Utility Costs in Mississippi (MS)
The average household in Mississippi pays $225 per month for utilities, which breaks down to $135/mo for electricity (at 12.5¢/kWh), $55/mo for natural gas, and $35/mo for water. This is $22 (8.91%) below the national average of $247/mo. Below-average rates but high usage due to hot summers. Low gas and water costs.
Utility Costs by City in Mississippi
The table below shows average monthly utility costs for 3 cities in Mississippi, sorted by total cost from highest to lowest. Costs can vary within a state due to different utility providers, local water systems, and microclimates. Jackson is the most expensive at $231/mo, while Hattiesburg is the most affordable at $217/mo.
| City | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson | $138 | $55 | $38 | $231 | $2,772 | +$6 |
| Gulfport | $140 | $48 | $35 | $223 | $2,676 | -$2 |
| Hattiesburg | $132 | $52 | $33 | $217 | $2,604 | -$8 |
How Mississippi Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Mississippi with five states that have similar total monthly utility costs. This comparison helps illustrate where Mississippi 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi (MS) | $135 | 12.5¢/kWh | $55 | $35 | $225 |
| Nevada (NV) | $130 | 12.5¢/kWh | $45 | $50 | $225 |
| North Dakota (ND) | $115 | 12.0¢/kWh | $75 | $35 | $225 |
| Oklahoma (OK) | $125 | 11.5¢/kWh | $60 | $40 | $225 |
| South Dakota (SD) | $120 | 12.5¢/kWh | $70 | $35 | $225 |
| Colorado (CO) | $115 | 14.2¢/kWh | $65 | $50 | $230 |
Utility Cost Breakdown for Mississippi
Electricity in Mississippi
The average electricity bill in Mississippi is $135/month, with a rate of 12.5¢/kWh. This is well below the national average rate of about 16 cents per kWh, making Mississippi one of the more affordable states for electricity. The total bill of $135/mo is below the national average of $137/mo.
Natural Gas in Mississippi
Natural gas costs average $55/month in Mississippi. This is near the national average, reflecting moderate heating needs and gas pricing. The national average gas bill is approximately $65/month.
Water in Mississippi
Water and basic sewer service averages $35/month in Mississippi. 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 Mississippi
What is the average utility bill in Mississippi?
The average household in Mississippi pays approximately $225 per month for utilities, or $2,700 per year. This includes $135 for electricity, $55 for natural gas, and $35 for water. This is $22 below the national average.
How much is electricity per kWh in Mississippi?
The average residential electricity rate in Mississippi is 12.5¢/kWh, which translates to an average monthly electric bill of $135. This is near the national average of approximately 16 cents per kWh.
Which city in Mississippi has the highest utility costs?
Among the cities tracked, Jackson has the highest average utility costs at $231/month, while Hattiesburg has the lowest at $217/month. Costs can vary further depending on your specific utility provider and usage.
How can I lower my utility bills in Mississippi?
To reduce your utility costs in Mississippi, 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 Mississippi going up?
Utility costs nationwide have been increasing at approximately 2-4% per year due to infrastructure investments, fuel costs, and growing demand. In Mississippi, 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 Mississippi with any other state, or browse all 50 states ranked by cost to see where Mississippi stands nationally. Understanding utility costs can help with budgeting, relocation decisions, and identifying savings opportunities.