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Average Utility Bill Per Month: 2026 Statistics by State

Name: Pearl
Price range: $

Feb 25, 2026

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From December 2025 to February 2026, our research team analyzed data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)2, Move.org1, and various energy market reports3,4,5 to provide this comprehensive overview of residential utility costs. This report synthesizes the most recent data to establish 2026 benchmarks for monthly utility expenses across the United States, helping homebuyers understand the full cost of operating a home.

For this report, utility bills encompass the essential services required to operate a home, including electricity, natural gas, water, and sewer. These recurring expenses are a core component of a home's operating cost and can vary significantly based on location, home size, efficiency, and occupant behavior. While not included in the primary data tables, other common household expenses like internet, phone, and streaming services are also referenced for a complete picture of monthly expenditures.

The Average Monthly Essential Utility Bill by State — 2026

State	Average Monthly Essential Utility Bill (Electricity, Gas, Water, Sewer)
Alabama	$391.73
Alaska	$432.77
Arizona	$313.97
Arkansas	$294.55
California	$388.34
Colorado	$291.41
Connecticut	$369.75
Delaware	$387.85
Florida	$283.78
Georgia	$402.91
Hawaii	$471.75
Idaho	$376.94
Illinois	$257.61
Indiana	$335.63
Iowa	$266.13
Kansas	$324.19
Kentucky	$309.77
Louisiana	$311.83
Maine	$327.12
Maryland	$358.55
Massachusetts	$337.04
Michigan	$301.98
Minnesota	$271.93
Mississippi	$324.62
Missouri	$474.54
Montana	$277.89
Nebraska	$305.44
Nevada	$289.15
New Hampshire	$322.07
New Jersey	$388.21
New Mexico	$211.41
New York	$322.18
North Carolina	$310.60
North Dakota	$253.96
Ohio	$438.81
Oklahoma	$334.93
Oregon	$441.72
Pennsylvania	$313.98
Rhode Island	$375.58
South Carolina	$295.94
South Dakota	$257.46
Tennessee	$340.72
Texas	$396.45
Utah	$366.82
Vermont	$281.99
Virginia	$349.50
Washington	$375.70
West Virginia	$540.04
Wisconsin	$222.67
Wyoming	$477.45

Source: Move.org, 2026¹
Note: Figures represent the average total monthly cost for essential utilities (electricity, natural gas, water, and sewer). Costs vary based on usage, home size, and local rates.

Key Insight 1

The average American household spends $611 per month on all utilities, an increase of nearly 5% from the previous year, with essential services like electricity and gas accounting for over 65% of the total cost¹.

Key Insight 2

There is an 83% difference between the state with the highest average utility bills (West Virginia, $734/mo) and the state with the lowest (New Mexico, $401/mo), highlighting the critical role geography plays in home operating costs¹.

Key Insight 3

In six states, the average utility burden exceeds 10% of the median monthly income, underscoring the significant financial impact these recurring costs have on homeowners, particularly in West Virginia (13.95%), Mississippi (11.29%), and Alabama (10.87%)¹.

The Average Electricity Rate by State — 2026

National Rank	State	Electricity Rate(cents/KWh)
1	North Dakota	11.93
2	Idaho	12.25
3	Nebraska	12.52
4	Louisiana	12.74
5	Montana	12.82
6	Utah	13.07
7	Missouri	13.12
8	Arkansas	13.22
9	Oklahoma	13.34
10	Tennessee	13.47
11	Iowa	13.55
12	Kentucky	13.70
13	South Dakota	13.81
14	Washington	13.85
15	Wyoming	13.91
16	Nevada	14.20
17	Georgia	14.42
18	North Carolina	14.64
19	Kansas	15.10
20	Mississippi	15.33
21	South Carolina	15.53
22	Oregon	15.59
23	New Mexico	15.61
24	West Virginia	15.65
25	Arizona	15.66
26	Minnesota	15.67
27	Florida	15.78
28	Virginia	15.94
29	Texas	16.04
30	Alabama	16.08
31	Colorado	16.35
32	Indiana	17.41
33	Ohio	17.66
34	Illinois	18.31
35	Wisconsin	18.39
36	Delaware	18.81
37	Michigan	19.94
38	Pennsylvania	20.17
39	Maryland	21.34
40	New Jersey	22.73
41	Vermont	24.17
42	Alaska	26.18
43	New York	26.49
44	Connecticut	27.02
45	New Hampshire	27.37
46	Maine	27.85
47	Rhode Island	30.82
48	Massachusetts	31.22
49	California	31.91
50	Hawaii	40.20

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), November 2025⁵
Note: Electricity rates shown are residential rates in cents per kilowatt-hour. Rankings are based on lowest to highest rates, with 1 being the cheapest.

Key Insight 1

The national average residential electricity rate is 17.78 cents per kWh, representing a 5.5% increase from the previous year⁵.

Key Insight 2

Hawaii residents pay more than three times the rate of North Dakota residents (40.20 vs. 11.93 cents/kWh), demonstrating the extreme geographic variation in electricity costs⁵.

Key Insight 3

New England states (Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut) consistently rank among the most expensive for electricity, driven by limited pipeline capacity and reliance on imported natural gas for power generation⁵.

The Average Monthly Cost by Utility Type — 2026

Utility Type	Average Monthly Cost
Electricity	$138
Natural Gas	$85
Water	$49
Sewer	$67

Source: Move.org, 2026¹
Note: Figures represent national monthly averages for essential utilities. Internet, phone, and streaming services are not included in this table but contribute to the total monthly utility spending.

Key Insight 1

Electricity is the most significant essential utility expense for homeowners, averaging $138 per month. This cost is primarily driven by heating, cooling, and appliance usage¹.

Key Insight 2

Natural gas, the second-largest expense at $85 per month, is a major factor in home heating costs, particularly in colder climates. Prices have risen over 100% in the past five years, making it a key area for efficiency improvements¹.

Key Insight 3

While water and sewer have the lowest individual costs, their combined average of $116 per month represents a substantial recurring expense. Water bills have also increased by ~25% over the last three years, reflecting growing infrastructure and resource costs¹.

The Seasonal Utility Cost Variations by Quarter — 2026

Season	Key Characteristics & Cost Drivers
Winter (Q1)	Increased heating demand (natural gas and electricity) in colder climates. Lower electricity use for cooling.
Spring (Q2)	Mildest season with the lowest overall energy consumption. Minimal heating or cooling required.
Summer (Q3)	Highest electricity demand due to air conditioning use. Peak electricity rates are common.
Fall (Q4)	Transition season with moderate energy use, gradually increasing as heating season begins.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)²
Note: Seasonal variations are highly dependent on regional climate. States with hot summers will see significant electricity spikes, while colder states will see higher natural gas and electricity use in winter.

Key Insight 1

The residential sector experiences the most significant seasonal swings in energy use, with demand peaks in both summer (cooling) and winter (heating) that can vary by as much as 67 billion kWh nationally².

Key Insight 2

Summer air conditioning is the primary driver of peak electricity demand. Virtually all homes with air conditioning use electricity for cooling, which generally can lead to higher bills during June, July, and August²; depending on location.

Key Insight 3

While winter heating is met by a variety of fuels, even homes with natural gas or oil furnaces use electricity to power fans and pumps, contributing to a secondary winter peak in electricity consumption².

The Efficient vs. Inefficient Home Utility Costs — 2026

Home Type	Average Annual Energy Cost	Potential Annual Savings
Inefficient Home	$2,000	$0
Home with ENERGY STAR Upgrades	$1,400	$420(30%)

Source: ENERGY STAR, U.S. Department of Energy³ ⁴
Note: Figures are based on a typical U.S. household. Savings are an estimate and can vary based on home size, location, and occupant behavior. Inefficient home costs are based on the average homeowner's annual energy bills, while the efficient home reflects savings from implementing ENERGY STAR recommendations.

Key Insight 1

Our research of ENERGY STAR shows that a typical household can save about $450 per year on energy bills by choosing ENERGY STAR certified products and implementing key home upgrades, such as proper insulation and air sealing.

Key Insight 2

Over a decade, these savings can add up to $4,500, often more than covering the initial investment in the upgrades themselves.

Key Insight 3

The most impactful upgrades recommended by the ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade program include installing a high-efficiency heat pump, sealing and insulating the attic, and upgrading to a heat pump water heater. A heat pump water heater can potentially save a household of four around $550 annually.

The Factors Affecting Home Utility Costs — 2026

Factor	Impact on Utility Bills
Home Size & Age	Larger and older homes typically cost more to heat and cool due to larger volumes and less effective insulation and air sealing.
Geographic Location	Climate is a primary driver; extreme heat or cold increases energy consumption for cooling and heating.
Energy Efficiency	Homes with high-performing assets like efficient HVAC systems, insulation, and ENERGY STAR® appliances use significantly less energy.
Occupant Behavior	Thermostat settings, appliance usage habits, and water consumption patterns directly influence monthly bills.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR³ ⁴
Note: These factors often have a compounding effect. For example, an inefficient older home in a harsh climate will have exponentially higher utility costs than a new, efficient home in a moderate climate.

Key Insight 1

Heating and cooling account for approximately 43% of a typical home's utility bill, making it the largest single category of energy consumption and the most critical area for efficiency improvements³.

Key Insight 2

Homeowners can save as much as 10% per year on heating and cooling costs simply by setting their thermostat back 7–10°F for eight hours a day, such as overnight or while at work¹.

Key Insight 3

Air leaks and poor insulation are major sources of energy waste. Sealing leaks and properly insulating a home can reduce heating and cooling costs by 10–20%, providing a significant return on investment¹.

How a Pearl SCORE™ Helps You Understand a Home’s Operating Costs

For homebuyers, understanding the true cost of operating a home before purchase is critical. While a home inspection identifies the condition of major systems, it doesn’t quantify their energy and water performance. This is where a Pearl Certification and its accompanying Pearl SCORE™ can provide invaluable insight. The score can reflect a home's overall performance, with a dedicated focus on the Operations pillar.

The Operations pillar of a Pearl SCORE™ specifically assesses the efficiency of a home's heating and cooling systems, water heaters, and appliances. A home with a high Pearl SCORE™ can provide insight into a home's high-performance assets that impact energy and water waste.

Before you buy,search a property's address on Pearl's Home Performance Registry™ to get an initial assessment. Understanding a home's performance empowers you to forecast operating costs more accurately and identify opportunities for future efficiency improvements, ensuring you choose a home that is not only comfortable and safe but also affordable to run.

References

¹ Move.org. (2026, January 26). Average Monthly Cost of Utilities by State and Nationally. Retrieved from https://www.move.org/utility-bills-101/
² U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2013, March 4). Homes show greatest seasonal variation in electricity use. Retrieved from https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=10211
³ ENERGY STAR. (n.d.). About ENERGY STAR. Retrieved from https://www.energystar.gov/about
⁴ U.S. Department of Energy. (n.d.). Energy Saver. Retrieved from https://www.energy.gov/energysaver
⁵ ChooseEnergy. (2026, February 2). Electricity Rates by State. Retrieved from https://www.chooseenergy.com/electricity-rates-by-state/