Cost of living was one of the top concerns for Americans heading into the 2025 midterm elections.1Depending on where you live, utility bills can account for up to almost 14% of your income each month. To find out which US states pay the most for utilities, we researched energy bills, natural gas costs, water and sewer bills, internet and phone costs, and more to find out each state’s average utility bill.
Let’s face it: Nobody likes paying utility bills. They pop up each month and keep you from putting your paycheck toward more exciting areas of your budget, like your vacation fund—or that fun subscription box you’ve always wanted with specialty coffees, cocktails, snacks or gadgets.
No matter what you’re saving for, utility bills are a burden we all have to bear. But which states’ residents bear the largest burden? We crunched the numbers so you can see how the average monthly utility costs in your state stack up against the rest. We looked at both the total cost and the percent of your monthly income spent on utilities.
In this article:
- Average utility costs in the US
- Average utility costs by state
- Full data set: Ranking table of utility costs by state
- How to save money on utility bills
- How to save energy
- Average utility costs by service
- Methodology
Average monthly utility costs in the US
- Electricity: $138 (↑up from last year)
- Natural gas: $85 (↑up from last year)
- Water: $49 (↑up from last year)
- Sewer: $67 (↑up from last year)
- Trash: $62.50 (≅same as last year)
- Internet: $77 (≅same as last year)
- Phone: $66 (≅same as last year)
- Streaming services: $67 (↑up from last year)
US average monthly utility bill cost: $611 (↑up compared to last year’s $583)
Whether you’re getting settled in a new home or planning a move, budgeting for monthly utility costs can make life a lot easier. On average, most US households spend around $401 per month on essentials like electricity, natural gas, water, and sewer. When you add in internet, phone, and streaming services, that typical utility cost reaches $611 per month.
Of course, utility costs vary based on your state, local climate, and energy rates. We’ve looked at the average utility bills across the country so you can see how your state compares to the national average. Keep reading to find out which states have the highest and lowest average utility bill costs and discover tips to help you save on your energy bill no matter where you live.
A quick note on inflation
We update our national data and findings for each state every year to keep things accurate. However, we know that utility costs (like electricity and natural gas) can change with inflation. See how inflation impacts your utility bills.
Average monthly utility costs by state: Which states pay the most?
Now that we’ve discussed the national averages for utility expenses, let’s talk about how much utilities cost per month in different states.
Utility cost trends in 2025
- Electricity tops the list as the most expensive part of a typical monthly utility bill, while water typically remains the least costly (depending on where you live).
- Compared to last year, average costs for electricity, natural gas, water, sewer, and streaming services have all gone up, while average trash, internet, and phone expenses have remained the same.
- 7 states have average utility bills higher than the national average: West Virginia ($734), Missouri ($679), Alaska ($658), Hawaii ($658), Oregon ($648), California ($624), and Georgia ($613).
- In 6 states, utility costs exceed 10% of the state’s median monthly income: West Virginia (13.95%), Mississippi (11.29%), Alabama (10.87%), Missouri (10.4%), Louisiana (10.29%), and Oklahoma (10.09%).
- 13 states spend a larger percentage of monthly income on utilities than the national average: West Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama, Missouri, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Arkansas, Wyoming, North Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, and Texas.
- On average, the monthly cost of utilities increased by $28 compared to last year.
- New Jersey and Alaska saw the biggest increase in monthly utility costs. Residents in each state pay an average of $102 more per month compared to the previous year.
- 3 states saw a year-over-year decrease in monthly utility expenses: Hawaii (↓$98), Florida (↓$24), and Arizona (↓$3).
The top 5 states with the most expensive utilities (based on % of income)
Rankings are based on total cost and percent of income spent on utilities.
1. West Virginia: $734/mo. | 13.95% of income
We’re sorry, West Virginia, but you’ve earned the top spot for utility costs as a percentage of income and for the highest average cost of utilities overall. Residents of The Mountain State also face the highest average water bill in the country at $121 per month—far above the national average of $49 per month for a typical water bill. This rise is partly due to the increased Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC), which goes toward infrastructure upgrades and improved water quality. Overall, West Virginians pay about $42 more per month for utilities compared to last year.
2. Missouri: $679/mo. | 10.4% of income
Missouri jumped to the second spot this year after ranking fourth last year. Residents of The Show-Me State pay the second-highest utility bills in the nation, and they saw a $73 average increase in their monthly utility bills compared to last year. Missourians pay the third-highest sewer bills and fourth-highest natural gas bills in the nation.
3. Alabama: $575/mo. | 11.38% of income
Alabama’s hot summers mean some of the highest electricity bills in the US, with seven out of 10 residents relying on electric power to cool their homes. Electricity costs the average Alabaman $184 per month and makes up more than 30% of the total utility bill. The increased cost of electricity was balanced out by a decrease in natural gas costs, resulting in an average year-over-year utility bill increase of about $19 in The Yellowhammer State.
4. Alaska: $658/mo. | 8.65% of income
Alaska ranked 21st on last year’s list but rocketed up to fourth place for 2025. A surge in natural gas prices seems to be behind the $102 average increase in Alaskans’ monthly utility bills. Residents of The Last Frontier pay the third-highest utility bills nationwide. Electricity, water, sewer, and internet services also cost above-average in this state.
5. Oregon: $648/mo. |10.18% of income
Climbing from eighth to fifth in our rankings, Oregon has seen the cost of electricity, natural gas, water, and sewer services rise over the last year. Residents of The Beaver State still pay below average for electricity and natural gas, but their typical water and sewer bills cost more than double the national averages. As is the case in West Virginia and other states, these rising costs tend to cover infrastructure repairs.
The top 5 states with the least expensive utilities
Rankings are based on total cost and percent of income spent on utilities.
1. Wisconsin: $427 | 6.21% of income
Wisconsin residents pay an average of just $19 per month for sewer services, which is the lowest cost in the nation. Water is just as affordable, costing an average of $20 per month. Meanwhile, electricity and natural gas prices have increased year over year but remain well below the national averages.
2. New Mexico: $401 | 7.5% of income
New Mexico was one of just a handful of states to see a year-over-year drop in electricity prices. Residents of The Land of Enchantment pay an average of $93 per month for electricity, which is the second-lowest price in the nation. New Mexicans also pay the second-lowest cost for sewer services. All other utility bills in this state rank at or below average.
3. North Dakota: $456/mo. | 6.21% of income
Electricity prices decreased slightly year-over-year in North Dakota, but a rise in natural gas prices means most residents saw their utility bills increase by $51 per month. Below-average water, sewer, and internet prices help to balance out the above-average cost of natural gas in The Peace Garden State.
4. South Dakota: $441 | 6.63% of income
As with North Dakota, South Dakota‘s total utility costs increased year over year largely thanks to a rise in natural gas prices averaging about $14 per month. That said, natural gas, water, sewer, electricity, and internet prices remain well below national averages in The Mount Rushmore State.
5. Minnesota: $475/mo. | 6.17% of income
Despite frigid winters and steamy summers, Minnesota keeps utility costs low, spending about 2% less on electricity than most states. In 2025, residents of The North Star State saw a spike in natural gas expenses. Electricity, water, and sewer costs also increased year over year, resulting in a total average rise in utility costs of $53. Still, most utility expenses remain below national averages.
Breakdown of each state’s ranking in utility costs
See where your state lands among those spending (and saving!) the most on household utilities
How to save money on your utility bills
Before we dig into the factors that impact how much they cost, here’s a handful of ways to save money on your utility bills every month:
- Call around and shop providers to get the best price.
- Adjust your thermostat or get a smart thermostat to automatically lower and raise your home’s temperature based on your schedule.
- Swap out your light bulbs with energy-efficient replacements.
- Unplug electronics you’re not using.
- Invest in solar panels for your house for long-term savings.
- Replace your water heater if it’s more than 10 years old.
- Replace or clean your home’s air filters once a month to every 3 months.
- Address leaks and drafts in your home.
- Get an energy audit or HVAC maintenance checkup.
- Wash your clothes in cold water.
- Replace old appliances.
How to save money on utility bills by service type
Now that you’ve seen how utility costs vary by state and as a percentage of income, let’s explore ways to help you lower your bills—no matter where you live.
How to save on heating and cooling costs
The US Department of Energy’s Energy Saver Guide has detailed tips to help you save on heating and cooling costs. But if you’re short on time, here are some of the top highlights and takeaways:
1. Seal air leaks
High Density Foam Weather Stripping
- Use native plants or plants that don’t need a lot of water.
- Plant turf grass only in recreation areas.
- Organize your landscape into hydrozones with a different watering schedule for each.
- Loctite Spray Foam Sealant
Homeowners can save 10%–20% on heating and cooling bills by sealing air leaks around walls, ceilings, doors, fixtures, switches, electrical outlets, and windows. Take a look at these areas in your home and caulk, seal, and weatherstrip all seams, cracks, and openings to the outside.
2. Insulate your home
Properly insulating your home reduces the heat flow through the parts of the home that separate the interior from the outside. Consider adding insulation between the indoors and outdoors to reduce energy and save money.
3. Adjust your thermostat
You can save up to 10% per year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat down 7°–10°F for eight hours a day in the fall and winter.3
4. Get a smart thermostat
Smart thermostats let you schedule temperature adjustments and track your energy use right from your mobile device. Just keep in mind that they work best in homes with a furnace and/or central air conditioning.4
In 2023, about 16% of U.S. homes had smart thermostats. You can get the most out of these devices by reaching out to the manufacturer to learn optimal programming for maximum efficiency. It’s also helpful to coordinate with utility companies to stagger schedules and prevent strain on the electrical grid, according to recent Cornell University findings.
How to save on your average electric bill
Saving on your electric bill doesn’t have to mean big changes—there are plenty of ways to help reduce costs, from simple adjustments to energy-efficient upgrades.
One of the most impactful changes is installing solar panels, which can cut down your electric bill and even increase your home’s value. Google’s Project Sunrooflets you estimate your potential savings from going solar, and websites like Solar Power Authority can help you find and compare local solar installation companies.
In addition to installing energy-efficient systems like solar or geothermal, here are some quick, affordable ways to help conserve the electricity your household uses.
1. Use your ceiling fan
Ceiling fans are cheap to run (around a cent per hour) and can help save energy costs when used with an efficient air conditioner. By using your AC and fan at the same time, you can increase the thermostat by four degrees.
Don’t forget to reverse your ceiling fan!
Switching your ceiling fan’s direction with the seasons can boost energy efficiency and lower your energy bills. In the summer, set the fan to spin counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze. In winter, reverse it to clockwise at a low speed to push warm air down, keeping rooms cozy and helping your heating system work more efficiently.
2. Avoid using the oven in the summer
Who wants to sweat over a hot stove in the summer? You can stay cooler and save money by putting your oven on pause in the hottest months. Cooking with an oven uses more energy than a microwave, air fryer, or grill, and it forces your air conditioner to work harder to keep your home cool during the summer months.
3. Keep shades or blinds closed during the day
About 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through windows.5 Keeping your blinds closed during the day, especially when the sun is the brightest, will prevent heat from radiating through the windows. Look for styles and colors that help your window coverings deflect the most heat.
4. Use a power strip with a switch
2-Pack Power Strip
You exert energy just by standing around—and so do your appliances. Appliances draw energy even when they’re sitting idle, accounting for 5% to 10% of residential energy use each year.6 Using a power strip with a switch lets you easily turn off multiple appliances at once when they’re not in use—or you can simply unplug individual items to save on your home’s electricity.
How to save on your gas bill
On top of installing one of the smart thermostats we mentioned, you can cut down on natural gas costs by regularly replacing your air filters and scheduling annual furnace maintenance. These small steps can make a big difference.
1. Replace your air filters at least once every one to three months
Your HVAC’s air filters get dirty and clogged over time, forcing systems to work harder. Clean or replace your furnace and air conditioner system’s filters once a month to every three months for optimal performance. Replacement can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.7 Before you go shopping, make sure you know what size filter you need. Here are some of the most common air filter sizes:
2. Clean air conditioner coils
Outdoor condenser coils get dirty over time, so it’s important to remove any dirt or debris that collects. Clean the coils, remove debris, and trim nearby foliage back at least two feet to allow for adequate airflow.
3. Get annual maintenance for your HVAC systems
Just like your car needs regular maintenance to avoid costly repairs, so does your HVAC system. While installing a new HVAC system can cost $5,000 to $10,000, an annual maintenance checkup runs about $75 to $200—helping you keep things running smoothly and saving you money in the long run.8 Consider scheduling yearly HVAC checkups to keep your system efficient and avoid future headaches.
How to save on your water bill
The typical water bill costs an average of $47 per month in the US. If you’re looking to combat water costs, focus on the appliances that use the most water and think about where you can reduce usage. Small changes can make a big impact.
1. Fix leaks
The average family can lose up to 180 gallons of water per week—over 9,400 gallons a year—due to common household leaks.9 The usual culprits? Kitchen and bathroom faucets, shower hoses, toilet flappers, hot water tanks, and supply lines. Check out this plumbing repair cost guideto see how much repairs for these common leaks might cost.
2. Replace fixtures with WaterSense products
Wi-Fi Sprinkler Controller
You could save more than $380 annually from retrofitting with WaterSense-labeled fixtures and ENERGY STAR-certified appliances.9 Here’s how much WaterSense-labelled products can help you save water and money:
- Save 4 gallons of water every time you take a shower.
- Faucets and aerators can save 700 gallons of water per year (and are 30 percent more efficient than standard faucets while still providing sufficient flow).
- An irrigation controller can save your home up to 15,000 gallons of water annually.
3. Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth
This age-old water-saving tip may not sound like much, but apparently, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save eight gallons of water per day.
4. Collect rainwater for your landscape needs
Homeowners use between 30% and 70% of their water outdoors, depending on the region. It may seem like a no-brainer, but you can use water that collects on your roof or other catchment areas to water your lawn or clean your car. All you need is a barrel, which costs around $50–$200 at your local hardware store or online, plus a few simple rainwater harvesting tips.
5. Water lawns early morning and after the sun goes down
It’s best to water lawns and landscapes early in the morning and when the sun goes down in the evening. Watering during this time prevents evaporation during the hottest parts of the day (and keeps you from burning your plants). Other watering tips:
How to save on your internet bill
Similar to paying for channels you don’t watch, it’s possible you could be paying for internet you don’t use. If that’s you, consider reducing your internet speed or lowering your data usage. According to Reviews.org, other ways to save on your internet bill include:
- Buy your own modem and router.
- Bundle internet and TV.
- Shop around and compare prices.
- Cancel your cell phone data plan.
- Negotiate your bill.
- Ask for discounts.
- See if you qualify for subsidies.
How to save on your cell phone bill
One of the best ways to save on your cell phone bill is by watching for promotions from mobile carriers. You’ll often find deals on phone plans and even new smartphones—when you add a line or switch carriers.
If you don’t need a lot of mobile data, consider a prepaid plan. These are usually more affordable than standard plans, and most major carriers offer prepaid options to help you save.
Tips for Saving Money on Summer Utility Bills
