Utility Costs in Montana (MT)
The average household in Montana pays $215 per month for utilities, which breaks down to $105/mo for electricity (at 12.0¢/kWh), $70/mo for natural gas, and $40/mo for water. This is $32 (12.96%) below the national average of $247/mo. Hydropower keeps electric rates low. Cold winters drive gas costs. Low population density.
Utility Costs by City in Montana
The table below shows average monthly utility costs for 3 cities in Montana, sorted by total cost from highest to lowest. Costs can vary within a state due to different utility providers, local water systems, and microclimates. Billings is the most expensive at $222/mo, while Missoula is the most affordable at $206/mo.
| City | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | $108 | $72 | $42 | $222 | $2,664 | +$7 |
| Great Falls | $105 | $75 | $40 | $220 | $2,640 | +$5 |
| Missoula | $100 | $68 | $38 | $206 | $2,472 | -$9 |
How Montana Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Montana with five states that have similar total monthly utility costs. This comparison helps illustrate where Montana 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana (MT) | $105 | 12.0¢/kWh | $70 | $40 | $215 |
| Nebraska (NE) | $115 | 12.0¢/kWh | $65 | $35 | $215 |
| Arkansas (AR) | $120 | 11.5¢/kWh | $55 | $35 | $210 |
| 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 |
Utility Cost Breakdown for Montana
Electricity in Montana
The average electricity bill in Montana is $105/month, with a rate of 12.0¢/kWh. This is well below the national average rate of about 16 cents per kWh, making Montana one of the more affordable states for electricity. The total bill of $105/mo is below the national average of $137/mo.
Natural Gas in Montana
Natural gas costs average $70/month in Montana. This is near the national average, reflecting moderate heating needs and gas pricing. The national average gas bill is approximately $65/month.
Water in Montana
Water and basic sewer service averages $40/month in Montana. 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 Montana
What is the average utility bill in Montana?
The average household in Montana pays approximately $215 per month for utilities, or $2,580 per year. This includes $105 for electricity, $70 for natural gas, and $40 for water. This is $32 below the national average.
How much is electricity per kWh in Montana?
The average residential electricity rate in Montana is 12.0¢/kWh, which translates to an average monthly electric bill of $105. This is near the national average of approximately 16 cents per kWh.
Which city in Montana has the highest utility costs?
Among the cities tracked, Billings has the highest average utility costs at $222/month, while Missoula has the lowest at $206/month. Costs can vary further depending on your specific utility provider and usage.
How can I lower my utility bills in Montana?
To reduce your utility costs in Montana, 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 Montana going up?
Utility costs nationwide have been increasing at approximately 2-4% per year due to infrastructure investments, fuel costs, and growing demand. In Montana, 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 Montana with any other state, or browse all 50 states ranked by cost to see where Montana stands nationally. Understanding utility costs can help with budgeting, relocation decisions, and identifying savings opportunities.