Utility Costs in Virginia (VA)
The average household in Virginia pays $250 per month for utilities, which breaks down to $135/mo for electricity (at 12.5¢/kWh), $70/mo for natural gas, and $45/mo for water. This is $3 (1.21%) above the national average of $247/mo. Nuclear and natural gas power. Moderate climate. Northern Virginia has higher costs due to high cost of living.
Utility Costs by City in Virginia
The table below shows average monthly utility costs for 5 cities in Virginia, sorted by total cost from highest to lowest. Costs can vary within a state due to different utility providers, local water systems, and microclimates. Arlington is the most expensive at $255/mo, while Roanoke is the most affordable at $236/mo.
| City | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington | $130 | $75 | $50 | $255 | $3,060 | +$5 |
| Virginia Beach | $138 | $68 | $48 | $254 | $3,048 | +$4 |
| Norfolk | $140 | $65 | $46 | $251 | $3,012 | +$1 |
| Richmond | $132 | $72 | $44 | $248 | $2,976 | -$2 |
| Roanoke | $128 | $68 | $40 | $236 | $2,832 | -$14 |
How Virginia Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Virginia with five states that have similar total monthly utility costs. This comparison helps illustrate where Virginia 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia (VA) | $135 | 12.5¢/kWh | $70 | $45 | $250 |
| Arizona (AZ) | $145 | 13.2¢/kWh | $50 | $55 | $250 |
| Delaware (DE) | $130 | 14.0¢/kWh | $70 | $45 | $245 |
| Georgia (GA) | $145 | 12.8¢/kWh | $65 | $45 | $255 |
| Maine (ME) | $120 | 22.0¢/kWh | $90 | $45 | $255 |
| Michigan (MI) | $120 | 18.0¢/kWh | $80 | $45 | $245 |
Utility Cost Breakdown for Virginia
Electricity in Virginia
The average electricity bill in Virginia is $135/month, with a rate of 12.5¢/kWh. This is well below the national average rate of about 16 cents per kWh, making Virginia one of the more affordable states for electricity. The total bill of $135/mo is below the national average of $137/mo.
Natural Gas in Virginia
Natural gas costs average $70/month in Virginia. This is near the national average, reflecting moderate heating needs and gas pricing. The national average gas bill is approximately $65/month.
Water in Virginia
Water and basic sewer service averages $45/month in Virginia. 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 Virginia
What is the average utility bill in Virginia?
The average household in Virginia pays approximately $250 per month for utilities, or $3,000 per year. This includes $135 for electricity, $70 for natural gas, and $45 for water. This is $3 above the national average.
How much is electricity per kWh in Virginia?
The average residential electricity rate in Virginia is 12.5¢/kWh, which translates to an average monthly electric bill of $135. This is near the national average of approximately 16 cents per kWh.
Which city in Virginia has the highest utility costs?
Among the cities tracked, Arlington has the highest average utility costs at $255/month, while Roanoke has the lowest at $236/month. Costs can vary further depending on your specific utility provider and usage.
How can I lower my utility bills in Virginia?
To reduce your utility costs in Virginia, 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 Virginia going up?
Utility costs nationwide have been increasing at approximately 2-4% per year due to infrastructure investments, fuel costs, and growing demand. In Virginia, 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 Virginia with any other state, or browse all 50 states ranked by cost to see where Virginia stands nationally. Understanding utility costs can help with budgeting, relocation decisions, and identifying savings opportunities.