Budgeting Guide
Average Utility Cost Per Month
The average American household spends $470/month on utilities. Here's the complete breakdown by utility type, home size, and state.
Last updated: February 17, 2026 • 11 min read
$470
Total Monthly Avg
$147
Electricity (31%)
$72
Gas (15%)
$83
Water (18%)
In This Guide
Monthly Utility Cost Breakdown
Here's how the average $470/month utility bill breaks down by category. Electricity is the largest expense, followed by water and internet.
Electricity
31% of total
Highest in summer (A/C) and winter (heating in some areas)
$147
$90-250 range
Natural Gas
15% of total
Highest in winter for heating; minimal in summer
$72
$30-150 range
Water & Sewer
18% of total
Relatively stable year-round; depends on household size
$83
$50-130 range
Internet
16% of total
Fixed monthly cost; varies by speed tier
$75
$50-120 range
Trash/Recycling
7% of total
Usually fixed; some areas include in taxes
$35
$20-60 range
Cable/Streaming
12% of total
Highly variable; many cutting cable for streaming
$58
$15-150 range
Where Your $470/Month Goes
Electricity: $147
Natural Gas: $72
Water & Sewer: $83
Internet: $75
Trash/Recycling: $35
Cable/Streaming: $58
Utility Costs by Home Size
Larger homes cost more to heat, cool, and maintain. Here's what to expect based on your living situation:
| Home Type | Sq Ft | Electric | Gas | Water | Total* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment (1BR) | 500-750 | $50-80 | $20-40 | $30-50 | $250-320 |
| Apartment (2BR) | 750-1,100 | $70-110 | $30-55 | $40-65 | $290-380 |
| Small House | 1,000-1,500 | $90-140 | $50-90 | $55-85 | $350-450 |
| Medium House Most Common | 1,500-2,000 | $120-175 | $65-110 | $70-100 | $420-540 |
| Large House | 2,000-2,500 | $150-220 | $80-130 | $80-115 | $490-650 |
| Very Large House | 2,500-3,500 | $180-280 | $95-160 | $90-130 | $570-800 |
*Total includes electricity, gas, water, internet (~$65), and trash (~$30). Cable/streaming not included.
Average Utility Costs by State
Where you live dramatically affects your utility bills. Hawaii's isolation makes utilities expensive, while states with hydropower like Idaho enjoy low costs.
| State | Electric | Gas | Water | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Highest electricity rates in US (33¢/kWh) | $285 | $45 | $95 | $730 |
| Connecticut High electricity rates, cold winters | $210 | $95 | $90 | $580 |
| California High electricity but mild climate | $195 | $70 | $85 | $540 |
| Massachusetts High rates, harsh winters | $185 | $90 | $80 | $520 |
| New York Variable by region (NYC vs upstate) | $165 | $85 | $75 | $490 |
| Texas High summer A/C but low rates | $155 | $55 | $75 | $465 |
| Florida High A/C use, minimal heating | $165 | $25 | $70 | $445 |
| Ohio Moderate rates, four seasons | $130 | $75 | $65 | $420 |
| Pennsylvania Cold winters, moderate electricity | $140 | $80 | $70 | $435 |
| North Carolina Mild climate, moderate rates | $135 | $55 | $60 | $395 |
| Utah Low electricity rates, dry climate | $95 | $65 | $55 | $350 |
| Idaho Lowest electricity rates (hydropower) | $90 | $60 | $50 | $335 |
Totals include electricity, gas, and water only. Add ~$100-150 for internet, trash, and streaming.
🔴 Most Expensive States
Hawaii ($730), Connecticut ($580), California ($540), and Massachusetts ($520) have the highest utility costs due to expensive electricity rates and/or harsh climates.
🟢 Least Expensive States
Idaho ($335), Utah ($350), and North Carolina ($395) enjoy low utility costs thanks to cheap hydropower, mild climates, and efficient infrastructure.
How Utility Costs Change by Season
Your utility bills aren't constant throughout the year. Summer brings high A/C costs while winter spikes heating bills.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
$545/month
$195
Electric
$35
Gas
$95
Water
A/C drives electricity up 30-50%; outdoor watering increases water bills
Winter (Dec-Feb)
$510/month
$145
Electric
$130
Gas
$70
Water
Heating costs peak; gas bills can double or triple
Spring (Mar-May)
$420/month
$120
Electric
$65
Gas
$75
Water
Mild temps mean lower HVAC costs; ideal for energy bills
Fall (Sep-Nov)
$405/month
$125
Electric
$50
Gas
$70
Water
Lowest utility costs; minimal heating or cooling needed
How to Lower Your Utility Bills
The average household can save $100-200/month by making a few simple changes. Here are the highest-impact opportunities:
Electricity
Switch providers in deregulated states
Easy
$20-50/month
Electricity
Set thermostat to 78°F summer, 68°F winter
Easy
$15-30/month
Electricity
Switch to LED bulbs throughout home
Easy
$5-15/month
Gas
Lower water heater to 120°F
Easy
$5-10/month
Gas
Seal air leaks and add insulation
Medium
$15-30/month
Water
Fix leaky faucets and toilets
Easy
$10-25/month
Water
Install low-flow showerheads
Easy
$5-15/month
Internet
Negotiate with provider or switch
Medium
$10-30/month
Cable
Cut cable for streaming services
Easy
$50-100/month
All
Bundle services where possible
Easy
$10-25/month
💰 Biggest Savings Opportunities
$50-100
Cut cable for streaming
$20-50
Switch electricity providers
$15-30
Adjust thermostat
Lower Your Electricity Bill First
Electricity is your biggest utility expense. In deregulated states like Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, you can switch providers and save 10-30% instantly.
Compare Electricity RatesFrequently Asked Questions
What is the average utility bill per month?
The average American household spends about $470 per month on utilities, including electricity ($147), natural gas ($72), water/sewer ($83), internet ($75), trash ($35), and cable/streaming ($58). This varies significantly by location, home size, and season.
How much should I budget for utilities in a house?
For a medium-sized house (1,500-2,000 sq ft), budget $420-540/month for all utilities. This includes electricity ($120-175), gas ($65-110), water ($70-100), internet ($50-80), and trash ($20-40). Add more for cable/streaming services if needed.
How much are utilities for a 1-bedroom apartment?
A 1-bedroom apartment typically costs $250-320/month for utilities: electricity ($50-80), gas ($20-40), water ($30-50), and internet ($50-75). Some apartments include water, trash, or even all utilities in rent, so check your lease.
What is the most expensive utility bill?
Electricity is typically the most expensive utility, averaging $147/month (31% of total utility costs). In hot climates like Texas and Florida, summer electricity bills can exceed $250/month due to air conditioning. In cold climates, winter gas bills can rival or exceed electricity costs.
How can I lower my monthly utility bills?
The biggest savings come from: switching electricity providers in deregulated states ($20-50/month), adjusting your thermostat ($15-30/month), cutting cable for streaming ($50-100/month), fixing water leaks ($10-25/month), and negotiating your internet rate ($10-30/month). Combined, these can save $100-200/month.
Why are my utility bills so high?
Common causes include: inefficient HVAC systems, poor insulation, old appliances, water leaks, high electricity rates in your area, extreme weather, or larger-than-average home size. Check your usage against averages for your home size and region to identify if you're overpaying.
Do utility costs vary by state?
Yes, significantly. Hawaii has the highest utility costs (~$730/month) due to expensive electricity. Connecticut, California, and Massachusetts also have high costs ($520-580/month). States like Idaho and Utah have the lowest costs (~$335-350/month) thanks to cheap hydropower and mild climates.
What utilities are included in rent?
It varies by landlord. Common inclusions are water, trash, and sometimes gas. Electricity and internet are almost always tenant-paid. 'Utilities included' apartments typically mean water and trash only. Always ask specifically which utilities are covered before signing a lease.