Utility Costs in Vermont (VT)
The average household in Vermont pays $255 per month for utilities, which breaks down to $115/mo for electricity (at 20.0¢/kWh), $95/mo for natural gas, and $45/mo for water. This is $8 (3.24%) above the national average of $247/mo. High electric rates but low usage. Very cold winters drive heating costs. Hydropower and nuclear.
Utility Costs by City in Vermont
The table below shows average monthly utility costs for 3 cities in Vermont, sorted by total cost from highest to lowest. Costs can vary within a state due to different utility providers, local water systems, and microclimates. Montpelier is the most expensive at $260/mo, while Rutland is the most affordable at $247/mo.
| City | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montpelier | $118 | $100 | $42 | $260 | $3,120 | +$5 |
| Burlington | $112 | $98 | $48 | $258 | $3,096 | +$3 |
| Rutland | $115 | $92 | $40 | $247 | $2,964 | -$8 |
How Vermont Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Vermont with five states that have similar total monthly utility costs. This comparison helps illustrate where Vermont 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont (VT) | $115 | 20.0¢/kWh | $95 | $45 | $255 |
| Georgia (GA) | $145 | 12.8¢/kWh | $65 | $45 | $255 |
| Maine (ME) | $120 | 22.0¢/kWh | $90 | $45 | $255 |
| Arizona (AZ) | $145 | 13.2¢/kWh | $50 | $55 | $250 |
| District of Columbia (DC) | $130 | 14.5¢/kWh | $75 | $55 | $260 |
| Pennsylvania (PA) | $130 | 15.5¢/kWh | $80 | $50 | $260 |
Utility Cost Breakdown for Vermont
Electricity in Vermont
The average electricity bill in Vermont is $115/month, with a rate of 20.0¢/kWh. This is near the national average rate of about 16 cents per kWh. The total bill of $115/mo is below the national average of $137/mo.
Natural Gas in Vermont
Natural gas costs average $95/month in Vermont. 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 Vermont
Water and basic sewer service averages $45/month in Vermont. 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 Vermont
What is the average utility bill in Vermont?
The average household in Vermont pays approximately $255 per month for utilities, or $3,060 per year. This includes $115 for electricity, $95 for natural gas, and $45 for water. This is $8 above the national average.
How much is electricity per kWh in Vermont?
The average residential electricity rate in Vermont is 20.0¢/kWh, which translates to an average monthly electric bill of $115. This is near the national average of approximately 16 cents per kWh.
Which city in Vermont has the highest utility costs?
Among the cities tracked, Montpelier has the highest average utility costs at $260/month, while Rutland has the lowest at $247/month. Costs can vary further depending on your specific utility provider and usage.
How can I lower my utility bills in Vermont?
To reduce your utility costs in Vermont, 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 Vermont going up?
Utility costs nationwide have been increasing at approximately 2-4% per year due to infrastructure investments, fuel costs, and growing demand. In Vermont, 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 Vermont with any other state, or browse all 50 states ranked by cost to see where Vermont stands nationally. Understanding utility costs can help with budgeting, relocation decisions, and identifying savings opportunities.