Utility Costs in Washington (WA)
The average household in Washington pays $220 per month for utilities, which breaks down to $105/mo for electricity (at 10.2¢/kWh), $60/mo for natural gas, and $55/mo for water. This is $27 (10.93%) below the national average of $247/mo. Hydropower provides among the cheapest electricity in the US. Higher water costs. Mild climate reduces usage.
Utility Costs by City in Washington
The table below shows average monthly utility costs for 5 cities in Washington, sorted by total cost from highest to lowest. Costs can vary within a state due to different utility providers, local water systems, and microclimates. Seattle is the most expensive at $222/mo, while Spokane is the most affordable at $208/mo.
| City | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | $100 | $62 | $60 | $222 | $2,664 | +$2 |
| Vancouver | $108 | $60 | $52 | $220 | $2,640 | Same |
| Bellevue | $98 | $60 | $62 | $220 | $2,640 | Same |
| Tacoma | $102 | $58 | $55 | $215 | $2,580 | -$5 |
| Spokane | $95 | $65 | $48 | $208 | $2,496 | -$12 |
How Washington Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Washington with five states that have similar total monthly utility costs. This comparison helps illustrate where Washington 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington (WA) | $105 | 10.2¢/kWh | $60 | $55 | $220 |
| Iowa (IA) | $115 | 13.8¢/kWh | $70 | $35 | $220 |
| Kentucky (KY) | $125 | 11.5¢/kWh | $60 | $35 | $220 |
| Oregon (OR) | $110 | 11.5¢/kWh | $60 | $50 | $220 |
| Mississippi (MS) | $135 | 12.5¢/kWh | $55 | $35 | $225 |
| Montana (MT) | $105 | 12.0¢/kWh | $70 | $40 | $215 |
Utility Cost Breakdown for Washington
Electricity in Washington
The average electricity bill in Washington is $105/month, with a rate of 10.2¢/kWh. This is well below the national average rate of about 16 cents per kWh, making Washington one of the more affordable states for electricity. The total bill of $105/mo is below the national average of $137/mo.
Natural Gas in Washington
Natural gas costs average $60/month in Washington. This is near the national average, reflecting moderate heating needs and gas pricing. The national average gas bill is approximately $65/month.
Water in Washington
Water and basic sewer service averages $55/month in Washington. 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 Washington
What is the average utility bill in Washington?
The average household in Washington pays approximately $220 per month for utilities, or $2,640 per year. This includes $105 for electricity, $60 for natural gas, and $55 for water. This is $27 below the national average.
How much is electricity per kWh in Washington?
The average residential electricity rate in Washington is 10.2¢/kWh, which translates to an average monthly electric bill of $105. This is well below the national average of approximately 16 cents per kWh.
Which city in Washington has the highest utility costs?
Among the cities tracked, Seattle has the highest average utility costs at $222/month, while Spokane has the lowest at $208/month. Costs can vary further depending on your specific utility provider and usage.
How can I lower my utility bills in Washington?
To reduce your utility costs in Washington, 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 Washington going up?
Utility costs nationwide have been increasing at approximately 2-4% per year due to infrastructure investments, fuel costs, and growing demand. In Washington, 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 Washington with any other state, or browse all 50 states ranked by cost to see where Washington stands nationally. Understanding utility costs can help with budgeting, relocation decisions, and identifying savings opportunities.