Utility Costs in New Jersey (NJ)
The average household in New Jersey pays $270 per month for utilities, which breaks down to $130/mo for electricity (at 17.5¢/kWh), $85/mo for natural gas, and $55/mo for water. This is $23 (9.31%) above the national average of $247/mo. Deregulated electric market. High water and sewer costs. Nuclear power provides significant baseload.
Utility Costs by City in New Jersey
The table below shows average monthly utility costs for 4 cities in New Jersey, sorted by total cost from highest to lowest. Costs can vary within a state due to different utility providers, local water systems, and microclimates. Newark is the most expensive at $281/mo, while Jersey City is the most affordable at $265/mo.
| City | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark | $135 | $88 | $58 | $281 | $3,372 | +$11 |
| Edison | $132 | $86 | $56 | $274 | $3,288 | +$4 |
| Trenton | $130 | $85 | $52 | $267 | $3,204 | -$3 |
| Jersey City | $128 | $82 | $55 | $265 | $3,180 | -$5 |
How New Jersey Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of New Jersey with five states that have similar total monthly utility costs. This comparison helps illustrate where New Jersey 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 Jersey (NJ) | $130 | 17.5¢/kWh | $85 | $55 | $270 |
| Alabama (AL) | $160 | 13.6¢/kWh | $70 | $40 | $270 |
| Maryland (MD) | $140 | 15.5¢/kWh | $80 | $50 | $270 |
| New Hampshire (NH) | $135 | 22.5¢/kWh | $90 | $45 | $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 Jersey
Electricity in New Jersey
The average electricity bill in New Jersey is $130/month, with a rate of 17.5¢/kWh. This is near the national average rate of about 16 cents per kWh. The total bill of $130/mo is below the national average of $137/mo.
Natural Gas in New Jersey
Natural gas costs average $85/month in New Jersey. 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 Jersey
Water and basic sewer service averages $55/month in New Jersey. 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 Jersey
What is the average utility bill in New Jersey?
The average household in New Jersey pays approximately $270 per month for utilities, or $3,240 per year. This includes $130 for electricity, $85 for natural gas, and $55 for water. This is $23 above the national average.
How much is electricity per kWh in New Jersey?
The average residential electricity rate in New Jersey is 17.5¢/kWh, which translates to an average monthly electric bill of $130. This is near the national average of approximately 16 cents per kWh.
Which city in New Jersey has the highest utility costs?
Among the cities tracked, Newark has the highest average utility costs at $281/month, while Jersey City has the lowest at $265/month. Costs can vary further depending on your specific utility provider and usage.
How can I lower my utility bills in New Jersey?
To reduce your utility costs in New Jersey, 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 New Jersey 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 Jersey, 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 New Jersey with any other state, or browse all 50 states ranked by cost to see where New Jersey stands nationally. Understanding utility costs can help with budgeting, relocation decisions, and identifying savings opportunities.