Utility Costs in South Carolina (SC)
The average household in South Carolina pays $240 per month for utilities, which breaks down to $145/mo for electricity (at 13.0¢/kWh), $55/mo for natural gas, and $40/mo for water. This is $7 (2.83%) below the national average of $247/mo. Nuclear power and natural gas. Hot summers drive electric usage. Low gas and water costs.
Utility Costs by City in South Carolina
The table below shows average monthly utility costs for 4 cities in South 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. Columbia is the most expensive at $248/mo, while Greenville is the most affordable at $233/mo.
| City | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia | $150 | $58 | $40 | $248 | $2,976 | +$8 |
| Myrtle Beach | $152 | $48 | $45 | $245 | $2,940 | +$5 |
| Charleston | $148 | $52 | $42 | $242 | $2,904 | +$2 |
| Greenville | $140 | $55 | $38 | $233 | $2,796 | -$7 |
How South Carolina Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of South Carolina with five states that have similar total monthly utility costs. This comparison helps illustrate where South 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (SC) | $145 | 13.0¢/kWh | $55 | $40 | $240 |
| Minnesota (MN) | $115 | 14.5¢/kWh | $85 | $40 | $240 |
| Ohio (OH) | $120 | 13.5¢/kWh | $75 | $45 | $240 |
| Texas (TX) | $145 | 12.8¢/kWh | $50 | $45 | $240 |
| Indiana (IN) | $130 | 13.5¢/kWh | $70 | $38 | $238 |
| Delaware (DE) | $130 | 14.0¢/kWh | $70 | $45 | $245 |
Utility Cost Breakdown for South Carolina
Electricity in South Carolina
The average electricity bill in South Carolina is $145/month, with a rate of 13.0¢/kWh. This is well below the national average rate of about 16 cents per kWh, making South Carolina one of the more affordable states for electricity. The total bill of $145/mo is above the national average of $137/mo, reflecting either higher rates or greater usage (or both).
Natural Gas in South Carolina
Natural gas costs average $55/month in South 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 South Carolina
Water and basic sewer service averages $40/month in South 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 South Carolina
What is the average utility bill in South Carolina?
The average household in South Carolina pays approximately $240 per month for utilities, or $2,880 per year. This includes $145 for electricity, $55 for natural gas, and $40 for water. This is $7 below the national average.
How much is electricity per kWh in South Carolina?
The average residential electricity rate in South Carolina is 13.0¢/kWh, which translates to an average monthly electric bill of $145. This is near the national average of approximately 16 cents per kWh.
Which city in South Carolina has the highest utility costs?
Among the cities tracked, Columbia has the highest average utility costs at $248/month, while Greenville has the lowest at $233/month. Costs can vary further depending on your specific utility provider and usage.
How can I lower my utility bills in South Carolina?
To reduce your utility costs in South 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 South 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 South 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 South Carolina with any other state, or browse all 50 states ranked by cost to see where South Carolina stands nationally. Understanding utility costs can help with budgeting, relocation decisions, and identifying savings opportunities.