Utility Cost Lookup by State
Find the average monthly electricity, natural gas, and water costs for your state. Select a state below to see a detailed cost breakdown, compare to the national average of $247/month, and explore city-level data.
Look Up Your Utility Costs
Utility Costs by State - All 50 States + DC
Monthly utility costs vary widely across the US, from under $200/month in states like Idaho and New Mexico to over $300/month in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Climate, energy sources, and local infrastructure all play a role. Click any state below for a detailed breakdown including city-level data.
Top 10 Most Expensive States for Utilities
These states have the highest average monthly utility costs in the country, driven by a combination of high electric rates, cold winters requiring extensive heating, or hot summers demanding heavy AC usage.
| # | State | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecticut | $175 | $100 | $55 | $330 | $3,960 |
| 2 | Massachusetts | $155 | $100 | $55 | $310 | $3,720 |
| 3 | Alaska | $140 | $85 | $65 | $290 | $3,480 |
| 4 | California | $170 | $55 | $65 | $290 | $3,480 |
| 5 | Hawaii | $190 | $40 | $60 | $290 | $3,480 |
| 6 | Rhode Island | $140 | $90 | $50 | $280 | $3,360 |
| 7 | Alabama | $160 | $70 | $40 | $270 | $3,240 |
| 8 | Maryland | $140 | $80 | $50 | $270 | $3,240 |
| 9 | New Hampshire | $135 | $90 | $45 | $270 | $3,240 |
| 10 | New Jersey | $130 | $85 | $55 | $270 | $3,240 |
Top 10 Most Affordable States for Utilities
These states enjoy the lowest average monthly utility costs, thanks to abundant hydropower, low population density, public power systems, or mild climates that minimize heating and cooling needs.
| # | State | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Idaho | $95 | $55 | $40 | $190 | $2,280 |
| 2 | New Mexico | $100 | $55 | $40 | $195 | $2,340 |
| 3 | Utah | $100 | $55 | $40 | $195 | $2,340 |
| 4 | Wyoming | $105 | $65 | $35 | $205 | $2,460 |
| 5 | Arkansas | $120 | $55 | $35 | $210 | $2,520 |
| 6 | Montana | $105 | $70 | $40 | $215 | $2,580 |
| 7 | Nebraska | $115 | $65 | $35 | $215 | $2,580 |
| 8 | Iowa | $115 | $70 | $35 | $220 | $2,640 |
| 9 | Kentucky | $125 | $60 | $35 | $220 | $2,640 |
| 10 | Oregon | $110 | $60 | $50 | $220 | $2,640 |
Understanding Utility Costs in the United States
The average American household spends approximately $247 per month on utilities, which includes electricity ($137), natural gas ($65), and water ($45). However, actual costs vary dramatically by state. Hawaii has the highest electric rates at roughly 35 cents per kWh due to imported fuel, while Washington and Idaho enjoy rates around 10 cents per kWh thanks to abundant hydropower.
Climate is the biggest driver of regional differences. Southern states face high electric bills from air conditioning, while Northern states pay more for natural gas heating in winter. States in the Pacific Northwest benefit from mild climates and cheap hydroelectric power, making them among the most affordable for overall utility costs.
What Factors Affect Your Utility Bill?
Several factors determine how much you pay for utilities each month: your state's energy sources (coal, natural gas, nuclear, hydro, wind, solar), local climate and weather patterns, the age and efficiency of your home, your local utility provider's rate structure, and your personal usage habits. Deregulated energy markets in states like Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania allow consumers to choose their electricity provider, which can sometimes lead to lower rates but also more price volatility.
How to Lower Your Utility Bills
Regardless of where you live, there are steps you can take to reduce utility costs: upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, improving home insulation, using programmable thermostats, switching to LED lighting, fixing leaks and dripping faucets, and taking advantage of off-peak electricity rates where available. Solar panels are increasingly cost-effective in many states and can significantly reduce or eliminate electric bills. Many utility companies also offer energy audits and rebate programs to help customers reduce consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average utility bill in the United States?
The average American household pays approximately $247 per month for utilities, which breaks down to about $137 for electricity, $65 for natural gas, and $45 for water. This totals roughly $2,964 per year. However, costs vary significantly by state, ranging from under $200/month to over $330/month.
Which state has the highest utility costs?
Connecticut has the highest overall monthly utility costs at approximately $330/month, driven by some of the highest electric rates in the nation (around 25.5¢/kWh) and cold winters that increase gas heating bills. Other expensive states include Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Hawaii.
Which state has the cheapest utilities?
Idaho has among the lowest utility costs at approximately $190/month, thanks to abundant hydropower providing electricity at around 10.0¢/kWh. Other affordable states include New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, where low electric rates and moderate climates keep overall costs down.
Why is electricity so expensive in Hawaii?
Hawaii has the highest electricity rates in the nation (approximately 35 cents per kWh) because the islands must import most of their fuel — primarily petroleum — by ship. This dependency on imported fossil fuels makes power generation far more expensive than on the mainland. However, Hawaii is rapidly adopting solar energy, which is helping to reduce costs for homeowners who install panels.
How much do utilities cost per month for a 1-bedroom apartment?
A 1-bedroom apartment typically costs 30-50% less in utilities than the state average, which is based on a standard household. For a 1-bedroom, expect roughly $100-180/month depending on location, climate, and efficiency. Studios may be even less. The national average for a small apartment is approximately $130-150/month for all utilities combined.
Do utility costs include internet and phone?
No. The utility costs shown on this site cover the three core household utilities: electricity, natural gas, and water/sewer. Internet, phone, cable TV, and trash pickup are not included. Adding internet typically costs $50-80/month extra, and trash collection varies by municipality (some include it in property taxes).