Utility Costs in Arkansas (AR)
The average household in Arkansas pays $210 per month for utilities, which breaks down to $120/mo for electricity (at 11.5¢/kWh), $55/mo for natural gas, and $35/mo for water. This is $37 (14.98%) below the national average of $247/mo. Below-average utility costs. Mix of natural gas and coal power. Low water costs statewide.
Utility Costs by City in Arkansas
The table below shows average monthly utility costs for 3 cities in Arkansas, sorted by total cost from highest to lowest. Costs can vary within a state due to different utility providers, local water systems, and microclimates. Little Rock is the most expensive at $219/mo, while Fayetteville is the most affordable at $201/mo.
| City | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock | $125 | $58 | $36 | $219 | $2,628 | +$9 |
| Fort Smith | $118 | $55 | $33 | $206 | $2,472 | -$4 |
| Fayetteville | $115 | $52 | $34 | $201 | $2,412 | -$9 |
How Arkansas Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Arkansas with five states that have similar total monthly utility costs. This comparison helps illustrate where Arkansas 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas (AR) | $120 | 11.5¢/kWh | $55 | $35 | $210 |
| Montana (MT) | $105 | 12.0¢/kWh | $70 | $40 | $215 |
| Nebraska (NE) | $115 | 12.0¢/kWh | $65 | $35 | $215 |
| Wyoming (WY) | $105 | 11.0¢/kWh | $65 | $35 | $205 |
| Iowa (IA) | $115 | 13.8¢/kWh | $70 | $35 | $220 |
| Kentucky (KY) | $125 | 11.5¢/kWh | $60 | $35 | $220 |
Utility Cost Breakdown for Arkansas
Electricity in Arkansas
The average electricity bill in Arkansas is $120/month, with a rate of 11.5¢/kWh. This is well below the national average rate of about 16 cents per kWh, making Arkansas one of the more affordable states for electricity. The total bill of $120/mo is below the national average of $137/mo.
Natural Gas in Arkansas
Natural gas costs average $55/month in Arkansas. This is near the national average, reflecting moderate heating needs and gas pricing. The national average gas bill is approximately $65/month.
Water in Arkansas
Water and basic sewer service averages $35/month in Arkansas. Lower water costs reflect abundant water resources and efficient delivery infrastructure. The national average water bill is approximately $45/month.
Frequently Asked Questions About Utilities in Arkansas
What is the average utility bill in Arkansas?
The average household in Arkansas pays approximately $210 per month for utilities, or $2,520 per year. This includes $120 for electricity, $55 for natural gas, and $35 for water. This is $37 below the national average.
How much is electricity per kWh in Arkansas?
The average residential electricity rate in Arkansas is 11.5¢/kWh, which translates to an average monthly electric bill of $120. This is well below the national average of approximately 16 cents per kWh.
Which city in Arkansas has the highest utility costs?
Among the cities tracked, Little Rock has the highest average utility costs at $219/month, while Fayetteville has the lowest at $201/month. Costs can vary further depending on your specific utility provider and usage.
How can I lower my utility bills in Arkansas?
To reduce your utility costs in Arkansas, 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 Arkansas going up?
Utility costs nationwide have been increasing at approximately 2-4% per year due to infrastructure investments, fuel costs, and growing demand. In Arkansas, 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 Arkansas with any other state, or browse all 50 states ranked by cost to see where Arkansas stands nationally. Understanding utility costs can help with budgeting, relocation decisions, and identifying savings opportunities.