Utility Costs in Wisconsin (WI)
The average household in Wisconsin pays $230 per month for utilities, which breaks down to $115/mo for electricity (at 15.0¢/kWh), $75/mo for natural gas, and $40/mo for water. This is $17 (6.88%) below the national average of $247/mo. Cold winters drive high gas heating costs. Moderate electric rates. Growing renewable energy portfolio.
Utility Costs by City in Wisconsin
The table below shows average monthly utility costs for 4 cities in Wisconsin, sorted by total cost from highest to lowest. Costs can vary within a state due to different utility providers, local water systems, and microclimates. Milwaukee is the most expensive at $238/mo, while Madison is the most affordable at $224/mo.
| City | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $118 | $78 | $42 | $238 | $2,856 | +$8 |
| Green Bay | $115 | $80 | $38 | $233 | $2,796 | +$3 |
| Kenosha | $116 | $75 | $40 | $231 | $2,772 | +$1 |
| Madison | $112 | $72 | $40 | $224 | $2,688 | -$6 |
How Wisconsin Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Wisconsin with five states that have similar total monthly utility costs. This comparison helps illustrate where Wisconsin 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin (WI) | $115 | 15.0¢/kWh | $75 | $40 | $230 |
| Colorado (CO) | $115 | 14.2¢/kWh | $65 | $50 | $230 |
| Florida (FL) | $150 | 13.8¢/kWh | $35 | $45 | $230 |
| Kansas (KS) | $125 | 14.0¢/kWh | $65 | $40 | $230 |
| West Virginia (WV) | $125 | 12.0¢/kWh | $65 | $40 | $230 |
| North Carolina (NC) | $130 | 12.0¢/kWh | $60 | $42 | $232 |
Utility Cost Breakdown for Wisconsin
Electricity in Wisconsin
The average electricity bill in Wisconsin is $115/month, with a rate of 15.0¢/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 Wisconsin
Natural gas costs average $75/month in Wisconsin. This is near the national average, reflecting moderate heating needs and gas pricing. The national average gas bill is approximately $65/month.
Water in Wisconsin
Water and basic sewer service averages $40/month in Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin
What is the average utility bill in Wisconsin?
The average household in Wisconsin pays approximately $230 per month for utilities, or $2,760 per year. This includes $115 for electricity, $75 for natural gas, and $40 for water. This is $17 below the national average.
How much is electricity per kWh in Wisconsin?
The average residential electricity rate in Wisconsin is 15.0¢/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 Wisconsin has the highest utility costs?
Among the cities tracked, Milwaukee has the highest average utility costs at $238/month, while Madison has the lowest at $224/month. Costs can vary further depending on your specific utility provider and usage.
How can I lower my utility bills in Wisconsin?
To reduce your utility costs in Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin going up?
Utility costs nationwide have been increasing at approximately 2-4% per year due to infrastructure investments, fuel costs, and growing demand. In Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin with any other state, or browse all 50 states ranked by cost to see where Wisconsin stands nationally. Understanding utility costs can help with budgeting, relocation decisions, and identifying savings opportunities.