Utility Costs in Colorado (CO)
The average household in Colorado pays $230 per month for utilities, which breaks down to $115/mo for electricity (at 14.2¢/kWh), $65/mo for natural gas, and $50/mo for water. This is $17 (6.88%) below the national average of $247/mo. Moderate electric costs. Higher gas bills in winter for heating. Growing renewable energy portfolio.
Utility Costs by City in Colorado
The table below shows average monthly utility costs for 5 cities in Colorado, sorted by total cost from highest to lowest. Costs can vary within a state due to different utility providers, local water systems, and microclimates. Boulder is the most expensive at $235/mo, while Aurora is the most affordable at $228/mo.
| City | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulder | $105 | $72 | $58 | $235 | $2,820 | +$5 |
| Fort Collins | $108 | $70 | $55 | $233 | $2,796 | +$3 |
| Denver | $110 | $68 | $52 | $230 | $2,760 | Same |
| Colorado Springs | $120 | $62 | $48 | $230 | $2,760 | Same |
| Aurora | $112 | $66 | $50 | $228 | $2,736 | -$2 |
How Colorado Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Colorado with five states that have similar total monthly utility costs. This comparison helps illustrate where Colorado 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado (CO) | $115 | 14.2¢/kWh | $65 | $50 | $230 |
| Florida (FL) | $150 | 13.8¢/kWh | $35 | $45 | $230 |
| Kansas (KS) | $125 | 14.0¢/kWh | $65 | $40 | $230 |
| West Virginia (WV) | $125 | 12.0¢/kWh | $65 | $40 | $230 |
| Wisconsin (WI) | $115 | 15.0¢/kWh | $75 | $40 | $230 |
| North Carolina (NC) | $130 | 12.0¢/kWh | $60 | $42 | $232 |
Utility Cost Breakdown for Colorado
Electricity in Colorado
The average electricity bill in Colorado is $115/month, with a rate of 14.2¢/kWh. This is near the national average rate of about 16 cents per kWh. The total bill of $115/mo is below the national average of $137/mo.
Natural Gas in Colorado
Natural gas costs average $65/month in Colorado. This is near the national average, reflecting moderate heating needs and gas pricing. The national average gas bill is approximately $65/month.
Water in Colorado
Water and basic sewer service averages $50/month in Colorado. 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 Colorado
What is the average utility bill in Colorado?
The average household in Colorado pays approximately $230 per month for utilities, or $2,760 per year. This includes $115 for electricity, $65 for natural gas, and $50 for water. This is $17 below the national average.
How much is electricity per kWh in Colorado?
The average residential electricity rate in Colorado is 14.2¢/kWh, which translates to an average monthly electric bill of $115. This is near the national average of approximately 16 cents per kWh.
Which city in Colorado has the highest utility costs?
Among the cities tracked, Boulder has the highest average utility costs at $235/month, while Aurora has the lowest at $228/month. Costs can vary further depending on your specific utility provider and usage.
How can I lower my utility bills in Colorado?
To reduce your utility costs in Colorado, 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 Colorado going up?
Utility costs nationwide have been increasing at approximately 2-4% per year due to infrastructure investments, fuel costs, and growing demand. In Colorado, 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 Colorado with any other state, or browse all 50 states ranked by cost to see where Colorado stands nationally. Understanding utility costs can help with budgeting, relocation decisions, and identifying savings opportunities.