Utility Costs in New Hampshire (NH)
The average household in New Hampshire pays $270 per month for utilities, which breaks down to $135/mo for electricity (at 22.5¢/kWh), $90/mo for natural gas, and $45/mo for water. This is $23 (9.31%) above the national average of $247/mo. High electric rates. Cold winters drive heating costs. Oil and propane heating still common in rural areas.
Utility Costs by City in New Hampshire
The table below shows average monthly utility costs for 3 cities in New Hampshire, sorted by total cost from highest to lowest. Costs can vary within a state due to different utility providers, local water systems, and microclimates. Manchester is the most expensive at $278/mo, while Nashua is the most affordable at $268/mo.
| City | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester | $138 | $92 | $48 | $278 | $3,336 | +$8 |
| Concord | $132 | $95 | $42 | $269 | $3,228 | -$1 |
| Nashua | $135 | $88 | $45 | $268 | $3,216 | -$2 |
How New Hampshire Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of New Hampshire with five states that have similar total monthly utility costs. This comparison helps illustrate where New Hampshire 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire (NH) | $135 | 22.5¢/kWh | $90 | $45 | $270 |
| Alabama (AL) | $160 | 13.6¢/kWh | $70 | $40 | $270 |
| Maryland (MD) | $140 | 15.5¢/kWh | $80 | $50 | $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 New Hampshire
Electricity in New Hampshire
The average electricity bill in New Hampshire is $135/month, with a rate of 22.5¢/kWh. This is well above the national average rate of about 16 cents per kWh. High rates in New Hampshire are typically driven by fuel costs, transmission infrastructure, and the energy source mix. The total bill of $135/mo is below the national average of $137/mo.
Natural Gas in New Hampshire
Natural gas costs average $90/month in New Hampshire. 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 New Hampshire
Water and basic sewer service averages $45/month in New Hampshire. 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 New Hampshire
What is the average utility bill in New Hampshire?
The average household in New Hampshire pays approximately $270 per month for utilities, or $3,240 per year. This includes $135 for electricity, $90 for natural gas, and $45 for water. This is $23 above the national average.
How much is electricity per kWh in New Hampshire?
The average residential electricity rate in New Hampshire is 22.5¢/kWh, which translates to an average monthly electric bill of $135. This is significantly above the national average of approximately 16 cents per kWh.
Which city in New Hampshire has the highest utility costs?
Among the cities tracked, Manchester has the highest average utility costs at $278/month, while Nashua has the lowest at $268/month. Costs can vary further depending on your specific utility provider and usage.
How can I lower my utility bills in New Hampshire?
To reduce your utility costs in New Hampshire, 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. Given the high electric rates in your state, solar panels may offer significant savings. 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 New Hampshire going up?
Utility costs nationwide have been increasing at approximately 2-4% per year due to infrastructure investments, fuel costs, and growing demand. In New Hampshire, trends depend on local factors including energy source mix, regulatory decisions, and weather patterns. States with high electric rates are investing in renewable energy which may stabilize costs long-term. 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 New Hampshire with any other state, or browse all 50 states ranked by cost to see where New Hampshire stands nationally. Understanding utility costs can help with budgeting, relocation decisions, and identifying savings opportunities.