Utility Costs in Texas (TX)
The average household in Texas pays $240 per month for utilities, which breaks down to $145/mo for electricity (at 12.8¢/kWh), $50/mo for natural gas, and $45/mo for water. This is $7 (2.83%) below the national average of $247/mo. Deregulated electric market. Hot summers spike AC costs. Natural gas state with low gas rates. Water costs rising.
Utility Costs by City in Texas
The table below shows average monthly utility costs for 6 cities in Texas, sorted by total cost from highest to lowest. Costs can vary within a state due to different utility providers, local water systems, and microclimates. Houston is the most expensive at $246/mo, while El Paso is the most affordable at $217/mo.
| City | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | $150 | $48 | $48 | $246 | $2,952 | +$6 |
| Dallas | $148 | $52 | $45 | $245 | $2,940 | +$5 |
| Fort Worth | $146 | $50 | $44 | $240 | $2,880 | Same |
| Austin | $140 | $45 | $50 | $235 | $2,820 | -$5 |
| San Antonio | $142 | $48 | $42 | $232 | $2,784 | -$8 |
| El Paso | $135 | $42 | $40 | $217 | $2,604 | -$23 |
How Texas Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Texas with five states that have similar total monthly utility costs. This comparison helps illustrate where Texas 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas (TX) | $145 | 12.8¢/kWh | $50 | $45 | $240 |
| Minnesota (MN) | $115 | 14.5¢/kWh | $85 | $40 | $240 |
| Ohio (OH) | $120 | 13.5¢/kWh | $75 | $45 | $240 |
| South Carolina (SC) | $145 | 13.0¢/kWh | $55 | $40 | $240 |
| Indiana (IN) | $130 | 13.5¢/kWh | $70 | $38 | $238 |
| Delaware (DE) | $130 | 14.0¢/kWh | $70 | $45 | $245 |
Utility Cost Breakdown for Texas
Electricity in Texas
The average electricity bill in Texas is $145/month, with a rate of 12.8¢/kWh. This is well below the national average rate of about 16 cents per kWh, making Texas 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 Texas
Natural gas costs average $50/month in Texas. This is near the national average, reflecting moderate heating needs and gas pricing. The national average gas bill is approximately $65/month.
Water in Texas
Water and basic sewer service averages $45/month in Texas. 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 Texas
What is the average utility bill in Texas?
The average household in Texas pays approximately $240 per month for utilities, or $2,880 per year. This includes $145 for electricity, $50 for natural gas, and $45 for water. This is $7 below the national average.
How much is electricity per kWh in Texas?
The average residential electricity rate in Texas is 12.8¢/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 Texas has the highest utility costs?
Among the cities tracked, Houston has the highest average utility costs at $246/month, while El Paso has the lowest at $217/month. Costs can vary further depending on your specific utility provider and usage.
How can I lower my utility bills in Texas?
To reduce your utility costs in Texas, 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 Texas going up?
Utility costs nationwide have been increasing at approximately 2-4% per year due to infrastructure investments, fuel costs, and growing demand. In Texas, 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 Texas with any other state, or browse all 50 states ranked by cost to see where Texas stands nationally. Understanding utility costs can help with budgeting, relocation decisions, and identifying savings opportunities.