Utility Costs in Iowa (IA)
The average household in Iowa pays $220 per month for utilities, which breaks down to $115/mo for electricity (at 13.8¢/kWh), $70/mo for natural gas, and $35/mo for water. This is $27 (10.93%) below the national average of $247/mo. Wind energy leader keeping electric costs moderate. Cold winters drive gas heating bills.
Utility Costs by City in Iowa
The table below shows average monthly utility costs for 3 cities in Iowa, sorted by total cost from highest to lowest. Costs can vary within a state due to different utility providers, local water systems, and microclimates. Des Moines is the most expensive at $226/mo, while Cedar Rapids is the most affordable at $214/mo.
| City | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $118 | $72 | $36 | $226 | $2,712 | +$6 |
| Davenport | $115 | $70 | $35 | $220 | $2,640 | Same |
| Cedar Rapids | $112 | $68 | $34 | $214 | $2,568 | -$6 |
How Iowa Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Iowa with five states that have similar total monthly utility costs. This comparison helps illustrate where Iowa 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa (IA) | $115 | 13.8¢/kWh | $70 | $35 | $220 |
| Kentucky (KY) | $125 | 11.5¢/kWh | $60 | $35 | $220 |
| Oregon (OR) | $110 | 11.5¢/kWh | $60 | $50 | $220 |
| Washington (WA) | $105 | 10.2¢/kWh | $60 | $55 | $220 |
| Mississippi (MS) | $135 | 12.5¢/kWh | $55 | $35 | $225 |
| Montana (MT) | $105 | 12.0¢/kWh | $70 | $40 | $215 |
Utility Cost Breakdown for Iowa
Electricity in Iowa
The average electricity bill in Iowa is $115/month, with a rate of 13.8¢/kWh. This is well below the national average rate of about 16 cents per kWh, making Iowa one of the more affordable states for electricity. The total bill of $115/mo is below the national average of $137/mo.
Natural Gas in Iowa
Natural gas costs average $70/month in Iowa. This is near the national average, reflecting moderate heating needs and gas pricing. The national average gas bill is approximately $65/month.
Water in Iowa
Water and basic sewer service averages $35/month in Iowa. 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 Iowa
What is the average utility bill in Iowa?
The average household in Iowa pays approximately $220 per month for utilities, or $2,640 per year. This includes $115 for electricity, $70 for natural gas, and $35 for water. This is $27 below the national average.
How much is electricity per kWh in Iowa?
The average residential electricity rate in Iowa is 13.8¢/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 Iowa has the highest utility costs?
Among the cities tracked, Des Moines has the highest average utility costs at $226/month, while Cedar Rapids has the lowest at $214/month. Costs can vary further depending on your specific utility provider and usage.
How can I lower my utility bills in Iowa?
To reduce your utility costs in Iowa, 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 Iowa going up?
Utility costs nationwide have been increasing at approximately 2-4% per year due to infrastructure investments, fuel costs, and growing demand. In Iowa, 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 Iowa with any other state, or browse all 50 states ranked by cost to see where Iowa stands nationally. Understanding utility costs can help with budgeting, relocation decisions, and identifying savings opportunities.