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How Much Is the Average Monthly Cost of a Utility Bill in the US?
The average monthly cost of a utility bill in the US is $351.
What’s the first thing that pops up in your mind when planning to move within or to the US?
The cost of living!
And what affects the cost of living? The utilities.
Utilities are the basic services your home needs to keep it comfortable and to function properly. The list includes water, sewer, electric, gas, internet, cable, and home phone.
The cost of utilities varies a lot depending on your lifestyle, regulations, seasons, location, and weather conditions. What you pay for natural gas in one state might be very different from another.
How large your home is, your use of resources, and how committed you are to take the steps necessary to reduce your energy consumption also impact the cost of utilities.
The US is a country of 50 states. 50 states mean 50 different average monthly utility bills.
So, without any further ado, here’s how much does it cost for electricity, water, gas, internet, cable & home phones in 2023 in the US?
Type of Utility Bill in US | Average cost |
The Average Cost of Electricity | $125 |
The Average Cost of Water (Sewer not included) | $52 |
The Average Cost of Gas | $63 |
The Average Cost of Internet | $64 |
The Average Cost of Cable | $85 |
The Average Cost of Home Phones | $25 |
Total Average Cost of Utilities (per month, gas not included) | $351 |
With Gas: $414
How Much Is the Average Monthly Cost of an Electricity Bill in the US?
The average monthly cost of an electricity bill in the US is $125.
The way electricity works in the US is that the Federal government, through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, regulates interstate power sales and services. State governments, through their public utility commissions or equivalent, regulate retail electric service.
Some states like Texas have a deregulated energy market. This means Retail Electric Providers buy energy on the wholesale market (generators). They then sell it to consumers (you).
Coal, natural gas, nuclear energy, or renewable resources such as water, wind, or solar energy is used to generate electricity in the US.
The states have different sorts of pricing structures. Here are a few:
Note: Every electric utility offers a different pricing structure. There might be more than one option available, so make sure you go through them carefully.
Here are a few factors that affect the cost of electricity in the US:
Electricity prices vary by locality due to the availability of power plants and fuels, local fuel costs, and pricing regulation and structures.
Electricity Rates for Each Census Division
Census Division | Residential Rates (cents/kWh) |
New England | 20.87 |
Middle Atlantic | 16.90 |
East North Central | 14.14 |
West North Central | 13.32 |
South Atlantic | 12.43 |
East South Central | 12.01 |
West South Central | 11.85 |
Mountain | 12.32 |
Pacific Contiguous | 19.58 |
Pacific Noncontiguous | 29.68 |
US Total | 13.99 |
Electricity (kWh) | Average Monthly Cost @13.99 cents/kWh |
600 kWh | $83 |
750 kWh | $105 |
1000 kWh | $140 |
893 KWh (US Average) | $125 |
*The average monthly cost does not include any taxes or monthly services charges as they vary from state to state.
(*Eia.gov)
How Much Is the Average Monthly Cost of a Water Bill in the US?
The average monthly cost of a water bill in the US is $104 (50% Water, 50% Sewer).
The way water works in the US is that every city has its own water utility that delivers safe domestic water to your home and takes care of the wastewater too. In return for these services, you pay an amount proportional to the usage in a month.
The rates in Washington DC are different from New York or any other city. The reason is that the cost to deliver, treat, and dispose of water will differ depending on the geographical location.
A meter is installed outside your home that measures the usage. You pay a fixed amount monthly depending on
You are billed for the following things:
Some states/cities also offer a flat fee structure. All customers are charged the same fee, regardless of the amount of water used. But it is not an efficient way to generate revenue to maintain the whole water infrastructure.
The uniform rate structure has a fixed per-unit price for all metered units of water consumed in a billing period. It is further broken down into the following components:
Some states/cities have seasonal pricing that covers a specific time period. They are established to encourage conservation during peak use periods.
For example, Oklahoma City has a tiered rate structure meaning the cost of water goes up along with the consumption.
Most states like California have regulated water utilities. The state’s utility commission sets the rates and service terms for all the regulated water utilities.
Here are a few factors that affect the cost of water:
The average American uses around 88 gallons per day per person in the household. That means a family of four would use around 10,500 gallons in a 30-day period.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for water in average in the US: 35$
If we talk specifically about New York, here’s how much you’ll be paying everything month:
Cubic Meter (m3) monthly usage | Average Cost $1.44/m3 |
10 m3 1-2 people | $14.4 |
20 m3 2-3 people | $28.8 |
30 m3 3-5 people | $43.2 |
*Doesn’t include wastewater/sewer charges.
*Doesn’t include fixed meter charges.
According to CBS News, this year, the typical household will pay $104 per month for water and wastewater services.
How Much Is the Average Monthly Cost of a Gas Bill in the US?
The average monthly cost of a gas bill in the US is $63.
The way natural gas works in the US is that domestic natural gas markets are regulated in part by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. American Gas Association (AGA) Represents natural gas pipelines and distribution companies both in the US and outside the US.
Natural Gas is produced and then sold on the competitive market. Gas retailers buy the commodity and charge you for the amount of natural gas you use each month or the natural gas supplied to you every month.
In summary, natural gas companies drill and send the gas to your town through gas mains buried underground. Utility companies bring it to your house in smaller pipes.
Your natural gas bill constitutes of these two charges:
Natural gas prices vary greatly throughout the US. It is more expensive in Hawaii and cheaper in Idaho and North Dakota. The high price of gas reflects the difficulties involved in transporting oil and refined products to the state.
Natural gas is traded in a competitive market where the sellers put gas on sale and the buyers (gas utility companies) bid for purchase. The prices vary throughout the year.
Natural gas utilities do not earn a profit on the natural gas they deliver. They earn their revenues from the service and delivery fees they charge customers to transport the natural gas to them.
Following factors affect the cost of natural gas in the US:
The main item on your gas bill will be your gas usage, which will be measured in CCFs (hundreds of cubic feet) or in therms.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for natural gas in the US: 10.78$ per thousand cubic feet.
Usage Per Month (m3) | Average Monthly Cost (@1.078¢/f3) |
6000 | $65 |
7500 | $81 |
9000 | $97 |
5880 National Average: 196 f3 per day | $63 |
The average US household consumed 71.2 million BTUs of gas in 2019, costing $712 over the course of the year.
Your bill isn’t based strictly on BTUs or Cubic Feet. You may also see some other items on your gas bill—such as taxes. Check with your local natural gas retailer for details to see what’s included in your bill.
If you live in Alaska or Maine, chances are you’ll be paying more for gas than the rest of us. Residents of New Mexico, Nevada, and Idaho, however, don’t pay nearly as much for their gas.
How Much Is the Average Monthly Cost of Internet Bills in US?
The average monthly cost of Internet bills in the US is $64.
The way the internet works in the US is that you get to choose from a wide range of plans offered by Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The price also differs depending on the type of connection.
Slow dial-up connections cost as little as $10-$12.5 per month, but the fastest fiber optic connections can cost up to $145 each month.
There are over 7,000 Internet Service Providers in the US. Some offer their services across many states, while others only cater to a single state or even a single city. These ISPs typically offer internet bundles with cable and phone services.
Average internet prices can vary from as little as $20 in Washington, DC to as much as $70 in Alaska. Of course, depending on the provider and plan you choose, rates may be even higher.
Here are some of the big names in the internet industry:
Here are the factors that affect the cost of internet in the US:
According to BusinessWire, 82% of US households with a Cable & Internet bill spend $116 per month, or $1,392 per year – or $1,141 per year when averaging across all US households.
States with the Highest Cable & Internet Bills
State | Monthly Amount | Yearly Amount | % of Households w/ Bill |
Alaska | $148 | $1,776 | 78% |
New Hampshire | $147 | $1,762 | 84% |
Vermont | $141 | $1,689 | 69% |
New York | $132 | $1,580 | 72% |
New Jersey | $130 | $1,562 | 65% |
Metro Areas With the Highest Cable & Internet Bills
Metro Area | Monthly Amount | Yearly Amount | % of Households w/ Bill |
New York | $133 | $1,593 | 67% |
Boston | $129 | $1,552 | 66% |
St. Louis | $125 | $1,503 | 89% |
Los Angeles | $123 | $1,479 | 84% |
Kansas City | $121 | $1,448 | 79% |
Type of Internet | Mbps | Average Cost |
DSL | All speeds up to 100 Mbps | $50.00/month |
Cable | 150 Mbps/10 Mbps | $59.99/month |
Fiber-optic | 940 Mbps/ 940 Mbps | $60.00/month |
25 Mbps/ 3 Mbps 20 GB | $69.99 |
(*Costhelper Electronics, Rentcafe, Business Wire, Doxo, CenturyLink, Broadbandnow, Huguesnet & PR Newswire)
How Much Is the Average Monthly Cost of Cable TV in the US?
The average monthly cost of cable TV in the US is $85.
In March 2021, there were 74 million US households that pay for cable, but that number will drop to below 70 million in a few years and 63% of Americans over the age of 68 pay for cable TV.
Yes, cable TV is slowly being replaced by streaming service and IPTV, but many households still prefer it because of the local channels.
You can watch basic channels for free using a digital antenna, but full cable subscriptions cost around $85 a month on average.
Many local cable TV operators are operating in the US, offering various packages, prices, and features. Typically, you are charged based on how many basic and exclusive channels you opt for.
Here are a few of them:
Here are a few factors that affects the cost of cable:
Here are a few affordable alternatives to cable:
Type of cable plan | Average Cost |
TV Starter 75+ local channels Top networks like CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS and more Access apps like Netflix, Prime Video and Peacock | $50/month |
TV Preferred 140+ local and cable TV channels Popular cable channels like ESPN, HGTV, USA, and more Top networks like CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS and more Access apps like Netflix, Prime Video and Peacock | $90/month |
TV Preferred Plus 170+ local and cable TV channels, including premium channels Premium channels including HBO Max, STARZ and more Watch popular cable channels and top networks Access apps like Netflix, Prime Video and Peacock | $110/month |
TV Ultimate 250+ local and cable TV channels, including premium channels and channel packs TV for everyone with NFL Network, Disney Junior, Cleo TV and more Watch premium channels, popular cable channels and top networks Access apps like Netflix, Prime Video and Peacock | $130/month |
(*Techjury, Cox & Move.org)
How Much Is the Average Monthly Cost of Home Phones in the US?
The average monthly cost of home phones in the US is $25.
Only 40 percent of US households have a landline because something better has come along — smartphones.
Home phones offer quick and reliable communication. Traditional copper landlines are self-powering, so they keep working even if the power goes out. Your landline is also associated with your exact address. In case of an emergency, EMTs know where you are.
Long-distance, your 911, voicemail, caller display, all those things are common on both cell phones and home phones.
Moreover, the home phone is directly linked to your exact address. In case of an emergency, 911 will know how to find you.
You can get landline services from the following providers in the US:
Home phones are still in the game as they offer perks that a digital phone or VoIP cannot match. The added features decide how much the service provider is going to charge you. Here are some of the factors that affect the cost of home phones:
According to CostHelper, local calling plans cost $15-$30/month and local and long-distance plans cost $45-$75/month.
Type of home phone plan | Average Cost |
Traditional Home Phone Primary residential phone number Unlimited local calling Reliable connection Optional long distance calling is also available. | $37/month |
Complete Choice® Enhanced Primary residential phone number Up to 12 popular calling features including Caller ID, Call Forwarding, and Speed Dialing Optional unlimited long distance calling | $51/month |
(*At&t & Costhelper)
State | Cost of utilities Per month | % Difference from US average | Most expensive utility in the state |
Hawaii | 612.79 | 48% | Natural Gas 223.07 |
Florida | 484.4 | 17% | Electricity 126.44 |
South Carolina | 475.51 | 15% | Electricity 140.8 |
Alabama | 473.73 | 14% | Electricity 142.55 |
Georgia | 466.1 | 13% | Electricity 126.38 |
Connecticut | 465.03 | 12% | Electricity 139.97 |
Arizona | 456.07 | 10% | Electricity 128.4 |
Delaware | 445.53 | 8% | Electricity 121.73 |
Maryland | 445.5 | 8% | Electricity 131.16 |
New Hampshire | 444.17 | 7% | Electricity 114.95 |
(*National Interest & Statistica)
State | Cost of utilities Per month | % Difference from US average | Most expensive utility in the state |
New Mexico | 369.55 | -11% | Cable $85 |
Utah | 370.03 | -11% | Cable $85 |
Colorado | 373.43 | -10% | Cable $85 |
Montana | 377.74 | -9% | Electricity $94.75 |
Idaho | 382.53 | -8% | Electricity $100.38 |
Wisconsin | 384.8 | -7% | Electricity $94.67 |
Illinois | 387.88 | -6% | Electricity $89.63 |
Michigan | 388.44 | -6% | Electricity $97.41 |
Minnesota | 391.88 | -5% | Electricity $97.58 |
Wyoming | 392.94 | -5% | Electricity $97.10 |
(*National Interest & Statistica)
The USA is a big country — some states have a much higher average cost of utility for a house, and some are more affordable. You can cut down the cost of living by removing the superfluous stuff and evaluating the utility plans you’re currently using.
Utilities ensure that your household functions properly and remains comfortable, but the cost is recurring and variable. Knowing average household utility costs can help you reduce your usage and save tons of money at the end of the year.
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