Utility Costs in Maryland (MD)
The average household in Maryland pays $270 per month for utilities, which breaks down to $140/mo for electricity (at 15.5¢/kWh), $80/mo for natural gas, and $50/mo for water. This is $23 (9.31%) above the national average of $247/mo. Deregulated electric market. Cold winters and warm summers create year-round utility costs. High water rates in some areas.
Utility Costs by City in Maryland
The table below shows average monthly utility costs for 4 cities in Maryland, sorted by total cost from highest to lowest. Costs can vary within a state due to different utility providers, local water systems, and microclimates. Baltimore is the most expensive at $282/mo, while Frederick is the most affordable at $256/mo.
| City | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | $145 | $82 | $55 | $282 | $3,384 | +$12 |
| Annapolis | $142 | $80 | $52 | $274 | $3,288 | +$4 |
| Columbia | $138 | $78 | $48 | $264 | $3,168 | -$6 |
| Frederick | $135 | $76 | $45 | $256 | $3,072 | -$14 |
How Maryland Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Maryland with five states that have similar total monthly utility costs. This comparison helps illustrate where Maryland 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland (MD) | $140 | 15.5¢/kWh | $80 | $50 | $270 |
| Alabama (AL) | $160 | 13.6¢/kWh | $70 | $40 | $270 |
| New Hampshire (NH) | $135 | 22.5¢/kWh | $90 | $45 | $270 |
| New Jersey (NJ) | $130 | 17.5¢/kWh | $85 | $55 | $270 |
| New York (NY) | $135 | 20.5¢/kWh | $85 | $50 | $270 |
| District of Columbia (DC) | $130 | 14.5¢/kWh | $75 | $55 | $260 |
Utility Cost Breakdown for Maryland
Electricity in Maryland
The average electricity bill in Maryland is $140/month, with a rate of 15.5¢/kWh. This is near the national average rate of about 16 cents per kWh. The total bill of $140/mo is above the national average of $137/mo, reflecting either higher rates or greater usage (or both).
Natural Gas in Maryland
Natural gas costs average $80/month in Maryland. This is near the national average, reflecting moderate heating needs and gas pricing. The national average gas bill is approximately $65/month.
Water in Maryland
Water and basic sewer service averages $50/month in Maryland. 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 Maryland
What is the average utility bill in Maryland?
The average household in Maryland pays approximately $270 per month for utilities, or $3,240 per year. This includes $140 for electricity, $80 for natural gas, and $50 for water. This is $23 above the national average.
How much is electricity per kWh in Maryland?
The average residential electricity rate in Maryland is 15.5¢/kWh, which translates to an average monthly electric bill of $140. This is near the national average of approximately 16 cents per kWh.
Which city in Maryland has the highest utility costs?
Among the cities tracked, Baltimore has the highest average utility costs at $282/month, while Frederick has the lowest at $256/month. Costs can vary further depending on your specific utility provider and usage.
How can I lower my utility bills in Maryland?
To reduce your utility costs in Maryland, 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 Maryland going up?
Utility costs nationwide have been increasing at approximately 2-4% per year due to infrastructure investments, fuel costs, and growing demand. In Maryland, 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 Maryland with any other state, or browse all 50 states ranked by cost to see where Maryland stands nationally. Understanding utility costs can help with budgeting, relocation decisions, and identifying savings opportunities.