Utility Bills 101: Average Costs of Utility Bills by State

Utility bills are a major household expense, but what American homeowners pay each month varies widely by state. Local electricity rates, natural gas prices, water and sewer fees, and telecommunications costs all influence what you pay monthly, making utilities in some states far more expensive than others.

To learn more, we compared utility costs across the country, including state-level electricity bills and national household payments for natural gas, water and sewer, waste and recycling, cable and internet, and mobile phone services. Plus, we share expert advice from This Old House building engineer Ross Trethewey to explain what’s driving utility bills and ways homeowners can reduce their monthly expenses.

Key Findings

The average U.S. household spends about $586 on utility bills monthly. Maryland has the highest combined utility bills at about $788 per month, while Idaho has the lowest at about $495 per month.
Electricity is the largest monthly utility expense for most households, averaging about $142 per month nationwide, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Waste and recycling is the least expensive utility, with a national median bill of $70 per month, according to the doxoINSIGHTS U.S. Household Bill Pay Report.

What States Have the Highest Utility Bills?

Maryland, Connecticut, Alaska, Massachusetts, and Washington have the highest utility bills in the country. This ranking is based on the combined monthly cost of electricity, natural gas, water and sewer, waste and recycling, cable and internet, and mobile phone service.

Maryland has the highest utility bills in the nation, with households spending about $788 per month across the six utility categories we analyzed. The state has the highest water and sewer costs in the country at $189 per month. Residents also pay well above average for electricity ($166), cable and internet ($125), and mobile phone service ($101).

Connecticut ranks second for high utility bills at $764 per month. The state’s nearly $200 average monthly electric bill is one of the highest in the country. Natural gas ($100), water and sewer ($134), and waste and recycling ($124) costs also rank among the nation’s highest, driving up the state’s overall utility spending.

Alaska comes in third with average monthly utility costs of $736. The state’s average electric bill is about $144 per month, but the biggest factor is natural gas, which has the nation’s highest median monthly cost at $136. Residents also pay more than average for water and sewer ($118) and cable and internet ($143).

Massachusetts households spend about $711 per month on utilities. Electricity averages $167 per month, one of the highest rates in the country. Residents also face elevated natural gas ($117), mobile phone ($100), and waste and recycling ($127) bills.

Washington rounds out the top five at $706 per month. Electricity is relatively affordable at about $114 per month, but high water and sewer costs ($162), along with above-average cable and internet ($135), mobile phone ($110), and natural gas ($99) bills, push the state’s overall utility costs much higher.

What States Have the Lowest Utility Bills?

Idaho, New Mexico, Illinois, Utah, and Kansas have some of the lowest average monthly utility costs nationwide. While no state is inexpensive across every category, these states consistently rank near the bottom for several major household utilities.

Idaho has the lowest utility bills in the country, with households spending about $495 per month. Residents benefit from low electricity costs ($109), one of the nation’s lowest natural gas bills ($50), and relatively inexpensive water and sewer service ($86).

New Mexico ranks second lowest for utility bill costs at $506 per month. The state’s average electric bill is $93 per month, the second lowest in the country. Residents also pay less for natural gas ($50), water and sewer ($80), and waste and recycling ($69).

Illinois comes in third at $514 per month for utilities. Electricity averages $110 per month, while residents also pay the nation’s lowest median mobile phone bill ($71). Water and sewer ($79) and waste and recycling ($60) costs also run lower than average.

Utah ranks fourth with monthly utility costs of about $518. The state has one of the country’s lowest electric bills at $95 per month. Water and sewer ($82), waste and recycling ($59), and natural gas ($71) costs also fall below the national median.

Kansas rounds out the five least expensive states at $551 per month. Its electric bill is close to the national average at $124 per month, but relatively affordable natural gas ($71), waste and recycling ($63), and mobile phone service ($100) help keep total utility costs lower than in most states.

What Are Average Monthly Utility Costs in the U.S.?

The cost of utilities is a significant part of monthly household expenses in the U.S. These costs can vary depending on your region, household size, and usage patterns. Here’s a breakdown of average monthly utility costs in the U.S.:

Electric: $142
Gas: $71
Water and sewer: $86
Waste and recycling: $70
Internet and cable: $121
Phone: $96
Total monthly average cost: $586

Expert Insights

Andrew Meyer, the founder and CEO of Arbor, emphasizes the correlation between rising utility costs and the increased demand for electricity, largely “driven by data centers powering artificial intelligence (AI), cloud services, and the digital economy.” While extreme weather events can also strain power grids, “new power plants and grid infrastructure aren’t keeping up with the surge in demand,” adds Meyer.

How Much Does the Average Electric Bill Cost?

Electricity is a cornerstone utility in modern life, powering everything from your home’s lighting to your heating and cooling systems. If you have a property with a well, electricity also ensures your home has running water. Electricity is woven into nearly every aspect of daily life, so understanding your electric bill is important.

Average Cost of Electric Bills

The average U.S. household spent about $142 per month on electricity in 2024, according to the EIA’s latest report, released in 2025. Hawaii residents paid the highest average monthly electric bill at about $212, while New Mexico residents paid the lowest at about $93. Among census regions, the Pacific Noncontiguous region (Alaska and Hawaii) had the highest average monthly bill at about $185, while the West North Central region had the lowest at about $119.

How To Save Money on Your Electric Bill

Improving your home’s energy efficiency and adjusting your electricity usage can help reduce your monthly bill. Try the tips below to save money on energy bills:

Set your thermostat a few degrees lower than usual in the winter and higher in the summer.
Use energy-efficient appliances and LED light bulbs.
Perform regular maintenance on your HVAC system to improve efficiency.
Take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, if available.
Consider installing solar panels if they’re a good fit for your home and budget to reduce long-term electricity costs.

Pro Tip

Many electric companies use time-of-use pricing, charging higher rates during peak demand hours and lower rates during off-peak periods. In the Ask This Old House episode “Understanding Electricity Bills,” Trethewey explains that homeowners who shift energy-intensive tasks, like running the dishwasher, washing machine, or dryer, to off-peak hours can potentially reduce their monthly electricity bills.

How Much Do Gas Bills Cost?

Natural gas is generally used for heating and cooking by powering stoves, furnaces, and water heaters. Not all homes use natural gas, however, with some using electric systems instead. In colder climates, natural gas can keep your house warm without requiring you to spend an outrageous amount on your electricity bill.

Average Cost of Gas Bills

The median U.S. household pays $71 per month for natural gas, according to the doxoINSIGHTS U.S. Household Bill Pay Report. Actual costs vary based on where you live, your home’s size, local climate, and how much natural gas you use for heating, cooking, and water heating.

Natural gas costs also vary significantly by state. Louisiana has the lowest median monthly gas bill at $38, while Alaska has the highest at $136.

How To Save Money on Your Gas Bill

Because natural gas is commonly used for home heating, improving your home’s energy efficiency can help reduce your monthly gas bill. Here are a few ways to lower your natural gas usage:

Seal windows and doors with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent heat loss.
Use a smart thermostat to lower the temperature when you’re asleep or away.
Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Insulate your hot water pipes.
Replace older appliances with energy-efficient models when it’s time to upgrade.

How Much Do Water and Sewage Bills Cost?

Running water has become a staple in modern living. Everything from cooking and cleaning to personal hygiene and routine lawn maintenance requires water. Monitoring your water bill can help you reduce your usage and even detect potential leaks based on excessive costs.

Average Costs of Water and Sewage Bills

The average U.S. household pays $86 per month for water and sewage services, which accounts for 3% of all bill expenses, according to doxoINSIGHTS. In half of the 50 U.S. states, water and sewage costs are equal to or below the national median. Water and sewage bills cost Maryland residents the most ($189), while residents of Alabama and Tennessee pay the least ($55).

How To Save Money on Your Water and Sewage Bill

Reducing your household’s water use can lower both your water and sewer bills. Here are a few of the most effective ways to save, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

Install WaterSense-labeled fixtures and water-efficient appliances to reduce water use.
Run your dishwasher and washing machine only with full loads.
Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing dishes.
Replace an older shower head with a WaterSense-labeled model.
Check for leaks and repair dripping faucets or running toilets promptly.

How Much Do Waste and Recycling Bills Cost?

Your local trash collection company handles the removal and disposal of household garbage. This bill may or may not also include recycling services. This service is usually provided by your local government or a private company, but you may have multiple trash pickup options depending on where you live. Effective waste management ensures a more hygienic living environment and a cleaner community.

Average Costs of Trash Bills

Households in the U.S. pay an average of $70 for waste and recycling services, equivalent to 2% of their total utility expenses, according to doxoINSIGHTS. Massachusetts and Maryland residents pay the most for trash, at $127. Oklahoma residents pay less than 20% of that, at only $25 per month for waste and recycling.

How To Save Money on Your Trash Bill

If your trash provider offers different service levels, reducing the amount of waste your household generates can help lower your monthly bill. We recommend following these tips to save on your trash bill:

Use the smallest trash bin that meets your household’s needs.
Avoid extra collection fees by following your provider’s guidelines for bulky items, yard waste, and excess trash.
Ask your provider about discounts, bundled services, or lower-cost collection plans.
Recycle paper, plastic, glass, and metal whenever possible to reduce the amount of trash you throw away.
Compost food scraps and yard waste to decrease the volume of household garbage.

How Much Do Internet and Cable Bills Cost?

Even before working from home became the new normal for many people, internet and cable services were practically a must-have. Even if you’ve ditched traditional cable services, streaming services still require an internet connection. Read more about the average cost of internet and cable below and see how you can save on these services.

Average Costs of Internet and Cable Bills

American households pay an average of $121 monthly on internet and cable services, or the equivalent of 4% of their household bill pay expense, according to doxoINISGHTS. Delaware residents pay the most nationwide, at $36 more per month than the national average, while Floridians pay only $96 monthly. Three in five states pay more than the national average for internet and cable.

How To Save Money on Your Internet and Cable Bill

Shop around and compare discounts from various service providers to save money on your internet bill. You can also take the following steps:

Downgrade your internet speed if your current plan exceeds your household’s needs.
Buy your own modem and router to avoid rental fees from your provider.
Cancel premium cable channels or streaming subscriptions you rarely use.
Contact your provider to negotiate a lower rate or ask about current promotions.
Check whether you qualify for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Lifeline program or low-cost internet plans offered by your provider.

How Much Do Cell Phone Bills Cost?

The use of mobile phones—and designated cell service providers—requires little explanation. Used for both personal and professional activities, smartphones connect you to friends, family, and the outside world via email, social media, text, and voice calls. Compare your monthly phone bill costs to those of the nation and users in other states below.

Average Costs of Phone Bills

Mobile phone expenses make up the same percentage (4%) of household bill pay expenses as internet and cable, but cost an average of $96 nationwide, according to doxoINSIGHTS. Residents in Nebraska pay the most, at $136 per month. Illinois residents pay $71 monthly for phone services, nearly half the cost of what Nebraska residents pay, and $25 less than the national average.

How To Save Money on Your Phone Bill

Comparing plans and reviewing your phone usage regularly can help lower your monthly bill. Here are a few other ways to save:

Choose a plan that matches your data usage to avoid paying for more than you need.
Join a family or multi-line plan to lower the cost per line.
Remove add-ons you don’t use, like device insurance or international calling.
Ask your provider about available promotions, discounts, or loyalty offers.
Check whether your employer, school, or membership organization offers wireless discounts.

How Can You Make Your Home More Energy Efficient?

Improving your home’s energy efficiency can help lower your monthly utility bills while reducing energy and water consumption. Before investing in upgrades, Trethewey recommends starting with a home energy assessment to identify where your home is losing energy and which improvements can make the biggest impact. A professional assessment can uncover issues like air leaks, inadequate insulation, and inefficient heating and cooling systems, helping homeowners prioritize upgrades that offer the greatest potential savings.

Some improvements, like sealing air leaks, adding insulation, or switching to Energy Star-certified appliances, require relatively little investment but can lead to noticeable savings over time. Homeowners looking for greater long-term savings may also consider larger upgrades, like installing a smart thermostat, replacing an aging HVAC system or water heater with a high-efficiency model, upgrading to LED lighting, or installing solar panels. While these improvements often have higher upfront costs, they can significantly reduce energy use and help offset future utility expenses.

Our Conclusion

Every household pays different utility costs, but there are plenty of ways to keep those bills in check. Comparing your bills with state and national averages can help you benchmark your spending and identify opportunities to save. Whether you adjust your service plans, reduce your energy and water use, or invest in energy-efficient upgrades, taking a proactive approach can help lower your utility bills over the long term.

FAQs About Utility Bill Costs

How do you budget for utility bills?

You can budget for utility bills more accurately by adding up your last year’s worth of bills and dividing by 12. This will give you a monthly average that accounts for seasonal fluctuations. Many utility companies offer budget billing plans that do this work for you and make your monthly bills more predictable.

How do I set up utilities when I move?

To set up utilities when you move, make a list of the utility companies that service your new address and contact each of them a few weeks before your move-in date. Be prepared to provide your name, contact information, desired start date, and a deposit or setup fee.

Why do my utility bills change from month to month?

Some utility bills change from month to month due to seasonal fluctuations. For instance, you might have a higher electricity bill in the summer, when your AC is running more often. You might also see a difference due to rate changes, the length of the billing cycle, and whether your bill was based on an estimate or actual reading.

What is the difference between estimated and actual meter readings?

An estimated meter reading is a calculation your utility company makes based on past or average usage. An actual reading occurs when a representative physically reads your meter. Your bill will be adjusted if an estimate was inaccurate.

How do I get help paying my utility bills?

You can get help paying your utility bills from state and federal programs such as LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). Some local organizations and individual utility companies may also offer assistance to families in need.