Utility Costs in Florida (FL)
The average household in Florida pays $230 per month for utilities, which breaks down to $150/mo for electricity (at 13.8¢/kWh), $35/mo for natural gas, and $45/mo for water. This is $17 (6.88%) below the national average of $247/mo. High AC usage in summer. Very low gas bills as most heating is electric. Growing solar capacity.
Utility Costs by City in Florida
The table below shows average monthly utility costs for 6 cities in Florida, sorted by total cost from highest to lowest. Costs can vary within a state due to different utility providers, local water systems, and microclimates. Miami is the most expensive at $240/mo, while Jacksonville is the most affordable at $225/mo.
| City | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami | $160 | $30 | $50 | $240 | $2,880 | +$10 |
| Fort Lauderdale | $158 | $28 | $52 | $238 | $2,856 | +$8 |
| Tampa | $152 | $32 | $48 | $232 | $2,784 | +$2 |
| St. Petersburg | $150 | $33 | $46 | $229 | $2,748 | -$1 |
| Orlando | $148 | $35 | $45 | $228 | $2,736 | -$2 |
| Jacksonville | $145 | $38 | $42 | $225 | $2,700 | -$5 |
How Florida Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Florida with five states that have similar total monthly utility costs. This comparison helps illustrate where Florida 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida (FL) | $150 | 13.8¢/kWh | $35 | $45 | $230 |
| Colorado (CO) | $115 | 14.2¢/kWh | $65 | $50 | $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 Florida
Electricity in Florida
The average electricity bill in Florida is $150/month, with a rate of 13.8¢/kWh. This is well below the national average rate of about 16 cents per kWh, making Florida one of the more affordable states for electricity. The total bill of $150/mo is above the national average of $137/mo, reflecting either higher rates or greater usage (or both).
Natural Gas in Florida
Natural gas costs average $35/month in Florida. Low gas costs indicate a mild climate with minimal heating needs, or widespread use of electric heating and appliances. The national average gas bill is approximately $65/month.
Water in Florida
Water and basic sewer service averages $45/month in Florida. 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 Florida
What is the average utility bill in Florida?
The average household in Florida pays approximately $230 per month for utilities, or $2,760 per year. This includes $150 for electricity, $35 for natural gas, and $45 for water. This is $17 below the national average.
How much is electricity per kWh in Florida?
The average residential electricity rate in Florida is 13.8¢/kWh, which translates to an average monthly electric bill of $150. This is near the national average of approximately 16 cents per kWh.
Which city in Florida has the highest utility costs?
Among the cities tracked, Miami has the highest average utility costs at $240/month, while Jacksonville has the lowest at $225/month. Costs can vary further depending on your specific utility provider and usage.
How can I lower my utility bills in Florida?
To reduce your utility costs in Florida, 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 Florida going up?
Utility costs nationwide have been increasing at approximately 2-4% per year due to infrastructure investments, fuel costs, and growing demand. In Florida, 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 Florida with any other state, or browse all 50 states ranked by cost to see where Florida stands nationally. Understanding utility costs can help with budgeting, relocation decisions, and identifying savings opportunities.