Average Utilities Cost – Complete Overview

05.03.2024
Milena

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.

Average Utilities Cost in America

If 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 Bill

In 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 Bill

While 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 Bill

Just 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 Bill

A 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 Bill

For 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 Bill

Cable 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 Bill

US 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 Bill

Americans 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 State

Where 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.

Alabama

The 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.

  • Overall position – 35
  • Average electricity bill in Alabama – $136.78
  • Average water bill in Alabama – $26
  • Average natural gas bill in Alabama – $50.92
  • Average sewer bill in Alabama – $59
  • Average cable bill in Alabama – $45
  • Average internet bill in Alabama – $59.99

Alaska

Alaska 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.

  • Overall position – 49
  • Average electric bill in Alaska – $121.81
  • Average water bill in Alaska – $37
  • Average natural gas bill in Alaska – $122.83
  • Average sewer bill in Alaska – $46
  • Average cable bill in Alaska – $50
  • Average internet bill in Alaska – $59.99

Arizona

Citizens of Arizona pay average house utility expenses of $340.50 a month. This ranks the state as 18th best, which is fairly satisfactory.

  • Overall position – 18
  • Average electric bill in Arizona – $123.51
  • Average water bill in Arizona – $37
  • Average natural gas bill in Arizona – $37
  • Average sewer bill in Arizona – $43
  • Average cable bill in Arizona – $40
  • Average internet bill in Arizona – $59.99

Arkansas

The 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.

  • Overall position – 10
  • Average electricity bill in Arkansas – $110.03
  • Average water bill in Arkansas – $22
  • Average natural gas bill in Arkansas – $55.75
  • Average sewer bill in Arkansas – $35
  • Average cable bill in Arkansas – $40
  • Average internet bill in Arkansas – $59.99

California

The 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.

  • Overall position – 37
  • Average electric bill in California – $108.82
  • Average water bill in California – $65
  • Average gas bill in California – $44.83
  • Average sewer bill in California – $56
  • Average cable bill in California – $50
  • Average internet bill in California – $59.99

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.

Colorado

With 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.

  • Overall position – 11
  • Average electricity bill in Colorado – $82.83
  • Average water bill in Colorado – $37
  • Average natural gas bill in Colorado – $50.92
  • Average sewer bill in Colorado – $55
  • Average cable bill in Colorado – $40
  • Average internet bill in Colorado – $59.99

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.

Connecticut

Talking 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.

  • Overall position – 51
  • Average еlectricity bill in Connecticut – $140.50
  • Average water bill in Connecticut – $69
  • Average natural gas bill in Connecticut – $108.17
  • Average sewer bill in Connecticut – $40
  • Average cable bill in Connecticut – $45
  • Average internet bill in Connecticut – $59.99

DC

DC 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.

  • Overall position – 21
  • Average electricity bill in DC – $97.62
  • Average water bill in DC – $40
  • Average natural gas bill in DC – $69.75
  • Average sewer bill in DC – $54
  • Average cable bill in DC – $22
  • Average internet bill in DC – $59.99

Delaware

Delaware 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.

  • Overall position – 41
  • Average electricity bill in Delaware – $118.79
  • Average water bill in Delaware – $45
  • Average natural gas bill in Delaware – $64.92
  • Average sewer bill in Delaware – $76
  • Average cable bill in Delaware – $40
  • Average internet bill in Delaware – $59.99

Florida

The 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.

  • Overall position – 3
  • Average electric bill in Florida – $131.04
  • Average water bill in Florida – $6
  • Average natural gas bill in Florida – $35.83
  • Average sewer bill in Florida – $17
  • Average cable bill in Florida – $40
  • Average internet bill in Florida – $59.99

Georgia

Homeowners 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.

  • Overall position – 23
  • Average electricity bill in Georgia – $121.04
  • Average water bill in Georgia – $29
  • Average natural gas bill in Georgia – $54.25
  • Average sewer bill in Georgia – $47
  • Average cable bill in Georgia – $40
  • Average internet bill in Georgia – $30

Hawaii

Hawaii 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.

  • Overall position – 47
  • Average electricity bill in Hawaii – $152.88
  • Average water bill in Hawaii – $57
  • Average natural gas bill in Hawaii – $73.33
  • Average sewer bill in Hawaii – $59.99
  • Average cable bill in Hawaii – $45
  • Average internet bill in Hawaii – $59.99

Idaho

With 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.

  • Overall position – 24
  • Average electricity bill in Idaho – $94.12
  • Average water bill in Idaho – $37
  • Average natural gas bill in Idaho – $40.17
  • Average sewer bill in Idaho – $80
  • Average cable bill in Idaho – $40
  • Average internet bill in Idaho – $59.99

Illinois

While 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.

  • Overall position – 6
  • Average electricity bill in Illinois – $87.36
  • Average water bill in Illinois – $25
  • Average natural gas bill in Illinois – $70.67
  • Average sewer bill in Illinois – $25
  • Average cable bill in Illinois – $40
  • Average internet bill in Illinois – $59.99

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.

Indiana

With 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.

  • Overall position – 33
  • Average electricity bill in Indiana – $121.79
  • Average water bill in Indiana – $38
  • Average natural gas bill in Indiana – $58.25
  • Average sewer bill in Indiana – $58
  • Average cable bill in Indiana – $40
  • Average internet bill in Indiana – $59.99

Iowa

Iowa 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.

  • Overall position – 9
  • Average electricity bill in Iowa – $98.08
  • Average water bill in Iowa – $28
  • Average natural gas bill in Iowa – $52.08
  • Average sewer bill in Iowa – $32
  • Average cable bill in Iowa – $50
  • Average internet bill in Iowa – $59.99

Kansas

Kansas is among the better 25 states for house bills, with residents paying $328.03 on average for utility expenses.

  • Overall position – 12
  • Average electricity bill in Kansas – $108.87
  • Average water bill in Kansas – $26
  • Average natural gas bill in Kansas – $60.17
  • Average sewer bill in Kansas – $28
  • Average cable bill in Kansas – $45
  • Average internet bill in Kansas – $59.99

Kentucky

Kentucky 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.

  • Overall position – 31
  • Average electricity bill in Kentucky – $117.11
  • Average water bill in Kentucky – $49
  • Average natural gas Bill in Kentucky – $58.83
  • Average sewer bill in Kentucky – $39
  • Average cable bill in Kentucky – $45
  • Average internet bill in Kentucky – $59.99

Louisiana

Louisiana 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.

  • Overall position – 26
  • Average electricity bill in Louisiana – $117.56
  • Average water bill in Louisiana – $33
  • Average natural gas bill in Louisiana – $37.92
  • Average sewer bill in Louisiana – $57
  • Average cable bill in Louisiana – $50
  • Average internet bill in Louisiana – $59.99

Maine

The 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.

  • Overall position – 36
  • Average electricity bill in Maine – $92.78
  • Average water bill in Maine – $19
  • Average natural gas bill in Maine – $114.67
  • Average sewer bill in Maine – $52
  • Average cable bill in Maine – $45
  • Average internet bill in Maine – $59.99

Maryland

Speaking of states with expensive utilities, Maryland is among the worst, with residents paying an average of $411.23 a month.

  • Overall position – 45
  • Average electricity bill in Maryland – $124.26
  • Average water bill in Maryland – $42
  • Average natural gas bill in Maryland – $69.08
  • Average sewer bill in Maryland – $76
  • Average cable bill in Maryland – $40
  • Average internet bill in Maryland – $59.99

Massachusetts

Massachusetts 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.

  • Overall position – 40
  • Average electricity bill in Massachusetts – $123.73
  • Average water bill in Massachusetts – $30
  • Average natural gas bill in Massachusetts – $107.08
  • Average sewer bill in Massachusetts – $42
  • Average cable bill in Massachusetts – $40
  • Average internet bill in Massachusetts – $59.99

Michigan

Michigan 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.

  • Overall position – 19
  • Average electricity bill in Michigan – $104.86
  • Average water bill in Michigan – $28
  • Average gas bill in Michigan – $66.83
  • Average sewer bill in Michigan – $43
  • Average cable bill in Michigan – $40
  • Average internet bill in Michigan – $59.99

Minnesota

With 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.

  • Overall position – 8
  • Average electricity bill in Minnesota – $97.72
  • Average water bill in Minnesota – $27
  • Average natural gas bill in Minnesota – $62.25
  • Average sewer bill in Minnesota – $32
  • Average cable bill in Minnesota – $40
  • Average internet bill in Minnesota – $59.99

Mississippi

Mississippi 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.

  • Overall position – 26
  • Average electricity bill in Mississippi – $135.67
  • Average water bill in Mississippi – $23
  • Average natural gas bill in Mississippi – $42.58
  • Average sewer bill in Mississippi – $45
  • Average cable bill in Mississippi – $40
  • Average internet bill in Mississippi – $59.99

Missouri

Missouri 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.

  • Overall position – 32
  • Average electricity bill in Missouri – $98.37
  • Average water bill in Missouri – $38
  • Average natural gas bill in Missouri – $67.50
  • Average sewer bill in Missouri – $68
  • Average cable bill in Missouri – $40
  • Average internet bill in Missouri – $59.99

Montana

Paying 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.

  • Overall position – 13
  • Average electricity bill in Montana – $94.46
  • Average water bill in Montana – $34
  • Average natural gas bill in Montana – $50.33
  • Average sewer bill in Montana – $45
  • Average cable bill in Montana – $45
  • Average internet bill in Montana – $59.99

Nebraska

Nebraska, 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.

  • Overall position – 16
  • Average electricity bill in Nebraska – $101.70
  • Average water bill in Nebraska – $23
  • Average natural gas bill in Nebraska – $49.50
  • Average sewer bill in Nebraska – $56
  • Average cable bill in Nebraska – $45
  • Average internet bill in Nebraska – $59.99

Nevada

Nevada 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.

  • Overall position – 4
  • Average electricity bill in Nevada – $99.67
  • Average water bill in Nevada – $25
  • Average natural gas bill in Nevada – $42.75
  • Average sewer bill in Nevada – $18
  • Average cable bill in Nevada – $45
  • Average internet bill in Nevada – $59.99

New Hampshire

Charming 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.

  • Overall position – 34
  • Average electricity bill in New Hampshire – $112.21
  • Average water bill in New Hampshire – $26
  • Average natural gas bill in New Hampshire – $96.50
  • Average sewer bill in New Hampshire – $42
  • Average cable bill in New Hampshire – $40
  • Average internet bill in New Hampshire – $59.99

New Jersey

The average cost of utilities in NJ is $385.32. Meaning, more than 35 states have more expensive house bill expenses than The Garden State.

  • Overall position – 38
  • Average electricity bill in New Jersey – $106
  • Average gas bill in NJ – $68.33
  • Average water bill in New Jersey – $64
  • Average sewer bill in NJ – $42
  • Average cable bill in NJ – $45
  • Average internet bill in New Jersey – $59.99

New Mexico

Speaking 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.

  • Overall position – 1
  • Average electricity bill in New Mexico – $78.50
  • Average water bill in New Mexico – $28
  • Average natural gas bill in New Mexico – $38
  • Average sewer bill in New Mexico – $23
  • Average cable bill in New Mexico – $40
  • Average internet bill in New Mexico – $59.99

New York

The 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.

  • Overall position – 46
  • Average electricity bill in New York – $105.28
  • Average water bill in New York – $44
  • Average natural gas bill in New York – $92.75
  • Average sewer bill in New York – $70
  • Average cable bill in New York – $50
  • Average internet bill in New York – $59.99

North Carolina

If 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.

  • Overall position – 20
  • Average electricity bill in North Carolina – $114.42
  • Average water bill in North Carolina – $20
  • Average natural gas bill in North Carolina – $63.34
  • Average sewer bill in North Carolina – $40
  • Average cable bill in North Carolina – $45
  • Average internet bill in North Carolina – $59.99

North Dakota

North Dakotans have pretty low utility costs. The average house bill amount is $303.09 which places the state in the enviable 5th best position.

  • Overall position – 5
  • Average electricity bill in North Dakota – $104.16
  • Average water bill in North Dakota – $24
  • Average natural gas bill in North Dakota – $51.75
  • Average sewer bill in North Dakota – $24
  • Average cable bill in North Dakota – $40
  • Average internet bill in North Dakota – $59.99

Ohio

The 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.

  • Overall position – 15
  • Average electricity bill in Ohio – $103.10
  • Average water bill in Ohio – $26
  • Average natural gas bill in Ohio – $67.75
  • Average sewer bill in Ohio – $30
  • Average cable bill in Ohio – $45
  • Average internet bill in Ohio – $59.99

Oklahoma

Residents of Oklahoma also have low living costs in terms of water, electricity, and sewer bills. The state’s average house expenses are $312.95.

  • Overall position – 7
  • Average electricity bill in Oklahoma – $99.13
  • Average natural gas bill in Oklahoma – $55.83
  • Average water bill in Oklahoma – $33
  • Average sewer bill in Oklahoma – $30
  • Average cable bill in Oklahoma – $35
  • Average internet bill in Oklahoma – $59.99

Oregon

Oregon 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.

  • Overall position – 17
  • Average electricity bill in Oregon – $99.23
  • Average water bill in Oregon – $37
  • Average natural gas bill in Oregon – $52.92
  • Average sewer bill in Oregon – $51
  • Average cable bill in Oregon – $40
  • Average internet bill in Oregon – $59.99

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania 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.

  • Overall position – 48
  • Average electric bill in PA – $110
  • Average water bill in PA – $30
  • Average gas bill in PA – $81.42
  • Average sewer bill in PA – $26
  • Average cable bill in PA – $40
  • Average internet bill in Pennsylvania – $59.99

Rhode Island

Rhode 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.

  • Overall position – 44
  • Average electricity bill in Rhode Island – $126.41
  • Average water bill in Rhode Island – $28
  • Average natural gas bill in Rhode Island – $103.42
  • Average sewer bill in Rhode Island – $42
  • Average cable bill in Rhode Island – $50
  • Average internet bill in Rhode Island – $59.99

South Carolina

Besides 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.

  • Overall position – 43
  • Average electricity bill in South Carolina – $131.23
  • Average water bill in South Carolina – $27
  • Average natural gas bill in South Carolina – $64.34
  • Average sewer bill in South Carolina – $88
  • Average cable bill in South Carolina – $40
  • Average internet bill in South Carolina – 25

South Dakota

In 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.

  • Overall position – 14
  • Average electricity bill in South Dakota – $118.89
  • Average water bill in South Dakota – $24
  • Average natural gas bill in South Dakota – $46.33
  • Average sewer bill in South Dakota – $30
  • Average cable bill in South Dakota – $50
  • Average internet bill in South Dakota – $59.99

Tennessee

There’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.

  • Overall position – 28
  • Average electricity bill in Tennessee – $126.70
  • Average water bill in Tennessee – $26
  • Average natural gas bill in Tennessee – $46.17
  • Average sewer bill in Tennessee – $63
  • Average cable bill in Tennessee – $40
  • Average internet bill in Tennessee – $59.99

Texas

The 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.

  • Overall position – 42
  • Average electric bill in Texas – $135.31
  • Average water bill in Texas – $46
  • Average gas bill in Texas – $42.08
  • Average sewer bill in Texas – $85
  • Average cable bill in Texas – $40
  • Average internet bill in Texas – $59.99

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.

Utah

With 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.

  • Overall position – 27
  • Average electricity bill in Utah – $74.10
  • Average water bill in Utah – $58
  • Average natural gas bill in Utah – $50.75
  • Average sewer bill in Utah – $77
  • Average cable bill in Utah – $40
  • Average internet bill in Utah – $59.99

Vermont

Vermont 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.

  • Overall position – 22
  • Average electricity bill in Vermont – $104.46
  • Average water bill in Vermont – $18
  • Average natural gas bill in Vermont – $96.25
  • Average sewer bill in Vermont – $25
  • Average cable bill in Vermont – $40
  • Average internet bill in Vermont – $30

Virginia

Virginia 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.

  • Overall position – 30
  • Average electricity bill in Virginia – $125.82
  • Average water bill in Virginia – $36
  • Average natural gas bill in Virginia – $63.34
  • Average sewer bill in Virginia – $31
  • Average cable bill in Virginia – $50
  • Average internet bill in Virginia – $59.99

Washington

People 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.

  • Overall position – 39
  • Average electricity bill in Washington – $95.09
  • Average water bill in Washington – $57
  • Average natural gas bill in Washington – $61.17
  • Average sewer bill in Washington – $77
  • Average cable bill in Washington – $40
  • Average internet bill in Washington – $59.99

West Virginia

If 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.

  • Overall position – 50
  • Average electricity bill in West Virginia – $123.65
  • Average water bill in West Virginia – $72
  • Average natural gas bill in West Virginia – $58.95
  • Average sewer bill in West Virginia – $82
  • Average cable bill in West Virginia – $45
  • Average internet bill in West Virginia – $59.99

Wisconsin

Thanks 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.

  • Overall position – 2
  • Average electricity bill in Wisconsin – $97.84
  • Average water bill in Wisconsin – $18
  • Average natural gas bill in Wisconsin – $54.08
  • Average sewer bill in Wisconsin – $15
  • Average cable bill in Wisconsin – $45
  • Average internet bill in Wisconsin – $59.99

Wyoming

Finally, 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.

  • Overall position – 29
  • Average electricity bill in Wyoming – $92.08
  • Average water bill in Wyoming – $52
  • Average natural gas bill in Wyoming – $56.58
  • Average sewer bill in Wyoming – $57
  • Average cable bill in Wyoming – $45
  • Average internet bill in Wyoming – $59.99

Median Utility Costs by Type and Age

So, 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 Worldwide

Utility Costs in the UK

According 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:

  • Electricity, water, and gas – £90.10
  • Phone – £39.95
  • TV – £36.86
  • Broadband – £28.01

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 Canada

America’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 Australia

Basic 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 Europe

Europeans 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.

  • Copenhagen, Denmark – $161.46
  • Berlin, Germany – $265
  • Rome, Italy – $267.70
  • Paris, France – $211.43
  • Madrid, Spain – $160.41
  • Stockholm, Sweden – $96.66

Balancing Your Utility Costs

All 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

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *