In 2025, the average U.S. household spends about $564 a month on utilities. That covers everyday essentials like power, gas, water, trash, and internet. It’s a big chunk of the monthly budget!
And it’s not just utilities. Everything costs more lately — rent, groceries, fuel. So when you’re thinking about a move, those numbers matter. Utility prices can swing a lot from one state to another, and even a small difference can add up once you settle in. Knowing what to expect before you move gives you a clearer picture of what life will really cost in your new place. And that’s where this guide comes in — we cover everything from planning, what to expect, and advice to make sure utilities are part of your moving checklist.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- The total average utility bill is $564, which represents the costs of cable, electric, mobile phone, water, sewer, gas, waste, and recycling costs on a monthly basis in 2025.
- Cable and internet is the highest monthly utility bill for Americans, making up 21% of total expenses.
- Maryland has the highest total utility bills at an average cost of $772 per month, however, Mississippi is the state where utilities cost the highest percentage of household income (11.3%)
- Arkansas has the lowest total utility bills at an average cost of $474 per month, however, Utah is the state where utilities cost the highest percentage of household income (6.0%)
How to Use This Data
Think of this data as a way to plan smarter. It shows what people actually pay each month for electricity, water, gas, internet, and trash in every state. You can use it to guess what your own bills might look like once you move, or to see how much prices change from place to place. It also shows what share of income goes toward utilities, which helps you see how far your money might stretch. If you’re building a moving budget, this is where to start.
What’s the Average Cost of Utilities per Month in the U.S. in 2025?
The average cost of utilities per month in the United States is about $564. That number covers the basics: electricity, gas, water and sewer, trash and recycling, internet, and phone service. Together, these are the bills that keep a home running, and they can take up a noticeable part of the household budget.
“Delivery fees also differ, which means two homes using the same amount of gas could still see different totals depending on the utility company.”
Utility costs change depending on where you live, how big your home is, and what kind of climate you’re in. Warmer states often spend less on heating but more on cooling. Rural areas might pay more for internet or trash pickup. When you look at the averages, you start to see how location plays a big role in what people pay each month.
Here’s a quick look at the current national picture:
Average Monthly Utility Costs in the U.S. (2025)
As you can see, the average doesn’t tell the whole story. Someone in Arkansas might pay under $500 a month, while a Maryland resident could see bills well above $700. For anyone planning a move, that’s the kind of difference worth knowing before you sign a lease or finalize a mortgage.
Average Utility Bills by State 2025
The average household spends about $564 a month on utilities, but that number changes depending on where you live. Maryland has the highest overall utility costs at about $772 a month, while Arkansas has the lowest at $474. The gap between those two states (nearly $300!) shows how much location can shape your monthly expenses.
Utility bills also take up a different share of income depending on the state. In places where wages are higher, people may spend a smaller portion of what they earn on electricity, water, and internet. In lower-income states, the same bills can eat up a much bigger part of the budget. On average, U.S. households spend about 8% of their income on utilities, but that can rise above 11% in states like Mississippi.
10 States With the Highest Utility Bills
| Total Average Utility Bill | Total % of Income Spent on Utilities | |
| Maryland | $772 | 8.4% |
| Alaska | $713 | 9.4% |
| Washington | $712 | 8.8% |
| Connecticut | $693 | 8.4% |
| Massachusetts | $680 | 7.2% |
| Rhode Island | $677 | 8.8% |
| Delaware | $676 | 9.4% |
| Nebraska | $675 | 9.4% |
| Hawaii | $670 | 8.2% |
| Maine | $663 | 8.8% |
10 States With the Lowest Utility Bills
| Total Average Utility Bill | Total % of Income Spent on Utilities | |
| Arkansas | $474 | 8.8% |
| Idaho | $486 | 7.1% |
| West Virginia | $487 | 9.3% |
| New Mexico | $502 | 9.4% |
| Illinois | $511 | 7.3% |
| Oklahoma | $513 | 9.4% |
| South Dakota | $515 | 7.7% |
| Florida | $516 | 8.2% |
| Utah | $517 | 6.0% |
| Ohio | $522 | 7.8% |
Regional patterns stand out here. States in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest tend to see higher bills, often due to older housing and higher energy demand. Many southern and midwestern states, on the other hand, enjoy lower average costs thanks to cheaper energy and shorter heating seasons.
In the interactive map below, you’ll be able to see how your own state compares. The map shows both the average monthly utility bill and what share of a typical household’s income goes toward those costs. It’s a quick way to spot where utilities are most affordable, and where they might stretch your budget a bit more.
We’ll also include a searchable table where you can look up detailed numbers for your state, including electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash costs. It’s an easy way to build a more accurate budget before you move, so you can plan for what life will really cost once you get there.
Average Monthly Utility Costs by Type
The total you pay for utilities depends on where you live, and so does the price of each service. Internet and cable can run higher in states with fewer providers or limited broadband coverage. Electricity and gas swing with climate and energy mix, so long winters or imported fuel can drive bills up. And of course, water, sewer, and trash vary by local rules and fees. The breakdown below shows what people spend on average, plus where each service tends to be highest and lowest.
Average Cable and Internet Bill
The average American pays about $121 a month for cable and internet service. Delaware tops the list with an average of $157, while Florida households pay the least at $96.
Internet and cable costs vary for many reasons: local taxes, available providers, and rural access are all cost factors. States with older or less competitive networks often see higher prices, while areas with strong broadband competition or state-funded fiber expansion usually pay less. If you’re moving to a smaller city or rural area, it’s worth checking which providers serve your new address and what speeds you’ll get for the price.
10 States With the Highest Cable and Internet Bills
| Delaware | $157 |
| Rhode Island | $150 |
| South Dakota | $147 |
| Tennessee | $143 |
| Alaska | $143 |
| Colorado | $141 |
| South Carolina | $140 |
| Nebraska | $139 |
| Washington | $135 |
| Virginia | $134 |
10 States With the Lowest Cable and Internet Bills
| Florida | $96 |
| Arkansas | $99 |
| Massachusetts | $100 |
| Iowa | $100 |
| Idaho | $100 |
| Kentucky | $103 |
| Ohio | $103 |
| West Virginia | $105 |
| New Hampshire | $109 |
| Wyoming | $110 |
Florida’s low average reflects strong competition among internet providers and bundled service discounts. Delaware’s higher rates likely stem from regional monopolies and fewer low-cost plan options. When comparing homes or apartments, it helps to check the average monthly plan cost before signing a lease, especially if you work remotely or stream most of your entertainment.
Average Electric Bill
Electricity averages about $120 a month nationwide. Hawaii leads the country with the highest electric bills at $197, while South Dakota’s households pay the lowest at just $79.
Climate and energy source both drive these numbers. States with long winters or hot, humid summers use more power for heating and cooling. In places like Hawaii or Rhode Island, imported fuel and limited local generation push costs higher. States with more hydropower or solar capacity, such as South Dakota and Utah, tend to pay less.
10 States With the Highest Electricity Bills
| Hawaii | $197 |
| Rhode Island | $184 |
| Alabama | $174 |
| Maryland | $150 |
| Maine | $150 |
| Delaware | $150 |
| Virginia | $140 |
| Georgia | $139 |
| North Carolina | $139 |
| Louisiana | $139 |
10 States With the Lowest Electricity Bills
| South Dakota | $79 |
| New Mexico | $89 |
| Montana | $90 |
| Minnesota | $91 |
| Utah | $94 |
| Idaho | $100 |
| Ohio | $100 |
| North Dakota | $100 |
| Nebraska | $100 |
| Wyoming | $102 |
If you’re moving from a temperate climate to a state with longer heating or cooling seasons, your electric bill could rise fast. Newer homes with efficient HVAC systems or solar panels can help offset those increases.
Average Gas Bill
The average gas bill nationwide is about $71 per month. Alaska households pay the most at $136, while Louisiana households pay the least at $38.
Gas prices vary mostly by region and infrastructure. Northern states that rely heavily on gas for heating face the steepest costs, while southern states with mild winters barely use gas at all. Delivery fees also differ, which means two homes using the same amount of gas could still see different totals depending on the utility company.
10 States With the Highest Gas Bills
| Alaska | $136 |
| Massachusetts | $117 |
| Nebraska | $111 |
| Rhode Island | $107 |
| Connecticut | $100 |
| New Jersey | $100 |
| Washington | $99 |
| New York | $92 |
| Georgia | $90 |
| Vermont | $89 |
10 States With the Lowest Gas Bills
| Louisiana | $38 |
| Arizona | $50 |
| New Mexico | $50 |
| Idaho | $50 |
| Arkansas | $51 |
| Florida | $52 |
| Tennessee | $60 |
| Texas | $60 |
| Montana | $60 |
| California | $60 |
If you’re relocating from a warm state to one with long winters, expect your gas bill to jump, especially if the home uses older heating systems. Checking insulation, window quality, and thermostat efficiency can make a big difference once you move in.
Average Trash and Recycling Bill
Trash and recycling services cost households about $70 a month on average. Massachusetts and Maryland top the list at $127, while Oklahoma has the lowest average at just $25.
These costs depend heavily on local collection rules. Urban areas often pay more because of higher labor and landfill fees, while smaller towns may share regional collection services that keep prices lower. Some states also bundle trash and recycling into property taxes or HOA fees, which can make direct comparisons tricky.
10 States With the Highest Trash and Recycling Bills
| Massachusetts | $127 |
| Maryland | $127 |
| Connecticut | $124 |
| New Jersey | $111 |
| California | $100 |
| Delaware | $97 |
| New York | $95 |
| New Hampshire | $92 |
| Colorado | $89 |
| Washington | $86 |
10 States With the Lowest Trash and Recycling Bills
| Oklahoma | $25 |
| Hawaii | $34 |
| West Virginia | $44 |
| Mississippi | $50 |
| Iowa | $53 |
| South Dakota | $55 |
| Montana | $55 |
| Nevada | $58 |
| Utah | $59 |
| Illinois | $60 |
In short, the average cost of utilities per month depends not only on what you use but where you live. From $25 trash pickup in Oklahoma to $197 electric bills in Hawaii, small regional differences can change what “affordable” really means once you move. Knowing those averages helps you plan with real numbers instead of guesses.
Why Understanding the Cost of Utilities Matters for Moving
About a quarter of Americans don’t use a monthly budget, according to a 2023 NerdWallet poll shared by Fortune. That means millions of people go into big financial decisions, like moving, without a clear sense of what their bills will look like each month.
When you move, especially if it’s your first time living on your own, a budget can make the difference between feeling settled and feeling stretched. Utility bills often change more than people expect, even on a short-distance move. Different cities and states have their own rates for electricity, water, internet, and trash service, so it’s worth researching ahead of time.
Knowing those numbers before you sign a lease or close on a home helps you plan for real life, not just the move itself. For more guidance, see our tips on how to move on a budget.
Budgeting for Utilities When You Move
Creating a moving budget isn’t just about the cost of boxes or the price of your movers. It’s also about what happens once you’ve unpacked and the bills start showing up. Utilities are one of the easiest things to overlook, but they can make a big difference in whether your monthly budget feels comfortable or tight.
Start by looking at what you spend now. Write down your rent or mortgage, insurance, and the average you pay each month for utilities. Then, use the numbers in this article to estimate what those same bills might look like in your new state or city. If your new place is larger, older, or has electric heat instead of gas, your monthly total may go up. If it’s smaller or more efficient, you might even save.
How to Make a Utility Budget
Once you’ve got those estimates, compare them against your income. A simple way to check your math is to make sure your fixed expenses, such as housing, utilities, and transportation, don’t eat up more than about half your take-home pay. From there, set aside money for food, savings, and the small things that make a new place feel like home.
“The average cost of utilities per month in the United States is about $564…but [that] doesn’t tell the whole story. Someone in Arkansas might pay under $500 a month, while a Maryland resident could see bills well above $700.”
If you’re settling into your first home, our First-Time Homeowners Moving Survival Guide covers what to expect once you’re in, from unpacking to getting those first utility bills squared away. And if you’re headed to an apartment, check out these tips on moving to a new apartment for ideas to keep things organized from day one.
Building this plan before your move helps you know for certain what you can afford, where to cut back if needed, and how to plan for seasonal spikes in heating or cooling costs. And when you track those details alongside your moving costs, you get a clear picture of your finances from start to finish. That’s exactly what HireAHelper is here to help with — making every step of your move, including the financial side, a little easier to manage.
Why Trust HireAHelper
HireAHelper has helped people plan and complete more than 1,000,000 moves across the country, connecting them with reliable moving labor that fits their budget. Our platform was built to make moving easier, with transparent pricing and trusted pros rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by real customers. We care about what happens before, during, and after moving day, which is why we share guides like this one. Knowing what to expect from your utility costs and overall budget helps you settle in with fewer surprises and more confidence in your new home.
Methodology
To uncover how much U.S. households are really paying for essentials, HireAHelper examined 2025 data on average incomes and utility rates nationwide. Our analysis draws from trusted public and private sources, including the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and Doxo, ensuring all figures are current and reliable.