Being aware of utility expenses is essential regardless of whether you want to buy a home or relocate. The average utilities cost is an expense people deal with monthly, even when they don’t own the property. Electricity, water, and internet are among the bills that contribute towards your total utility bill. These costs, however, aren’t the same for everyone. Do you want to learn all about utility costs and how they vary? Scroll down and find out. Show
Average Utilities Cost in AmericaIf you were wondering which utility is the most expensive, the answer depends on the state. While electricity usually costs the most, in some states, the natural gas bill is the highest. Some consumers pay hefty amounts for cable, internet, and phone. Yet, when calculated separately, these aren’t as expensive as electric power or gas. Average Electric BillIn most states, the electric bill contributes the highest share of the average utilities cost per month. The average electric bill stateside ranges between $65.33 and $88.10. Average Water BillWhile the average water bill in the US hovers around $68, the amounts vary drastically depending on the state and circumstances. Pool owners, for example, should be aware that the average water bill with a pool is by $40-$60 higher. The difference between the highest and lowest average monthly bill by state is $66. These figures reveal that the average cost of utilities for certain jurisdictions could be higher by $800 a year from water cost disparity alone. Average Sewer BillJust like all utility bills, the paying for sewer services drastically varies by location. The average sewer bill per month in the US ranges between $14.04 and $135.57. In this category, Memphis is the cheapest, while Seattle is the most expensive destination. Typically, you can expect your sewer bill to be included in your water and garbage monthly expenses. Average Gas BillA significant part of the average cost of utilities for a house comes from the natural gas price. Americans pay an average gas bill per month of $80. Naturally, the average gas bill in winter is much higher, especially in cold states. Average Garbage BillFor those wondering what is the cheapest utility bill, the answer is garbage. The average garbage bill per month in the US is $14, but trash and recycling costs mostly vary between $12 and $20. Average Cable BillCable TV is another significant contributor to the average cost of apartment utilities. US households pay an average cable bill of $85. This high average cable bill per month lately inspires consumers to look for cheaper alternatives. Streaming services, for instance, are a popular and affordable option at about $10 a month. Hence, the average cable bill per month for one person may soon become irrelevant as more and more users go cableless. Average Phone BillUS consumers deal with an average phone bill per month of $15-$30. Different plans naturally impact the average phone bill. In any case, it is still among the lowest contributors to a household’s average cost of utilities. As for cell phone bills, these range depending on how many people you have in your plan and which carrier you use. The average phone bill for 2 among AT&T customers is between $80 and $88. Verizon, by contrast, has an average cell phone bill for 2 of about $140. Average Internet BillAmericans pay $56 or so a month for internet on average. Note that the average internet bill per month often includes the phone, too. Either way, it all depends on the subscription plan. Signing up for a package of internet, phone, and even cable TV gets consumers better deals alongside longer commitment. Average Home Utility Expenses by StateWhere you live significantly affects how much you spend on utilities a month. Nevada residents pay an average home utilities cost of about $377 per month, while Alaskans need to fork out some $500 on average. The difference is $123 a month or just under $1,500 a year. Some jurisdictions have expensive gas, while others have soaring electricity rates. Below, we will look at the utility costs per month by state. AlabamaThe average cost of utilities per month for residents of Alabama is $377.69. Alabama is one of the states with high living costs, ranking 35th from best to worst. The average garbage bill in Alabama, at least, is close to the national average. It’s not all bad news for people owning a home in this state, with Alabama boasting the lowest tax burden by state in the US.
AlaskaAlaska has the lowest gasoline prices by state, but the highest average natural gas bill. The average utilities cost by state of $437.63 make The Last Frontier nearly the worst jurisdiction for house expenses.
ArizonaCitizens of Arizona pay average house utility expenses of $340.50 a month. This ranks the state as 18th best, which is fairly satisfactory.
ArkansasThe average apartment utilities cost in Arkansas is $323.04, earning the state the decent 10th overall position. The state has especially low water bills – about $22. Arkansas is also among the states with the lowest gas price per gallon.
CaliforniaThe average cost of utilities in California is $384.64, placing the state among the bad jurisdictions regarding house expenses. California has the highest average cable bill, resulting in a soaring average cable and internet bill per month for Californians.
Note that the average phone bill in California is significantly higher than the national average at about $190 a month. The same applies to the average cell phone bill in California. ColoradoWith an average cost of utilities in Colorado of $325.74, this jurisdiction is among the cheapest for homeowners. The average trash bill in Colorado is within the national average, while the state has exceptionally low electric expenses of under $90.
Some jurisdictions in the state are even cheaper to live in. For example, the average cost of utilities in Colorado Springs is about $176 a month for a 900-square feet apartment. ConnecticutTalking about the states with the highest utility bills, we must mention Connecticut. The average house expenses here are $462.66, plus the state has the highest average electric bill for apartment and house owners.
DCDC is a typically expensive US destination. Yet, the state doesn’t rank terribly when it comes to house bills, with its average costs of $330.57 a month. DC also boasts the lowest cable average expenses of $22. A single person in DC should expect an even lower average cost of utilities for a 1-bedroom apartment of about $150.
DelawareDelaware is also among the states with high house costs, with an average of $404.70 a month. Per Numbeo, the average electric bill for a 1-bedroom apartment of 85 square feet in Newark, Delaware, is about $139.53. This amount, however, also includes heating, cooling, water, and garbage costs.
FloridaThe average cost of utilities in Florida is $290.22. The jurisdiction, however, has the lowest average monthly water bill by state of only $6 a month. While Florida’s living utility expenses aren’t high, the state’s special communication services tax is worth a mention. Thanks to this burden, the average cell phone bill in Florida is among the highest.
GeorgiaHomeowners in Georgia pay average house expenses of $351.28 placing them right about in the middle. There’s no info on the average garbage bill in the state. Yet, in Atlanta, residents pay about $151.66 a month for electricity and trash. This figure represents the average cost of utilities per month for an apartment of 85 square feet.
HawaiiHawaii has always been one of the most expensive states for residents. The same applies to its average costs of house bills that are about $423.20 a month.
IdahoWith an average cost of utilities for two adults of $351.28, Idaho is another relatively average destination for Americans. Its average natural gas bill by ZIP code of $40 or so is among the cheaper in the nation.
IllinoisWhile Illinois has among the lowest utility costs, the destination is among the jurisdictions with the highest property taxes by state. So, property owners in Illinois have a heavy burden despite the cheap utilities. Homeowners pay utility bills of about $308. The average garbage bill in Illinois is within the national average, but the electric bill is the third lowest stateside.
Per Numbeo, the average utilities cost in Chicago, Illinois’ most populated city, are about $210 a month. The average electric bill in Chicago is about $87 per month. This electricity expense is a bit lower than the state average and much lower than the national average. IndianaWith average house bill expenses of $376.03, Indiana is in the worse half for utility bills. The average trash bill in Indiana depends on the cart size and ranges between $6.51 and $18.52 a month.
IowaIowa is not the best place for running a business due to its substantial corporate taxes by state in the US. The state, however, isn’t at all bad for utility bills. The average cost of utilities in Iowa is $320.14.
KansasKansas is among the better 25 states for house bills, with residents paying $328.03 on average for utility expenses.
KentuckyKentucky residents pay an average of $368.93 for utilities. Meaning, the average cost of utilities for one person would be about $200, making for higher living costs than 30 other US states. If you want to save cash on utilities, this isn’t the place to be.
LouisianaLouisiana rounds up the best 25 states with its utility bills average of $355.47. The average electric bill for one person in the state is about $136.58.
MaineThe average cost of utilities for a 2-bedroom apartment in Maine is about $383.44. These house expenses place Maine in bad company since over 30 other states are cheaper options for homeowners.
MarylandSpeaking of states with expensive utilities, Maryland is among the worst, with residents paying an average of $411.23 a month.
MassachusettsMassachusetts is not at all the best for utility expenses. Households in the state spend about $402.80 on utilities. The average utilities cost in Boston, the state’s capital, is about $172.53. This figure, however, excludes phone, cable, and internet but includes the average trash bill.
MichiganMichigan is among the 20 best US states regarding house costs. The average cost of utilities in Michigan is $342.68, not including the average trash bill per month. Utilities in the capital Lansing, including garbage but no phone, internet, and cable, stand at $149.70 a month.
MinnesotaWith average bill expenses of only $318.96, Minnesota is in the top 10 states to live in. While the average garbage bill in MN varies depending on the city, we have information about the state’s capital. The house expenses for an 85 square feet apartment in Saint Paul are $185.28, the average trash pickup bill per month included. Meaning, residents of the capital pay an average utilities cost per square foot of about $2.17.
MississippiMississippi is just below the mark to rank among states with the cheapest utilities. Homeowners and renters in the Magnolia State pay an average of $346.24 for bills.
MissouriMissouri has expensive utilities compared to most other states. Residents here pay $371.86 in average utility costs by address. Missourians, at least, pay the lowest cigarette prices by state in America. The state also has among the most expensive average gas bill for 1 bedroom apartment and high sewer costs. For example, the base charge for the average sewer bill in St Louis is about $26.51 a month. The overall utilities in the city, garbage included, are approximately $171.43.
MontanaPaying utilities in Montana won’t drain your budget. Namely, the average house bill expenses of $328.78 place the state in the 13th best place.
NebraskaNebraska, just like Montana, is one of the cheaper states to live in, with the average utilities cost for a 3-bedroom house in the Cornhusker State standing at about $335.19.
NevadaNevada residents pay only $290.41 for utilities, which is the fourth lowest total compared to all other American states. This state generally has low living costs and is among the best destinations when it comes to the average phone bill for one person, average gas bill for 1 bedroom apartment, and more.
New HampshireCharming and quaint New Hampshire is neither superior nor terrible regarding the average utilities cost. Its residents pay an average of $376.70 on bills. These expenses place NH somewhere in the middle when all states are ranked from best to worst.
New JerseyThe average cost of utilities in NJ is $385.32. Meaning, more than 35 states have more expensive house bill expenses than The Garden State.
New MexicoSpeaking of the cheapest states for utilities, we have New Mexico in the top position. Americans who live in this state pay about $267.49 for house bills a month.
New YorkThe average cost of utilities in NYC is $422.02. It’s interesting to compare the costs in the two top New York State destinations and their drastic disparity. The average electric bill in NYC is $147.69 and includes heating, cooling, water, and garbage. In Long Island, by contrast, residents pay $213.88. While there’s no information on the average cable bill in Long Island, this area has slightly cheaper internet than New York City.
North CarolinaIf you’re wondering about the average utilities cost by ZIP code, know that North Carolina destinations aren’t the most expensive ones. The state is ranked as the 20th best with average house bill costs of $342.75.
North DakotaNorth Dakotans have pretty low utility costs. The average house bill amount is $303.09 which places the state in the enviable 5th best position.
OhioThe average utilities cost in Ohio is $331.84. With these house costs, the state is among the best destinations for Americans. At least the average trash bill in Ohio is within the national average. Everything else is quite expensive.
OklahomaResidents of Oklahoma also have low living costs in terms of water, electricity, and sewer bills. The state’s average house expenses are $312.95.
OregonOregon is among the cheapest American states in various regards. The state’s average utilities cost per month is $340.14. Oregon residents further have the lowest gas prices by state. Portland is the largest city, and its utilities cost an average of $186.54 a month. The average garbage bill in Portland varies between $25 and $43, depending on the weight limit and pickup frequency.
PennsylvaniaPennsylvania has always been one of the most attractive US states. In terms of utility bills, however, the destination is not a good one. With an average utilities cost of about $424.41 per month, Pennsylvania is among the worst locations for homeowners. The average garbage bill in PA is between $8 and $12, which is relatively cheap. Recycling is even cheaper at $3-$5 a month.
Rhode IslandRhode Island has a high average house bill expenses of $409.82 a month. In fact, only about six states have higher living costs than Rhode Island.
South CarolinaBesides having a soaring average cost of utilities for one person, South Carolina also has the highest sewer bills in America. People living in this state pay an average of $409.56 for utilities. And how much is the typical cable bill in South Carolina? That would be $40.
South DakotaIn South Dakota, people can expect average house bill expenses of about $329.21. With such living costs, this state is among the 20 cheapest destinations in the US. Despite the generally low average home utilities cost, South Carolina has expensive internet and average phone bill per month for one person.
TennesseeThere’s nothing special about Tennessee and the state’s average utilities. Residents here spend about $361.86 a month on electricity, water, gas, and other utilities. The average phone bill for one person isn’t included in these calculations.
TexasThe average cost of utilities in Texas is $408.38. Meaning, the Lone Star State is among the 10 worst destinations for living expenses. Texas has exceptionally high electricity bills of over $130 a month. The average electric bill for a 2 bedroom apartment of 85 square meters in Austin is $141.96. This hefty amount excludes the average cell phone bill in Texas as well as internet and cable costs. It does include the average garbage bill in Texas of about $20 without tax, though.
While the living costs in this state are high, at least Texas has no corporate income tax. This makes the state great for business owners and corporations. UtahWith the average cost of utilities in Utah being $359.84, this American state is the 27th best for living costs. The state’s residents have a fairly low electricity bill, while the average cell phone bill for one person in Utah is cheap compared to other jurisdictions.
VermontVermont is another pretty good destination to live in thanks to its low utility costs. Residents in the state pay an average of $343.70 for house bills.
VirginiaVirginia has an average utilities cost of $366.15. These expenses make the state one of the bad destinations, as nearly 30 states have lower living costs. Virginia is also among the ten jurisdictions with the highest electric bills.
WashingtonPeople who live in Washington State deal with monthly house bills of $390.25. The average garbage bill in Washington state is within the national average. As for the average cost of utilities in Seattle, one of the most popular destinations in the state, it’s about $195.99. This amount includes electricity, water, heating, cooling, and garbage. It doesn’t include, however, internet, phone, and average cell phone bill per month.
West VirginiaIf you’ve ever asked yourself what state has the highest water bill, West Virginia holds the throne here. WV also has the second-worst average house bills of $441.56 a month. This state is also among the last on the list of states to start a business in the US. Yet, interestingly, West Virginia has an average utilities cost for small business of $418.51 a month. With the national commercial average being $654.79, West Virginia ranked as the fifth-best state for business utility expenses.
WisconsinThanks to the lowest average electric bill for one person and generally low house costs, Wisconsin is among the cheapest states. Residents in the state pay an average utilities cost of $289.91. Wisconsin also has the lowest average monthly sewer bill by state in the country.
WyomingFinally, we have Wyoming. Unfortunately for its residents, the utilities in this state aren’t cheap. The average house bill expenses in Wyoming are $362.65.
Median Utility Costs by Type and AgeSo, how much the does the average person spend on utilities a month? This is a valid question, but there’s no single answer. The average cost of utilities for one person depends on various factors, age being one of those. In the table below, let’s analyze the mean expenses on different types of house bills among Americans from various age groups. As you can see above, the mean annual utilities cost among all consumers was $9,215 in 2019. Americans aged 45-54 pay a significantly higher mean amount of $11,211 a year. Those aged 35-44 come in next with yearly mean utility costs of $10,409. Unsurprisingly, those under 25 pay the lowest mean house bills of $5,325 a year. Average Cost of Utilities WorldwideUtility Costs in the UKAccording to Money Advice Service UK data, the UK’s average utility bills are £194.92 a month, or about $260.22. These expenses include the following utility services:
At £90.10 or about $120.56, the average electric bill in the UK is much lower than the one in the US. This figure includes water and gas, too. In the US, the average electricity, gas, and water expenses are at soaring $253.25. In the US, the average broadband bill is $60, which is also higher than the average internet bill in the UK of £28.01 or $37.48. When it comes to average utilities cost by ZIP code in the UK, let’s see how expensive London is. According to Numbeo, essential utilities in the city cost about $258.23 a month. Internet in London costs an average of $45.02, while one minute of prepaid mobile tariff is $0.18. Living costs in London seem more expensive than the British average. Yet, the destination is still cheaper than most US states. Utility Costs in CanadaAmerica’s neighbor Canada is also cheaper when it comes to living costs. Canadians pay an average of C$176 (or about $140) on basic utilities and the average internet bill per month in Canada is a little over $42. The average phone bill per month in Canada is $0.28 for 1 minute of a prepaid mobile tariff. Yet, not all destinations are equally cheap. The average utilities cost per month in Ontario, for instance, is $174.29. Plus, internet in Ontario costs about $63.17 a month on average. Ontario has higher costs than two other top Canadian destinations – Calgary and Toronto. The first city is a growing cosmopolitan area and the center of the country’s oil industry. Yet, the average utilities cost in Calgary is $157.94, while the internet costs $59.70. As for Toronto, its residents pay about $119.03 for essential utilities and $55.52 for bandwidth. Utility Costs in AustraliaBasic utility bills Down Under cost an average of A$290.19 (about $215). The average internet bill in Australia is about $56, while the average phone bill in Australia is $0.30 per one minute. Residents of Melbourne, for example, pay an average of $158.54 for utilities. The average gas bill in Melbourne is included in this amount, while the internet is an additional $70.94. Naturally, Sydney is more expensive than Melbourne, with its average cost of apartment utilities coming in at $138.90. One minute of prepaid mobile tariff costs $0.63, while the internet is about $54.67. Utility Costs in EuropeEuropeans pay varying utility bills, depending on where they reside. Below, we’ll list the average costs for an 85 square meter apartment’s basic utilities in various destinations.
Balancing Your Utility CostsAll in all, the average utilities cost depends on multiple factors. As you can see above, some destinations have much higher living costs. In any case, Americans seem to be spending the most money on utilities compared to other developed countries. This makes sense as the US also boasts the highest average income. References: Move Buddha, RentCafe, SaveOnEnergy, EIA, World Population Review, BV, Numbeo, Money Advice Service, BLS, BudgetDirect, Expatistan, Move How much are utilities in Utah?Average Utility Costs in Utah: $268 per month
Here's what the average monthly utility costs look like.
How much is the average water bill per month in the US?How much does the average water bill cost? The average American water bill is $45.44 per month. And Americans use an average of 82 gallons of water a day at home. The best way to see how much water you're using is to look at the breakdown of charges on your water bill.
How much is a water bill in Texas?Utility Costs in Texas. How much is a water bill in Michigan?The average cost of utility bills for Michigan homeowners is $97.41 a month, according to Smart Asset. If you've noticed that your water bill is higher than $97.41 a month, you're probably wondering why it's so high and how you can reduce it.
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