Whether it’s a homeowner adjusting the thermostat or a business keeping operations running, utility costs are constant, and, in some cases, extremely costly. But depending on where you are in the U.S., those monthly expenses can look very different.
We analyzed state-level data on electricity, gas, water, and internet costs for residential and commercial properties to estimate how much people spend on utilities each month. The findings reveal sharp differences in energy costs across the country and highlight the essential role of infrastructure in delivering consistent, affordable service.
Utility costs vary widely across the U.S., with some households paying hundreds more monthly depending on location. Based on average cost and usage data for electricity, gas, water, and internet, the estimated national monthly utility bill is $333. But in several states, that number climbs significantly higher.
We analyzed each state's residential energy use and cost data to discover where residents pay the most (and least) for their monthly utilities. Here’s what we found.
Despite Hawaii’s year-round mild climate, residents pay more than elsewhere for utilities, likely due to the state’s remote location and reliance on imported energy sources. In New England, higher energy prices combined with older infrastructure likely contribute to Connecticut and Massachusetts ranking near the top. Alaska’s extreme winters and limited access to lower-cost energy sources also raise prices. New York sees higher rates that could be tied to dense urban demand and higher living costs overall.
Several Midwestern states (like Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Dakotas) report the lowest average utility bills in the country. Local access to natural resources like hydropower, wind, or natural gas, along with lower housing costs and more efficient energy infrastructure, may help keep monthly expenses down. Lower electricity costs and less seasonal heating may also reduce overall spending in New Mexico.
On average, states in the Northeast and Pacific regions face higher utility costs, while many in the Midwest and Southwest benefit from lower prices. Geography, infrastructure, climate, and policy all affect how much residents pay each month.
Next, we’ll break down which states pay the most on individual utilities like electricity, gas, and water to see what’s driving these totals.
While the total monthly utility bill tells part of the story, it’s just as important to understand what’s driving those costs. We individually looked at average monthly spending on electricity, gas, and water to see which states pay the most for each essential service.
National average: $139
Electricity is most expensive in states that either import their energy or face high seasonal demand. Hawaii tops the list again, largely due to its isolated grid and dependence on oil for power generation. Connecticut and Massachusetts follow closely, where older housing stock and high energy rates increase costs. Texas and Alabama, like many Southern states, see higher usage leading to increased costs, especially in the summer when air conditioning demand surges.
National average: $75
Cold climates push gas bills higher in northern states. Alaska leads the way, where heating needs are constant through much of the year. New England states like Maine, Connecticut, and Massachusetts also show up again, reflecting high usage and pricing. In New York, a mix of aging infrastructure and demand from dense residential areas likely contributes to the higher average.
National average: $42
Water costs are highest in the West, where access and conservation policies play a larger role. Idaho and Utah lead the list. Despite being known for outdoor recreation and snowpack, both states rely heavily on managed water systems to serve growing populations. In Arizona and Hawaii, limited freshwater sources and the need for treatment or transport increase costs.
Understanding where these costs are concentrated helps paint a fuller picture of energy usage across the U.S. Next, we’ll shift focus to commercial properties and explore how average electricity and gas costs vary for businesses in every state.
Utility costs are a major line item for businesses, especially those operating large facilities or high-usage equipment. To understand how energy expenses impact commercial properties nationwide, we analyzed average monthly electricity and gas bills by state. The data reflects estimated usage and pricing for commercial buildings in each location.
Average monthly bill across all states: $772
States With the Highest Average Commercial Electricity Bills:
Electricity costs for commercial buildings vary significantly, with Hawaii commercial spaces seeing higher averages than the rest of the country. Connecticut and California, where energy prices are generally elevated, also show much higher-than-average bills. Virginia’s appearance, meanwhile, is possibly driven by dense urban centers and energy demand along the East Coast corridor.
States With the Lowest Average Commercial Electricity Bills:
The most affordable electricity bills for commercial properties appear in several inland states. Idaho and Montana benefit from low energy prices and limited urban sprawl. In Iowa and West Virginia, access to regional power generation likely helps keep costs down, while Pennsylvania’s diversified energy supply may contribute to stable pricing for commercial users.
Average monthly bill across all states: $499
States With the Highest Average Commercial Gas Bills:
Commercial gas costs are highest in states with limited access to natural gas pipelines or where infrastructure drives up pricing. Hawaii again leads the list due to high import and distribution costs, Alaska finishes second, and likely faces similar transportation issues and climate challenges. Massachusetts and Florida may see higher-than-average usage and pricing in dense urban areas or during seasonal demand spikes.
States With the Lowest Average Commercial Gas Bills:
Gas costs remain lowest in states with well-developed distribution networks and access to regional supply. South Dakota, New Mexico, and Colorado benefit from proximity to natural gas production, while Idaho and Georgia maintain competitive rates through lower average costs and usage rates, respectively.
Taken together, these insights show how location, infrastructure, and usage patterns influence commercial energy costs.
Whether it’s keeping a home comfortable or powering a commercial property, energy costs add up. Our analysis shows that what people pay each month can vary widely depending on where they live, how much they use, and what type of infrastructure supports it.
That’s where efficient planning and management matter. Utility infrastructure plays a key role in keeping energy accessible and affordable. Vitruvi Software helps teams manage linear construction projects with greater accuracy and coordination, so the systems that keep power flowing and costs in check are built smarter from the start.
To estimate the average energy bill of every state, we found the average unit cost of electricity, gas, and water for residential properties in every state. We then found the average consumption of each energy type to determine what the monthly energy bill in every state would be. We then added average internet costs to estimate the total utility spend for residents in every state.
We did a similar analysis for commercial properties for electricity and gas.
We used national estimates for every state for data points where local cost and use data weren't available.
The data used for the analysis comes from the EIA, EPA, NEEF, and High Speed Internet.