What Is the Average Utility Bill? This Is What You Can Expect to Pay

When do you know you’re an adult?

If you ask this question, most people will tell you they became adults when turned 18. The correct answer, but one doesn’t really become an adult until they’re paying their own bills!

If you have your own household, one thing is clear: you have utility bills to take care of. You have to pay for your water, electricity, gas, and other services that are pertinent to your lifestyle.

So, just how much is the average utility bill? Knowing this will help you establish whether you’re paying more or less than what most people are paying.

Keep reading to learn more.

The Average Utility Bill: Ballpark Figures

No two utility bills are the same. Your consumption of utility services is unique to your lifestyle. This is why it’s hardly possible to give one figure for all households.

However, by sampling several utility bills for households across the country, we can give an average estimate. According to multiple surveys, the average annual utility bill is $2,200. Break down this to a monthly bill and you get $183.

If your household is anything like most households, your utility expenditure is close to this amount. Give or take $20.

Breaking Down the Average Utility Bill

What does the $2,200 average utility bill constitute?

Electricity takes by far the biggest share, coming in at $140 a month. Water comes second at $70.

If you use natural gas to heat up your home and cook your meals, you’re probably spending about $72 a month. Not all households use natural gas, which is why we don’t consider it the second-biggest utility expense in the average home.

Other optional utility services are as follows:

• Cable TV – $85
• Internet – $60
• Trash – $14

What Affects Your Utility Bills?

If your annual utility bill isn’t in the region of $2,200, you’re probably wondering what’s causing the difference. Here are some of the top factors that affect utility bills.

Your State

Here’s is a small fact. The cost of various utility services from varies state to state. As such, where you live can greatly impact your bills.

For example, in 2018 the average electricity bill was $117 per month. However, Colorado residents paid $83 while Hawaii residents paid a whopping $168!

The Size of Your Household

Smaller households typically pay lower utility bills. Larger households pay higher utility bills.

This is self-explanatory, really. A small household means you have a small house, perhaps a studio or 1 or 2-bedroom apartment, and you probably live alone or with one or two more people. As a result, your consumption of utility services is low.

On the other hand, a large household means a big house with several occupants. Your consumption is high.

Your Consumption Savviness

Some households are more conscious of their consumption habits. They are always keen to find effective ways to save on various utility bills. For instance, instead of relying on tap-water all year round, why not harvest some, especially if you have your own home? Read more here to learn about water tanks that can save you money.

The same goes for electricity. Going solar can save you a pretty penny in the long run.

Be Smart About Your Consumption of Utility Services

As an adult, three things are certain: death, taxes, and utility bills!

If you’re an average consumer, you want the average utility bill to keep going down, not up. With the information fleshed out in this article, you now know what other people are paying, as well as what you can do to lower your bills.

Stay tuned to our blog for more consumer tips and insights.