Utility Costs in Arizona (AZ)
The average household in Arizona pays $250 per month for utilities, which breaks down to $145/mo for electricity (at 13.2¢/kWh), $50/mo for natural gas, and $55/mo for water. This is $3 (1.21%) above the national average of $247/mo. Summer AC drives high electric bills. Low gas costs due to mild winters. Water costs rising due to drought.
Utility Costs by City in Arizona
The table below shows average monthly utility costs for 5 cities in Arizona, sorted by total cost from highest to lowest. Costs can vary within a state due to different utility providers, local water systems, and microclimates. Scottsdale is the most expensive at $274/mo, while Flagstaff is the most affordable at $235/mo.
| City | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scottsdale | $160 | $52 | $62 | $274 | $3,288 | +$24 |
| Phoenix | $155 | $48 | $60 | $263 | $3,156 | +$13 |
| Mesa | $150 | $50 | $58 | $258 | $3,096 | +$8 |
| Tucson | $140 | $45 | $52 | $237 | $2,844 | -$13 |
| Flagstaff | $120 | $70 | $45 | $235 | $2,820 | -$15 |
How Arizona Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Arizona with five states that have similar total monthly utility costs. This comparison helps illustrate where Arizona stands nationally and shows how the cost breakdown (electric vs. gas vs. water) can differ even when totals are similar.
| State | Electric | Rate | Gas | Water | Total/Mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona (AZ) | $145 | 13.2¢/kWh | $50 | $55 | $250 |
| Virginia (VA) | $135 | 12.5¢/kWh | $70 | $45 | $250 |
| Delaware (DE) | $130 | 14.0¢/kWh | $70 | $45 | $245 |
| Georgia (GA) | $145 | 12.8¢/kWh | $65 | $45 | $255 |
| Maine (ME) | $120 | 22.0¢/kWh | $90 | $45 | $255 |
| Michigan (MI) | $120 | 18.0¢/kWh | $80 | $45 | $245 |
Utility Cost Breakdown for Arizona
Electricity in Arizona
The average electricity bill in Arizona is $145/month, with a rate of 13.2¢/kWh. This is well below the national average rate of about 16 cents per kWh, making Arizona one of the more affordable states for electricity. The total bill of $145/mo is above the national average of $137/mo, reflecting either higher rates or greater usage (or both).
Natural Gas in Arizona
Natural gas costs average $50/month in Arizona. This is near the national average, reflecting moderate heating needs and gas pricing. The national average gas bill is approximately $65/month.
Water in Arizona
Water and basic sewer service averages $55/month in Arizona. This is near the national average for residential water service. The national average water bill is approximately $45/month.
Frequently Asked Questions About Utilities in Arizona
What is the average utility bill in Arizona?
The average household in Arizona pays approximately $250 per month for utilities, or $3,000 per year. This includes $145 for electricity, $50 for natural gas, and $55 for water. This is $3 above the national average.
How much is electricity per kWh in Arizona?
The average residential electricity rate in Arizona is 13.2¢/kWh, which translates to an average monthly electric bill of $145. This is near the national average of approximately 16 cents per kWh.
Which city in Arizona has the highest utility costs?
Among the cities tracked, Scottsdale has the highest average utility costs at $274/month, while Flagstaff has the lowest at $235/month. Costs can vary further depending on your specific utility provider and usage.
How can I lower my utility bills in Arizona?
To reduce your utility costs in Arizona, consider: upgrading to energy-efficient appliances (look for ENERGY STAR ratings), improving home insulation and sealing air leaks, using a programmable or smart thermostat, switching to LED lighting, and fixing any water leaks promptly. Check with your local utility for rebate programs and energy audit services.
Are utility costs in Arizona going up?
Utility costs nationwide have been increasing at approximately 2-4% per year due to infrastructure investments, fuel costs, and growing demand. In Arizona, trends depend on local factors including energy source mix, regulatory decisions, and weather patterns. States with hydropower or wind energy tend to see more stable pricing. Contact your local utility provider for rate change notices and budget billing options.
Compare Utility Costs Across States
Use our utility cost lookup tool to compare Arizona with any other state, or browse all 50 states ranked by cost to see where Arizona stands nationally. Understanding utility costs can help with budgeting, relocation decisions, and identifying savings opportunities.