Utility Costs in Minnesota (MN)
The average household in Minnesota pays $240 per month for utilities, which breaks down to $115/mo for electricity (at 14.5¢/kWh), $85/mo for natural gas, and $40/mo for water. This is $7 (2.83%) below the national average of $247/mo. Harsh winters drive high gas heating costs. Wind energy growing. Low water costs.
Utility Costs by City in Minnesota
The table below shows average monthly utility costs for 4 cities in Minnesota, sorted by total cost from highest to lowest. Costs can vary within a state due to different utility providers, local water systems, and microclimates. Duluth is the most expensive at $248/mo, while Rochester is the most affordable at $230/mo.
| City | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth | $118 | $95 | $35 | $248 | $2,976 | +$8 |
| Minneapolis | $112 | $88 | $42 | $242 | $2,904 | +$2 |
| St. Paul | $115 | $85 | $40 | $240 | $2,880 | Same |
| Rochester | $110 | $82 | $38 | $230 | $2,760 | -$10 |
How Minnesota Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Minnesota with five states that have similar total monthly utility costs. This comparison helps illustrate where Minnesota 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota (MN) | $115 | 14.5¢/kWh | $85 | $40 | $240 |
| Ohio (OH) | $120 | 13.5¢/kWh | $75 | $45 | $240 |
| South Carolina (SC) | $145 | 13.0¢/kWh | $55 | $40 | $240 |
| Texas (TX) | $145 | 12.8¢/kWh | $50 | $45 | $240 |
| Indiana (IN) | $130 | 13.5¢/kWh | $70 | $38 | $238 |
| Delaware (DE) | $130 | 14.0¢/kWh | $70 | $45 | $245 |
Utility Cost Breakdown for Minnesota
Electricity in Minnesota
The average electricity bill in Minnesota 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 Minnesota
Natural gas costs average $85/month in Minnesota. Higher gas bills typically reflect cold winters requiring significant heating, older housing stock, or dependence on natural gas for cooking and water heating. The national average gas bill is approximately $65/month.
Water in Minnesota
Water and basic sewer service averages $40/month in Minnesota. 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 Minnesota
What is the average utility bill in Minnesota?
The average household in Minnesota pays approximately $240 per month for utilities, or $2,880 per year. This includes $115 for electricity, $85 for natural gas, and $40 for water. This is $7 below the national average.
How much is electricity per kWh in Minnesota?
The average residential electricity rate in Minnesota 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 Minnesota has the highest utility costs?
Among the cities tracked, Duluth has the highest average utility costs at $248/month, while Rochester has the lowest at $230/month. Costs can vary further depending on your specific utility provider and usage.
How can I lower my utility bills in Minnesota?
To reduce your utility costs in Minnesota, 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. With high gas costs, improving furnace efficiency and adding insulation can yield substantial savings. Check with your local utility for rebate programs and energy audit services.
Are utility costs in Minnesota going up?
Utility costs nationwide have been increasing at approximately 2-4% per year due to infrastructure investments, fuel costs, and growing demand. In Minnesota, 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 Minnesota with any other state, or browse all 50 states ranked by cost to see where Minnesota stands nationally. Understanding utility costs can help with budgeting, relocation decisions, and identifying savings opportunities.