and cooling costs by 10%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Weatherize Your Home: Adding proper insulation, sealing air leaks and installing weather stripping can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 15%. Focus on attics, walls and common air leak points around windows and doors.
Choose LED Lighting: Switching to LED bulbs reduces electricity consumption and replacement frequency. They use up to 75% less energy than traditional bulbs and last 25 times longer.
Install WaterSense Fixtures: EPA-certified WaterSense products use 20% less water than standard fixtures, reducing both water bills and water heating costs.
Monitor Peak Usage Hours: Many utilities charge higher rates during peak demand periods. Shifting energy-intensive activities to off-peak hours can reduce costs without reducing usage.

Remember that utility costs follow seasonal patterns, with electricity peaks during the summer air conditioning season and heating costs (gas or electric) peaking in winter. Planning around these patterns and implementing these solutions can help manage seasonal cost variations effectively.

Practical Tips for Every Season

Summer Savings:
- Run major appliances (like dishwashers and laundry machines) during early morning or late evening when energy demand is lower.
- Close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day to keep your home cooler and reduce air conditioning needs.
- Use ceiling fans to circulate air more efficiently and raise your thermostat setting by a few degrees without sacrificing comfort.
- Service your air conditioner to ensure optimal efficiency and clean or replace filters regularly.
Winter Strategies:
- Set your thermostat lower when you’re asleep or away from home.
- Open curtains on sunny days to naturally heat your home.
- Ensure your heating system is well-maintained and replace furnace filters as recommended.
- Use draft stoppers or door sweeps to prevent heat loss from exterior doors.

Everyday Habits That Add Up

Take shorter showers and turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving to save water and the energy needed to heat it.
Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible; modern detergents are formulated to work well at lower temperatures.
Unplug chargers and electronics when not in use or use smart power strips to eliminate “phantom” energy drain.
Only run dishwashers and laundry machines with full loads.

Methodology

For this study, we analyzed the cost of utilities by state from the following sources:

Electricity and natural gas data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Residential water bill data from Statista.com.

To ensure a comprehensive view, we considered six primary utilities: electricity, natural gas, water, sewer, internet, and TV. For each state, we calculated average monthly costs for these services by:

Using average household electricity consumption (897 kWh per month, per the EIA) and multiplying by each state’s average cost per kWh.
Estimating natural gas costs based on average daily usage (168 cubic feet) and state-specific pricing from the EIA.
Incorporating water and sewer bills using average monthly household data from RentCafe and EPA estimates (average family usage: 300 gallons/day).
Factoring in the cost of internet and TV services using survey data from Reviews.org and highspeedinternet.com, focusing on plans that include at least 60 Mbps speeds, unlimited data, and ADSL service.

We also referenced median household incomes by state from the Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) to provide context on how utility costs compare as a share of income. While estimates for trash collection and phone services are included for national averages, these were not used in the state-by-state rankings.

This methodology allows for a well-rounded and current snapshot of utility expenses across the U.S., giving you a clear sense of what to expect depending on where you live.

Average Utility Bills by State (2025 Update)