Utility Bills 101

By Sarah Cimarusti and Joe Roberts

Cost of living is one of the top concerns for Americans heading into the 2024 Presidential election.¹ Depending on where you live, utility bills can account for up to almost 14% of your income each month. To find out which US states pay the most for utilities, we researched energy bills, natural gas costs, water and sewer bills, internet and phone costs, and more to find out each state’s average utility bill.

Let’s face it: Nobody likes paying utility bills. They pop up each month and keep you from putting your paycheck toward more exciting areas of your budget, like your vacation fund—or that fun subscription box you’ve always wanted with specialty coffees, cocktails, snacks or gadgets.

No matter what you’re saving for, utility bills are a burden we all have to bear. But which states’ residents bear the largest burden? We crunched the numbers so you can see how the average monthly utility costs in your state stack up against the rest. We looked at both the total cost and the percent of your monthly income spent on utilities.

Average Monthly Cost

Average monthly utility costs in the US

• Electricity: $136.84 (↑up from last year)
• Natural gas: $69.38 (↓down from last year)
• Water: $47 (↑up from last year)
• Sewer: $65 (↑up from last year)
• Trash: $62.50 (≅same as last year)
• Internet: $77 (↑up from last year)
• Phone: $66 (↓down from last year)
• Streaming services: $59 (≅same as last year)

Whether you’re getting settled in a new home or planning a move, budgeting for monthly utility costs can make life a lot easier. On average, most US households spend around $380 per month on essentials like electricity, natural gas, water, and sewer. When you add in internet, phone, and streaming services, that typical utility cost is closer to $600 per month ($583, to be exact).

Of course, utility costs vary based on your state, local climate, and energy rates. We’ve looked at the average utility bills across the country so you can see how your state compares to the national average. Keep reading to find out which states have the highest and lowest average utility bill costs and discover tips to help you save on your energy bill no matter where you live.

FULL REPORT

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