Utility Costs in Georgia (GA)
The average household in Georgia pays $255 per month for utilities, which breaks down to $145/mo for electricity (at 12.8¢/kWh), $65/mo for natural gas, and $45/mo for water. This is $8 (3.24%) above the national average of $247/mo. Hot summers increase electric costs. Deregulated gas market offers competitive rates. Nuclear and natural gas power.
Utility Costs by City in Georgia
The table below shows average monthly utility costs for 4 cities in Georgia, sorted by total cost from highest to lowest. Costs can vary within a state due to different utility providers, local water systems, and microclimates. Atlanta is the most expensive at $258/mo, while Columbus is the most affordable at $246/mo.
| City | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | $140 | $68 | $50 | $258 | $3,096 | +$3 |
| Augusta | $148 | $62 | $40 | $250 | $3,000 | -$5 |
| Savannah | $150 | $55 | $42 | $247 | $2,964 | -$8 |
| Columbus | $142 | $60 | $44 | $246 | $2,952 | -$9 |
How Georgia Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Georgia with five states that have similar total monthly utility costs. This comparison helps illustrate where Georgia 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia (GA) | $145 | 12.8¢/kWh | $65 | $45 | $255 |
| Maine (ME) | $120 | 22.0¢/kWh | $90 | $45 | $255 |
| Vermont (VT) | $115 | 20.0¢/kWh | $95 | $45 | $255 |
| Arizona (AZ) | $145 | 13.2¢/kWh | $50 | $55 | $250 |
| District of Columbia (DC) | $130 | 14.5¢/kWh | $75 | $55 | $260 |
| Pennsylvania (PA) | $130 | 15.5¢/kWh | $80 | $50 | $260 |
Utility Cost Breakdown for Georgia
Electricity in Georgia
The average electricity bill in Georgia is $145/month, with a rate of 12.8¢/kWh. This is well below the national average rate of about 16 cents per kWh, making Georgia 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 Georgia
Natural gas costs average $65/month in Georgia. This is near the national average, reflecting moderate heating needs and gas pricing. The national average gas bill is approximately $65/month.
Water in Georgia
Water and basic sewer service averages $45/month in Georgia. 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 Georgia
What is the average utility bill in Georgia?
The average household in Georgia pays approximately $255 per month for utilities, or $3,060 per year. This includes $145 for electricity, $65 for natural gas, and $45 for water. This is $8 above the national average.
How much is electricity per kWh in Georgia?
The average residential electricity rate in Georgia is 12.8¢/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 Georgia has the highest utility costs?
Among the cities tracked, Atlanta has the highest average utility costs at $258/month, while Columbus has the lowest at $246/month. Costs can vary further depending on your specific utility provider and usage.
How can I lower my utility bills in Georgia?
To reduce your utility costs in Georgia, 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 Georgia going up?
Utility costs nationwide have been increasing at approximately 2-4% per year due to infrastructure investments, fuel costs, and growing demand. In Georgia, 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 Georgia with any other state, or browse all 50 states ranked by cost to see where Georgia stands nationally. Understanding utility costs can help with budgeting, relocation decisions, and identifying savings opportunities.