Utility Costs in North Carolina (NC)
The average household in North Carolina pays $232 per month for utilities, which breaks down to $130/mo for electricity (at 12.0¢/kWh), $60/mo for natural gas, and $42/mo for water. This is $15 (6.07%) below the national average of $247/mo. Nuclear and natural gas power. Moderate climate keeps costs reasonable. Growing solar capacity.
Utility Costs by City in North Carolina
The table below shows average monthly utility costs for 5 cities in North Carolina, sorted by total cost from highest to lowest. Costs can vary within a state due to different utility providers, local water systems, and microclimates. Charlotte is the most expensive at $239/mo, while Durham is the most affordable at $221/mo.
| City | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | $132 | $62 | $45 | $239 | $2,868 | +$7 |
| Wilmington | $135 | $55 | $44 | $234 | $2,808 | +$2 |
| Raleigh | $128 | $58 | $42 | $228 | $2,736 | -$4 |
| Greensboro | $130 | $60 | $38 | $228 | $2,736 | -$4 |
| Durham | $125 | $56 | $40 | $221 | $2,652 | -$11 |
How North Carolina Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of North Carolina with five states that have similar total monthly utility costs. This comparison helps illustrate where North Carolina 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (NC) | $130 | 12.0¢/kWh | $60 | $42 | $232 |
| Tennessee (TN) | $135 | 11.5¢/kWh | $60 | $38 | $233 |
| Colorado (CO) | $115 | 14.2¢/kWh | $65 | $50 | $230 |
| Florida (FL) | $150 | 13.8¢/kWh | $35 | $45 | $230 |
| Kansas (KS) | $125 | 14.0¢/kWh | $65 | $40 | $230 |
| West Virginia (WV) | $125 | 12.0¢/kWh | $65 | $40 | $230 |
Utility Cost Breakdown for North Carolina
Electricity in North Carolina
The average electricity bill in North Carolina is $130/month, with a rate of 12.0¢/kWh. This is well below the national average rate of about 16 cents per kWh, making North Carolina one of the more affordable states for electricity. The total bill of $130/mo is below the national average of $137/mo.
Natural Gas in North Carolina
Natural gas costs average $60/month in North Carolina. This is near the national average, reflecting moderate heating needs and gas pricing. The national average gas bill is approximately $65/month.
Water in North Carolina
Water and basic sewer service averages $42/month in North Carolina. 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 North Carolina
What is the average utility bill in North Carolina?
The average household in North Carolina pays approximately $232 per month for utilities, or $2,784 per year. This includes $130 for electricity, $60 for natural gas, and $42 for water. This is $15 below the national average.
How much is electricity per kWh in North Carolina?
The average residential electricity rate in North Carolina is 12.0¢/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 North Carolina has the highest utility costs?
Among the cities tracked, Charlotte has the highest average utility costs at $239/month, while Durham has the lowest at $221/month. Costs can vary further depending on your specific utility provider and usage.
How can I lower my utility bills in North Carolina?
To reduce your utility costs in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina going up?
Utility costs nationwide have been increasing at approximately 2-4% per year due to infrastructure investments, fuel costs, and growing demand. In North Carolina, 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 North Carolina with any other state, or browse all 50 states ranked by cost to see where North Carolina stands nationally. Understanding utility costs can help with budgeting, relocation decisions, and identifying savings opportunities.