Utility Bills 101: Utilities Tips, Average Costs, Fees, and More

Curious to find out which US states pay the most for utilities? We researched energy bills, natural gas costs, water bills, and more to find out each state's average utility bill.
Sarah Cimarusti
Dec 11, 2023
bullet20 min read

If you just moved or are planning a move, it’s important to plan your monthly budget around utility bills. In the US, residents should plan to spend at least $328.03 per month on essential utilities like electricity, natural gas, water, and sewer. Depending on where you live and your container size, you should also budget $25–$100 for trash and garbage collection. Additional utilities include internet ($36), phone ($114), and streaming services ($59).

Of course, climate and energy costs vary from one state to another, so utility bills do too. We looked into the average utility costs in individual states to see just how much they vary. Keep reading to learn more about monthly utility costs and get money-saving tips.


US average monthly utility bill cost: $562-$637

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A quick word on inflation

Every year, we review this page and update our national data and findings for every state, still we realize that many categories on this list (like electricity and natural gas) have fluctuated with inflation. Learn more about how inflation affects the cost of utilities.


How to save money on your utility bills

Before we get into more depth about utilities and how much they cost, here’s a handful of ways to save money on your utility bills every month:

  • Call around and shop providers to get the best price.
  • Adjust your thermostat or get a smart thermostat.
  • Research and compare affordable home insurance options.
  • Swap out your light bulbs with energy-efficient replacements.
  • Build credit by paying for utility bills.
  • Unplug electronics you’re not using.
  • Get solar panels for your house.
  • Replace your water heater if it’s more than 10 years old.
  • Replace your home’s air filters once a month to every 3 months.
  • Address leaks in your home.
  • Get an energy audit or HVAC maintenance checkup.
  • Wash your clothes in cold water.
  • Replace old appliances.
  • Thrift, rent, donate, and reuse items.
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You can take out a personal loan for home upgrades and repairs

Homeowners can pay for kitchen upgrades or make repairs to their plumbing, electric, and HVAC systems by taking out a personal loan. While the interest may be higher on a personal loan than on a home equity loan, personal loans don’t require you to use your home as collateral. Don’t know where to start? Compare your loan options with Fiona, which simplifies your loan shopping process by delivering you personalized rates for some of the nation’s top lenders.

Explore your options.

How to save on utility costs by service

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Compare, save, and find the best homeowners insurance for you
Homeowners often settle for the first homeowners insurance plan their relator or property manager presents to them. They don’t realize that there might be a better or more affordable solution that’s tailored to their living situation. If you’re looking to move or buy a home, consider using an insurance-shopping tool which allows you to compare the best options on the market in your area.
 
Compare your options in a few minutes.

Average monthly utility costs by state

Now that we’ve discussed the national averages for utility expenses and ideas for how to save money on your utility bill, let’s talk about how much utilities cost per month in different states.

States with the least expensive utilities

1. New Mexico: $401

The year before last, New Mexico was number one on our list for the lowest utility costs in the US, and has risen back to the #1 spot again this year. With some of the largest oil and gas reserves in the nation, combined with increased investments in renewable electricity generation and energy efficiency initiatives over the past few years, New Mexico has been able to keep energy prices relatively low. 

2. Wisconsin: $431

Wisconsin residents enjoy one of the lowest average natural gas price of any state this year, with 70% of residents using natural gas to heat their homes.  In addition, Wisconsin benefitted from an average 21% reduction in home heating costs in the Midwest for 2023-24.

3. Minnesota: $451

Minnesota spends about 2% less on electricity compared to the national average, but that may change next year if Minnesota regulators approve Minnesota Power's request to increase electric rates by 12% in 2024

4. Illinois: $457

The most populous state in the Midwest's average utility prices have come down year over year, moving them up to #4 in the nation for least expensive utilities in 2023, compared to #10 in 2022. Fun fact: about 95% of Illinois households use electric air conditioning, but only one in six Illinois households rely on electricity for home heating. (Almost 8 in 10 Illinois households use natural gas for heating).29 The Land of Lincoln also enjoys a low cost of living, among other things.

5. Vermont: $460

Vermonters pay an average of $77 less than the national average in utility bills, due largely to their affordable electricity ($113.21), water ($18) sewer ($33), and internet ($25) costs, which are well below the national averages. Due partially to their small population, Vermont also has the lowest energy consumption in the country, so that helps keep costs down too.

States with the most expensive utilities

1. Hawaii: $897

While Hawaii is known for its incredible beaches and laid-back lifestyles, it costs the average islander a pretty penny to live there and afford utilities, food, and housing. Hawaii has the highest electricity price, nearly triple the US average rate, and the state relies on imported petroleum for 60% of its electricity generation.29 

2. West Virginia: $622

We’re sorry, West Virginia, but we’ve saved a spot for you as the runner-up on our most expensive utilities list. While well below the high prices for electricity and gas in Hawaii, West Virginians have the highest average water bill in the country at $91, well above the national average of $39.16. One reason for the increase this year was due to an increase in the Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC), which is supposed to go toward improving infrastructure and water quality.

3. Missouri: $617

While last year Missouri ranked in the middle of the pack for utility costs, with below-average monthly utility costs, they shot up to #3 most expensive in the country in 2023, with above-average prices for natural gas, sewer and internet services.

4. Georgia: $617

Georgia continues to have some of the highest average electric ($151.25), natural gas ($119.30), and streaming service ($62) bills in the country, staying at #4 most expensive in the country this year. Luckily though, Georgians enjoy a lower cost of living, which is, on average, 50.38% lower than the national average.

5. Alabama: $615

Alabama’s hot summers account for some of the highest electricity bills in the country, where 7 out 10 Alabama residents rely on electric energy to power their homes.29 While Alabama took the eleventh spot on our list last year, it's moved up to #5, meaning costs have risen; namely electricity ($167.80, which is a 16.5% increase year over year).

Joe Roberts contributed to this article.


How to save money on utility bills by service

How to save on heating and cooling costs

While this energy saver guide goes into more detail about specific ways to save on your heating and cooling costs, we wanted to summarize some top takeaways and provide more context here:

1. Seal air leaks

High Density Foam Weather Stripping
Loctite Spray Foam Sealant

Homeowners can save 10%–20% on heating and cooling bills by sealing air leaks around walls, ceilings, doors, fixtures, switches, electrical outlets, and windows. Take a look at these areas in your home and caulk, seal, and weatherstrip all seams, cracks, and openings to the outside.

2. Insulate your home

Properly insulating your home reduces the heat flow through the parts of the home that separate the interior from the outside. Consider adding insulation between the indoors and outdoors to reduce energy and save money.

3. Adjust your thermostat

You can save up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat down 7°–10°F for 8 hours a day in the fall and winter.3

4. Get a smart thermostat

Google Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen)

Smart thermostats allow you to schedule adjustments to your heating and cooling systems and track energy consumption all through a mobile device. Keep in mind that smart thermostats work best in homes with a furnace and/or central air conditioning.4

In 2021, about 40% of U.S. homes had smart thermostats.5 It is worth noting that homeowners should work with thermostat providers to better understand how to program their thermostats for maximum efficiency and with their utilities to stagger scheduling to avoid overwhelming the electrical grid, according to recent findings.

How to save on your average electric bill

Solar panels can save you money on your electric bill and increase the value of your home. You can actually see for yourself how much money going solar can save you using Google’s Project Sunroof tool. Use a site like Solar Power Authority to find solar companies in your area and compare prices from local solar panel installation experts.

Aside from installing energy-efficient, cost-effective systems like solar or geothermal, here are some quick, affordable routes to conserve electricity that your household generates:

1. Use your ceiling fan

Low Profile Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans are cheap to run (around a cent per hour) and can help save energy costs when used with an efficient air conditioner. By using your AC and fan at the same time, you can increase the thermostat by four degrees.

2. Avoid using the oven in the summer

Ninja Air Fryer

Cooking with an oven uses more energy than a microwave, air fryer, or grill, and it forces your air conditioner to work harder to keep your home cool during the summer months.

3. Keep shades or blinds closed during the day

Blackout Window Curtain Panels

About 30% of a home's heating energy is lost through windows.8 Keeping your blinds closed during the day, especially when the sun is the brightest, will prevent heat from radiating through the windows. There are also different styles and colors of window coverings that deflect more heat than others.

4. Use a power strip with a switch

2-Pack Power Strip

Appliances in standby mode account for 5% to 10% of residential energy use a year.9 You can use a power strip with a switch to plug in your appliances and flip off the power strip when you’re not using the appliances to help save on your home’s electricity or simply unplug appliances you’re not using.

How to save on your natural gas bill

Aside from fitting your home with one of the smart thermostats we recommended earlier, the best way to save on your natural gas bill is to regularly replace your air filters and perform annual furnace maintenance.

1. Replace your air filters at least once every one to three months

6 Air Filters

Your HVAC’s air filters become dirty and clogged over time, forcing systems to work harder to achieve efficiency. Clean or replace your furnace and air conditioner system's filters once a month to every three months for optimal performance. Replacement can lower your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5% to 15%.10 It’s important to know what size filter you need. Here are some of the most common air filter sizes homeowners use:

2. Clean air conditioner coils

Outdoor condenser coils get dirty over time, so it’s important to remove any dirt or debris that collects. Clean the coils, remove debris, and trim the foliage back at least two feet to allow for adequate airflow.

3. Get annual maintenance for your HVAC systems

Think of your HVAC system as a car. If you wait too long to service your car for regular maintenance, you could be looking at hefty repairs down the road. While it costs from $5,000 to $10,000 to install a new HVAC system, it costs around $75 and $200 per year to ensure the existing appliance is running smoothly.11 Consider getting an annual HVAC maintenance checkup to make sure your systems are efficient and saving you money and headaches in the future.

How to save on your water bill

If you’re looking to combat water costs, pay special attention to appliances that use more water than others and identify what is necessary for water use.

1. Fix leaks

The average family can waste 180 gallons per week, or 9,400 gallons of water annually, from household leaks.12 The most common leak culprits are the kitchen and bathroom faucet, shower hose, toilet flapper, hot water tank, and supply line. Check out this plumbing repair cost guide for the most common household leaks and how much goes into a repair.

2. Replace fixtures with WaterSense products

Wi-Fi Sprinkler Controller

The average family can save more than $380 annually from retrofitting with WaterSense-labeled fixtures and ENERGY STAR-certified appliances.12 Here are some more facts on savings from WaterSense-labelled products:

  • You save 4 gallons of water every time you take a shower.
  • Faucets and aerators can save 700 gallons of water per year (and are 30 percent more efficient than standard faucets while still providing sufficient flow).
  • An irrigation controller can save your home up to 15,000 gallons of water annually.

3. Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth

This age-old water-saving tip may not sound like much, but apparently, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save eight gallons of water per day.12

4. Collect rainwater for your landscape needs

Rain Water Barrel

Depending on the region, homeowners use between 30% and 70% of their water outdoors.14 It may seem like a no-brainer, but you can use water that collects on your roof or other catchment areas to water your lawn or clean your car. You’ll need a barrel, which will run you $50–$200 from your local hardware store or online, and to follow some simple rainwater harvesting tips.

5. Water lawns early morning and after the sun goes down

It's best to water lawns and landscapes early in the morning and when the sun goes down in the evening. Watering during this time prevents evaporation during the hottest parts of the day. Other watering tips:

  • Use native plants or plants that don’t need a lot of water.
  • Plant turf grass only in recreation areas.
  • Organize your landscape into hydrozones with a different watering schedule for each.

How to reduce your trash bill

The best way to reduce what you spend on trash collection is to reduce your waste. Here are some tips on how to reduce your trash:

Tumbling Composter
  • Use reusable water bottles and food containers.
  • Cook at home; limit ordering in or frequenting drive-thrus.
  • Buy in bulk.
  • Reduce purchases that come in plastic containers.
  • Thrift, rent, and reuse items.
  • Go paperless.
  • Bring reusable shopping bags to stores.
  • Compost to reduce food waste.

How to save on your internet bill

Similar to paying for channels you don’t watch, it’s possible you could be paying for internet you don’t use. If that’s you, consider reducing your internet speed or lowering your data usage. According to Reviews.org, other ways to save on your internet bill include:

  • Buy your own modem and router.
  • Bundle internet and TV.
  • Shop around and compare prices.
  • Cancel your cell phone data plan.
  • Negotiate your bill.
  • Ask for discounts.
  • See if you qualify for subsidies.

How to save on your cell phone bill

The best way to save money on your cell phone bill is to keep an eye on each mobile carrier’s promotions. You’ll often see promotions advertising discounted prices on phone plans (and even new smartphones) if you add an extra line to your plan or switch carriers.

If you aren’t concerned about using a lot of mobile data each month, a prepaid mobile plan may be right for you. Prepaid plans are often less expensive than standard postpaid plans, and many of the major mobile carriers have prepaid plan options to choose from.

Tips for Saving Money on Summer Utility Bills


Average costs by service

How much does heating and cooling your home cost on average?

According to the US Energy Information Administration, the average cost of energy in US households was about $117.46 a month in 20201—with nearly half of that money going to heating and cooling (which has gone up since then). The average cost of natural gas to power homes in US households was about $90.62 a month in 2022.

While your energy source determines the energy cost you pay, your bill also depends on inflation, geopolitics, and how much energy you conserve. Here are some other important factors to consider:

  • Location. Where you live and the climate you exist in play a significant role in heating and cooling costs.
  • Home size. Heating and cooling a small apartment with modern windows and proper insulation costs less than heating and cooling an older, larger home.
  • Age of appliances. Old systems and appliances are one of the largest contributors to higher energy consumption.2
Sample-electric-utility-bill

Heating bill charges and usage vary by utility provider and by region. Here is a sample winter electric bill for two people living in a 1391-square-foot home in Wayne County, Michigan.

Get credit for paying your utility bills

In the past, having good standing with your utility providers and paying all your bills on time hasn’t really mattered in regards to your credit score. Some residents—particularly those with limited or fair credit—benefit from having their utility payment history attached to their financial footprint because it can help give them the leg up they need in the home buying process or even in making upgrades to their home.

In 2019, Experian created a free tool called Experian Boost, which connects your utility bills to your checking or savings account (with your permission) and gives you credit for making on-time utility bill payments. With Experian Boost, you can improve your credit score and build a credit history by connecting utility, telecom, and even Netflix bills you pay every month. Learn more about the service or register for your free credit score report. 

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Are you looking for budget-friendly moving resources?

At Move.org, we provide resources for people to plan their move, find moving services that make sense for them, and get settled into their new homes. If you’re looking for more support on budget-friendly options for a move, take a look at the following resources:


How much does the average electric bill cost?

The average monthly electric bill in the US is $135.25. In 2021, the average price per kilowatt-hour (kWh—the unit of measurement for electricity) for the residential US was 11.8 cents.6

Some appliances and electronics use more power than others

It may come as no surprise that running an electric clothes dryer uses more kWh than charging your mobile phone or using other small electronics. Silicon Valley Power (a municipal utility provider in California) breaks down energy use by appliance.7

Energy use by appliance

Appliance
Estimated energy usage
Estimated energy cost
CFL/LED (8 W) equivalent to 25 W incandescent0.008 kWh/hourLess than $0.01/hour
Ceiling fan0.025–0.075 kWh per hourLess than $0.01 per hour
Desktop computer0.06–kWh/hour$0.01–$0.03/hour
>40" OLED/4k television0.14 kWh/hourLess than $0.01/hour
Whirlpool tub 1.8 kWh per hour$0.23 per hour
Oven2.3 kWh/hour$0.30/hour
Central air conditioner3.0 kWh/hour$0.39/hour
Heat pump heat strips 10 kWh per hour w/fan$1.30 per hour
Electric furnace10.5 kWh/hour w/fan$1.37/hour
Washing machine (warm wash, cold rinse)2.3 kWh/load$0.30/load
Electric clothes dryer (light load vs. heavy load)2.5–4.0 kWh/load$0.33–$0.52/load
ENERGY STAR refrigerator (side by side) 21 cu. ft.51 kWh per month$6.63 per month
Electric water heater380–500 kWh per month$49.40–$65.00 per month

Data from Silicon Valley of Power, City of Santa Clara.  Data from January 2022. 


How much is the average natural gas bill?

The average monthly cost of natural gas to power homes in US households was about $90.62 a month in 2022, though natural gas costs more in some states than others.

Reading your natural gas bill may feel like reading a science report, so let’s get down to the most important acronym, BTU. It’s short for British Thermal Unit, a unit of energy. Your bill isn’t based strictly on BTUs. You may also see some other items on your gas bill—such as taxes. Check with your local provider for details to see what’s included in your bill.

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What about rent?

While we don’t talk about rent in this article, it’s an important part of your monthly costs. If you want to learn how much rent can cost in the US, check out our article on the US cities with the lowest cost of living. Also, take a look at our guide about the least livable US cities for minimum wage earners. In that guide, we talk about the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the most populous US cities.


How much does the average water bill cost?

The average American water bill is $39.16 per month in 2022, which is actually lower than the previous year. Americans use an average of 82 gallons of water a day at home.12 The best way to see how much water you’re using is to look at the breakdown of charges on your water bill. Here is a guide on how to decipher what each of those charges on your water bill means.

America’s water bills have been on the rise for a while. A study in 2019 found that low-income households must now spend an average of 12.4% of their disposable income and/or work 10.1 hours at minimum wage to pay for basic monthly water and sewer services.13

Aside from growing concern over high water bills, water conservation is also an especially timely topic in the US. With droughts and heat waves impacting regions across the US, homeowners are especially interested in ways to save water in states like California, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.

utility bill example

Water charges and usage vary by utility provider and by region. Here is a sample water bill from two people living in a 1,900-square-foot home in Salt Lake City, Utah.

What about the average sewer bill?

The average US sewer bill is $63.00 a month. The reason it ranges depends on your water and wastewater utilities and the source of your water.

An estimated 283 million people rely on public-supply water for their household use.15 Homeowners pay a monthly bill that covers the cost of the water and draining that water into the public sewer.

Depending on where you live, you may be billed for water usage and wastewater treatment separately. Sometimes you’ll even see water, sewage, and trash all on the same bill with one monthly fee.

Homeowners who rely on well and septic systems (15% of the US population),16 however, pay for the well and septic to be drilled, inspected, maintained, and, in the case of septic, emptied regularly. This means they don’t get a monthly water or sewer bill.

According to recent findings from a Bluefield Research that surveyed 50 utilities in the US, combined household water and wastewater bills have increased an average of 4.2% per year over the past 9 years.17 The study also found that utilities are trying to balance water affordability with the cost of operating water and wastewater systems by using tiered pricing to make water use less costly.

Ways to save on sewer charges:

  • Do larger loads of laundry less often. Try designating one laundry day a week and throwing every single dirty item into the wash. Washing a full load of laundry is the most cost-effective way to save on water costs. Reducing your total number of loads each year by 25% could save 3,227 gallons of water.18
  • Wash clothes in cold water. Simply, hot water requires more energy. It might not seem like much, but washing your clothes in cold water could save you $60 a year.19
  • Run the dishwasher when it’s full. Reduce wastewater by queuing up the dishwasher only when you’ve placed every dish and utensil you can possibly fit into it without overloading.

What is the average trash collection bill?

The average homeowner typically pays between $25 to $100 per month for residential trash and garbage collection services, depending on the location and size of the container.20

One of the easiest ways to get rid of belongings in your home is to reach out to a junk removal company, which donates and recycles things like furniture and appliances that may be of use to others. For information on junk removal options and costs, check out our article on the average cost of junk removal.

You can also donate items to various charities for reuse.

What about recycling?

Roughly half of Americans have access to curbside recycling, and those that do are charged about $4 per month for the service.21

The national recycling rate is 34.7%.22 Recycling varies by city, county, and state, and there’s long been an overemphasis on consumers’ responsibility to recycle, though the process is anything but simple. Only 9% of plastic is recycled.23 Not to mention that the recycling industry has dramatically declined since the plastic import halt in 2018.

Many communities choose landfills over recycling for cost, convenience, and environmental reasons (while recycling has a lower carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions than landfills and burning, energy and resources still vary by recycled material).

Here are some things you can recycle:24

  • Clean and dry PET plastic bottles (the bottles labeled number 1 that water and soda are usually sold in) and HDPE milk jugs
  • Aluminum and steel cans
  • Paper, newspaper, and magazines
  • Glass bottles and containers
  • Flattened cardboard and paperboard (clean and without liners)

What is the average internet bill?

The average internet bill is around $36 per month, down from last year. The monthly cost of your internet will vary widely based on connection type and speed. Slow dial-up connections cost as little as $10 per month, but the fastest fiber optic connections can cost up to $150 each month.25

Find internet prices for your new home

How much is the average phone bill?

The average phone bill in the US is $114,26 but you can expect to pay as little as $60 for a single line per month to $240 per month for a family of four.27

Nearly half of Americans think they are paying too much for cell phone service, and 73% worry that phone rates will rise, according to a recent WhistleOut survey. So, you’re not alone if you think your phone bill is too high.


What is the average monthly cost of cable?

How much does streaming cost?

The average cost Americans pay for streaming services is $59, up about $10 from last year.

There are over 100 streaming TV services available, from on-demand streaming (Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video) to TV streaming platforms (Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV) to network-owned streaming apps (HBO Max, ESPN+, and Peacock).

To learn more about what to look for in a streaming service, what you’ll pay, and what are the best providers out there, take a look at this article on the best streaming services. And if you’re looking for ways to save on your streaming costs, check out these 10 helpful tips.

How much does cable TV cost?

While streaming accounts for nearly 33.7% of total television consumption,28 according to Reviews.org32, nearly 54% of Americans are still paying for cable television (roughly $87 a month), often in addition to their streaming service bills. 


Full Ranking Dataset for utility costs by state

State
Total Utilities Cost
Rank 2023
Rank 2022
Change in Rank
Electricity
Natural Gas
Water
Sewer
Streaming
Broadband Internet
Phone
U.S. Total$537$135.25 $90.62 $39.16 $63.00 $59 $36 $114
Hawaii$897 11N/A $221.53 $275.34 $64.00 $122 $50 $50 $114
West Virginia$622 21816 $142.13 $79.43 $91.00 $116 $55 $25 $114
Missouri$617 32825 $126.46 $104.38 $39.00 $125 $58 $50 $114
Georgia$615 44N/A $151.25 $119.30 $28.00 $110 $62 $30 $114
Alabama$614 53-2 $167.80 $112.14 $30.00 $85 $55 $50 $114
Connecticut$611 62-4 $176.10 $112.80 $69.00 $44 $60 $35 $114
California$597 72013 $138.29 $99.49 $77.00 $58 $61 $50 $114
Florida$594 8157 $154.51 $138.15 $33.00 $48 $57 $50 $114
Oregon$592 93526 $108.03 $84.52 $76.00 $129 $60 $20 $114
Texas$584 1010N/A $162.17 $110.12 $37.00 $80 $61 $20 $114
Arizona$577 115-6 $138.13 $107.76 $64.00 $42 $61 $50 $114
Alaska$567 122614 $134.11 $59.32 $68.00 $73 $49 $70 $114
Kentucky$567 13229 $141.23 $105.74 $49.00 $48 $59 $50 $114
Louisiana$567 14239 $159.24 $95.16 $21.00 $68 $59 $50 $114
Delaware$566 15172 $128.99 $109.32 $46.00 $85 $58 $25 $114
Wyoming$566 164630 $98.78 $89.01 $53.00 $103 $58 $50 $114
New Hampshire$561 178-9 $158.67 $126.76 $27.00 $51 $59 $25 $114
Oklahoma$548 183921 $143.65 $111.59 $35.00 $35 $59 $50 $114
Maryland$544 1912-7 $139.99 $103.98 $46.00 $51 $64 $25 $114
Rhode Island$543 207-13 $136.74 $109.37 $32.00 $42 $59 $50 $114
South Carolina$543 219-12 $147.87 $98.78 $33.00 $62 $58 $30 $114
Tennessee$541 2216-6 $145.49 $70.11 $43.00 $80 $58 $30 $114
Virginia$541 2311-12 $144.96 $103.07 $36.00 $57 $61 $25 $114
Massachusetts$539 246-18 $149.91 $109.77 $34.00 $46 $60 $25 $114
Kansas$537 25316 $129.80 $102.11 $27.00 $55 $59 $50 $114
Indiana$535 2619-7 $138.61 $75.05 $30.00 $70 $58 $50 $114
Washington$532 274114 $103.84 $81.50 $75.00 $76 $61 $20 $114
Maine$531 284517 $130.78 $120.20 $24.00 $60 $57 $25 $114
New Jersey$531 29378 $114.08 $73.89 $72.00 $71 $61 $25 $114
Mississippi$526 3014-16 $147.25 $98.63 $23.00 $55 $58 $30 $114
District of Columbia$520 31343 $97.15 $101.05 $42.00 $81 $65 $20 $114
Ohio$519 32331 $121.07 $102.56 $27.00 $77 $57 $20 $114
Nebraska$515 3330-3 $112.57 $85.88 $23.00 $73 $57 $50 $114
Idaho$515 345016 $104.23 $53.27 $38.00 $126 $59 $20 $114
Pennsylvania$514 3524-11 $136.17 $95.26 $31.00 $29 $59 $50 $114
Utah$505 365115 $84.87 $66.48 $38.00 $123 $59 $20 $114
New York$505 3727-10 $130.81 $99.09 $30.00 $53 $58 $20 $114
North Carolina$500 3813-25 $124.48 $103.72 $20.00 $54 $59 $25 $114
Arkansas$498 3929-10 $133.78 $100.90 $26.00 $37 $56 $30 $114
Iowa$495 40444 $116.70 $72.17 $32.00 $44 $56 $60 $114
Nevada$488 4138-3 $129.35 $85.08 $26.00 $21 $62 $50 $114
Colorado$480 42497 $98.18 $75.55 $39.00 $72 $62 $20 $114
Montana$478 43474 $102.94 $60.63 $38.00 $54 $58 $50 $114
South Dakota$471 4432-12 $127.92 $62.65 $26.00 $36 $54 $50 $114
North Dakota$469 4525-20 $122.20 $82.00 $31.00 $22 $58 $40 $114
Michigan$461 4643-3 $116.49 $69.25 $29.00 $43 $60 $30 $114
Vermont$460 4721-26 $113.21 $100.35 $18.00 $33 $56 $25 $114
Illinois$458 4842-6 $112.74 $86.34 $26.00 $28 $61 $30 $114
Minnesota$451 4936-13 $110.19 $78.22 $28.00 $40 $60 $20 $114
Wisconsin$431 5040-10 $106.94 $66.88 $18.00 $18 $57 $50 $114
New Mexico$401 5148-3$91.21 $69.00 $32.00 $26 $49 $20 $114

Methodology

For energy bill costs, we pulled the average electricity price from Energybot.

For natural gas bill costs, we pulled the average rate per 1,000 cubic feet for 2021 from the U.S. Energy Information Administration31 and assumed each household used 168 cubic feet a day.

We used WiseVoter33 and RentCafe17 to pull the average monthly household water and wastewater bill for each state.

Our data about the average cost of streaming services come from a survey conducted by Reviews.org32. taken in 2022 and applied a 23% increase for 2023 as reported by Variety.

The sum of these utilities makes up our averages for each state’s total utility costs per month. States were ranked solely based on how much these utilities cost their residents each month on average. Other factors were not considered for our rankings.

While we included trash collection20 in the estimated US total average, we did not use it in our state rankings.

  1. US Energy Information Administration, “2020 Average Monthly Bill—Residential.” Accessed December 7, 2023.
  2. US Department of Energy Energy Saver, “Tips on Saving Money in Your Home,” Published October 2017. Accessed December 7, 2023.
  3. US Department of Energy Energy Saver, “Programmable Thermostats,” Accessed December 7, 2023.
  4. Jon Chase, Wirecutter, “When a Smart Thermostat Isn’t a Smart Choice.” Published October 25, 2021. Accessed December 7, 2023.
  5. Blaine Friedlander, Cornell Chronicle, “Smart Thermostats Inadvertently Strain Electric Power Grids.” Published July 12, 2022. Accessed December 7, 2023.
  6. US Energy Information Administration “During 2021, US Retail Electricity Prices Rose at Fastest Rate Since 2008.” Published March 1, 2022. Accessed December 7, 2023.
  7. Silicon Valley of Power, “Appliance Energy Use Chart.” Published January 4, 2022. Accessed December 7, 2023.
  8. US Department of Energy Energy Saver, “Update or Replace Windows.” Accessed December 7, 2023.
  9. US Department of Energy Energy Saver, “3 Easy Tips to Reduce Your Standby Power Loads.” Published February 9, 2022. Accessed December 7, 2023.
  10. US Department of Energy Energy Saver, “Maintain Air Conditioner.” Accessed December 7, 2023.
  11. Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila, “How Much Does HVAC Service Cost?” Published July 6, 2022. Accessed December 7, 2023.
  12. EPA, “Statistics and Facts,” Published May 11, 2022. Accessed December 7, 2023.
  13. Manuel P. Teodoro, Robin Rose Saywitz, American Water Works Association, “A Snapshot of Water and Sewer Affordability in the US.” Published August 4, 2022. Accessed December 7, 2023.
  14. EPA, “WaterSense Labeled Homes Outdoors.” Published April 1, 2022. Accessed December 7, 2023.
  15. US Geological Survey, “Public Supply Water Use.” Published March 1, 2019. Accessed December 7, 2023.
  16. US Geological Survey, “Domestic (Private) Supply Wells.” Published March 1, 2019. Accessed December 7, 2023.
  17. Mihaela Buzec, RentCafe, "What Are Apartment Utilities & How Much Will They Cost Me?," Published July 24, 2023. Accessed December 7, 2023.
  18. Energy Star, “Laundry Made Easy.” Accessed December 7, 2023.
  19. Lisa Iscrupe, Save on Energy, “The Best Energy-Saving Hacks to Save Money,” Published June 16, 2021. Accessed December 7, 2023.
  20. HomeAdvisor, “How Much Does Junk Removal Cost?” Published April 21, 2022. Accessed December 7, 2023.
  21. The Recycling Partnership, “2020 State of Curbside Recycling Report.” Published April 15, 2021. Accessed December 7, 2023.
  22. EPA, “National Overview: Facts and Figures on Materials, Wastes and Recycling.” Published June 29, 2022. Accessed December 7, 2023.
  23. Pang-Chieh Ho, Consumer Reports, “Smarter: Which Plastics Are Actually Recyclable?” March 1, 2022. Accessed December 7, 2023.
  24. Waste Management, “Recycling 101.” Accessed December 7, 2023.
  25. CostHelper, “Cost of Internet Access.” Accessed December 7, 2023.
  26. Angelo Ilumba, WhistleOut, “How Much Are Americans Spending on Their Phone Plans?” Published July 13, 2022. Accessed December 7, 2023.
  27. Bree Fowler, Consumer Reports, “Best Low-Cost Cell Phone Plans.” Published July 14, 2021. Accessed December 7, 2023.
  28. PR Newswire, “Nielsen: Streaming Accounted for More Than One-Third of TV Viewing in June.” Published July 21, 2022. Accessed December 7, 2023.
  29. US Energy Information Administration, US States. Accessed December 7, 2023.
  30. US Energy Information Administration, “Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price.” Published October 7, 2021. Accessed December 7, 2023.
  31. US Energy Information Administration, “Natural Gas Prices.” Published July 7, 2022. Accessed December 7, 2023.
  32. Chantel Buchi, Reviews.org, “Best Streaming Services 2022.” Published July 11, 2022. Accessed December 7, 2023.
  33. Wisevoter, "Water Prices by State," Accessed December 7, 2023.
  34. Todd Spangler, Variety, "Price Storm: Why Major Streaming Services Have Hiked Rates This Year," Published : November 8, 2023. Accessed December 7, 2023
  35. Thad Warren, Energybot, "Average Electricity Bills in Every State [Ranks for All States + DC],", Published June 2023. Accessed December 7, 2023
Sarah Cimarusti
Written by
Sarah Cimarusti
Sarah Cimarusti has been writing and editing for the last 10 years. Most recently she was a lead copywriter for catering and event companies, and before that she was the editor of two nationally known trade publications. She brings her passion and content creation expertise to help movers and shakers get where they want to be. She earned dual degrees in English and social work from Loyola University Chicago. In her free time, she writes fiction and spoils her dog, Maya.