Average Electric Bill by State & Home Size (2026)
How does your electric bill compare? See national averages, state-by-state data, and what affects your costs.
U.S. Average Electric Bill (2026)
Based on U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) residential electricity data. Your bill depends on state, climate, home size, and efficiency.
Average Electric Bill by State
State-level averages based on EIA data. Rates and usage patterns vary significantly.
| State | Avg. Bill | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg. kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Tropical | $192 | 38.2¢ | 503 |
| Connecticut Cold | $175 | 26.5¢ | 660 |
| Massachusetts Cold | $168 | 27.3¢ | 615 |
| California Varied | $162 | 27.8¢ | 583 |
| New Hampshire Cold | $158 | 25.1¢ | 629 |
| Texas Hot | $151 | 13.2¢ | 1,144 |
| Florida Hot | $148 | 13.7¢ | 1,080 |
| Arizona Hot | $145 | 13.6¢ | 1,066 |
| Pennsylvania Cold | $128 | 15.9¢ | 805 |
| Ohio Cold | $122 | 13.8¢ | 884 |
| U.S. Average | $137 | 15.5¢ | 886 |
| Colorado Cold | $105 | 14.4¢ | 729 |
| Washington Mild | $95 | 10.2¢ | 931 |
| Idaho Cold | $91 | 10.5¢ | 867 |
| Utah Varied | $85 | 10.8¢ | 787 |
* Data from EIA 2024-2025 reports. Includes both regulated and deregulated markets. Your actual bill may differ based on provider and plan.
High Rate vs. High Bill
Notice how Texas has low rates (13.2¢) but high bills ($151) due to heavy A/C usage (1,144 kWh). Meanwhile, Washington has low rates (10.2¢) AND low bills ($95) due to mild climate and hydroelectric power.
Average Electric Bill by Home Size
Typical monthly bills based on home type and square footage
| Home Type | Sq. Ft. | Monthly kWh | Avg. Bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR Apartment | 400-700 | 400-600 | $50-80 |
| 2BR Apartment | 800-1,100 | 600-900 | $75-120 |
| Small House (2BR) | 1,000-1,400 | 700-1,000 | $90-140 |
| Medium House (3BR) | 1,500-2,000 | 1,000-1,400 | $120-180 |
| Large House (4BR) | 2,000-2,500 | 1,300-1,800 | $160-230 |
| Very Large House | 2,500-3,500 | 1,700-2,400 | $200-300+ |
* Estimates at average national rate of 15.5¢/kWh. Actual bills vary by location, efficiency, and habits.
What Affects Your Electric Bill
The biggest factors that determine whether your bill is above or below average
Climate & Location
Hot climates (Texas, Florida, Arizona) need heavy A/C. Cold climates with electric heat see winter spikes. Mild climates (Pacific Northwest) have lowest bills.
Home Size & Age
Larger homes require more energy to heat/cool. Older homes often have poor insulation and inefficient appliances, increasing bills 20-40%.
Electricity Rate
Rates range from 10¢/kWh (Idaho, Utah) to 35+¢/kWh (Hawaii). In deregulated states, shopping for a better rate can save 10-30%.
Household Size
More people = more showers, laundry, cooking, and devices. Each additional person typically adds $15-30/month to the bill.
Seasonal Variation in Electric Bills
How bills change throughout the year
Summer (Hot Climates)
Air conditioning runs heavily
Winter (Cold Climates)
Electric heating (if applicable)
Spring/Fall
Mild weather, minimal HVAC
How to Lower Your Electric Bill
Practical strategies ranked by potential impact
Switch Providers (Deregulated States)
If you're in Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Massachusetts, you can shop for electricity rates. Many people overpay simply because they never compared options. Savings: $20-100/month
Adjust Your Thermostat
Set A/C to 78°F instead of 72°F in summer. Each degree saves 3-5% on cooling costs. Use a programmable thermostat for automatic adjustments. Savings: $30-60/month
Upgrade to LED Lighting
LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent and last 25x longer. Replace high-use bulbs first. Savings: $5-15/month
Seal Air Leaks
Gaps around doors, windows, and outlets let conditioned air escape. Weatherstripping and caulk are inexpensive fixes. Savings: $10-30/month
Unplug Phantom Loads
Devices on standby (TVs, chargers, gaming consoles) draw power 24/7. Use power strips and turn them off when not in use. Savings: $5-10/month
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about average electric bills
What is the average electric bill in the US?
The average U.S. electric bill is approximately $137 per month as of 2025-2026, based on average residential consumption of 886 kWh at 15.5¢/kWh. However, this varies dramatically by state—from $75/month in Utah to over $200/month in Hawaii and some New England states. Climate, home size, and local utility rates all play major roles.
What is a normal electric bill for a 2-bedroom apartment?
A 2-bedroom apartment typically has an electric bill of $75-120/month in moderate climates, rising to $100-150 in hot climates with heavy A/C use. Apartments generally use less electricity than houses due to shared walls providing insulation and smaller square footage. Usage typically ranges from 500-900 kWh monthly.
How much is the average electric bill for a 3-bedroom house?
A 3-bedroom house averages $120-180/month depending on climate, location, and efficiency. In hot states like Texas or Florida, summer bills can exceed $200-250 due to air conditioning. In cooler states with gas heating, electric bills tend to stay more stable year-round.
Why is my electric bill higher than average?
Common reasons for above-average bills include: living in a high-rate state (Hawaii, New England), having electric heating, older inefficient appliances, a larger-than-average home, pool or hot tub, EV charging, or simply more occupants. Summer A/C in hot climates can increase bills 30-50% above normal.
Which state has the highest average electric bill?
Hawaii consistently has the highest electricity rates at 35-40¢/kWh, resulting in average bills of $180-220/month. On the mainland, New England states (Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire) have the highest rates at 25-30¢/kWh. Texas has lower rates (11-14¢/kWh) but high usage due to A/C, resulting in higher total bills.
Which state has the lowest average electric bill?
Utah, Idaho, and Washington have among the lowest electric bills, averaging $75-90/month. These states benefit from abundant hydroelectric power keeping rates around 10-11¢/kWh, combined with moderate climates requiring less heating and cooling.
What is the average electric bill for a single person?
A single person living alone typically has an electric bill of $50-80/month in an apartment or $80-120/month in a small house. Single-person households use significantly less electricity due to fewer showers, less laundry, minimal cooking, and often being away during work hours.
Does working from home increase electric bills?
Yes, working from home typically adds $15-40/month to electric bills—about a 10-20% increase. This comes from running computers, extra lighting, and maintaining comfortable temperatures during work hours when you'd otherwise be away. Summer months see the biggest impact from A/C running longer.
Paying More Than Average?
If you're in Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Massachusetts, you can compare electricity providers and find a better rate. Enter your ZIP to see available plans.
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