Utility Costs in Illinois (IL)
The average household in Illinois pays $235 per month for utilities, which breaks down to $115/mo for electricity (at 14.5¢/kWh), $80/mo for natural gas, and $40/mo for water. This is $12 (4.86%) below the national average of $247/mo. Nuclear power keeps electric rates moderate. Cold winters drive high gas heating bills. Deregulated market.
Utility Costs by City in Illinois
The table below shows average monthly utility costs for 5 cities in Illinois, sorted by total cost from highest to lowest. Costs can vary within a state due to different utility providers, local water systems, and microclimates. Naperville is the most expensive at $242/mo, while Springfield is the most affordable at $218/mo.
| City | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naperville | $120 | $80 | $42 | $242 | $2,904 | +$7 |
| Chicago | $110 | $85 | $45 | $240 | $2,880 | +$5 |
| Aurora | $118 | $82 | $38 | $238 | $2,856 | +$3 |
| Rockford | $112 | $78 | $36 | $226 | $2,712 | -$9 |
| Springfield | $108 | $75 | $35 | $218 | $2,616 | -$17 |
How Illinois Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Illinois with five states that have similar total monthly utility costs. This comparison helps illustrate where Illinois 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois (IL) | $115 | 14.5¢/kWh | $80 | $40 | $235 |
| Louisiana (LA) | $140 | 11.8¢/kWh | $55 | $40 | $235 |
| Missouri (MO) | $125 | 12.5¢/kWh | $70 | $40 | $235 |
| Tennessee (TN) | $135 | 11.5¢/kWh | $60 | $38 | $233 |
| Indiana (IN) | $130 | 13.5¢/kWh | $70 | $38 | $238 |
| North Carolina (NC) | $130 | 12.0¢/kWh | $60 | $42 | $232 |
Utility Cost Breakdown for Illinois
Electricity in Illinois
The average electricity bill in Illinois is $115/month, with a rate of 14.5¢/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 Illinois
Natural gas costs average $80/month in Illinois. This is near the national average, reflecting moderate heating needs and gas pricing. The national average gas bill is approximately $65/month.
Water in Illinois
Water and basic sewer service averages $40/month in Illinois. 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 Illinois
What is the average utility bill in Illinois?
The average household in Illinois pays approximately $235 per month for utilities, or $2,820 per year. This includes $115 for electricity, $80 for natural gas, and $40 for water. This is $12 below the national average.
How much is electricity per kWh in Illinois?
The average residential electricity rate in Illinois is 14.5¢/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 Illinois has the highest utility costs?
Among the cities tracked, Naperville has the highest average utility costs at $242/month, while Springfield has the lowest at $218/month. Costs can vary further depending on your specific utility provider and usage.
How can I lower my utility bills in Illinois?
To reduce your utility costs in Illinois, 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 Illinois going up?
Utility costs nationwide have been increasing at approximately 2-4% per year due to infrastructure investments, fuel costs, and growing demand. In Illinois, 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 Illinois with any other state, or browse all 50 states ranked by cost to see where Illinois stands nationally. Understanding utility costs can help with budgeting, relocation decisions, and identifying savings opportunities.