The average cost of utilities across the U.S. for a renter is about $240—not including cable, internet or streaming. Add those in and you could easily go over $300 or even $400 per month. Electricity is typically the most expensive of your utilities, costing the average home around $114-$117 per month.
40 kWh of electricity usage per day is much higher than the average household consumption of 29 kWh per day.
The average electric bill in the United States is $145.44. This average is based on the typical monthly energy usage in the U.S. (855 kWh) and the average electricity rate in November 2024 (17.01 cents per kWh).
The most common contributing factors are outdated appliances, thermostats, lightbulbs, or insufficient insulation.
Some of the most common reasons for increased electric bills include changes in the weather, increased electricity use, and rate increases from your utility company.
High electric bills often come from using outdated or inefficient appliances around your home. Your utility itself could also be a factor – you may have been moved to a different pricing schedule or had an overall rate increase.
For a 2-person household, the average electricity bill is typically between $100 and $150 per month, depending on energy usage and the size of the apartment.
Heating and cooling: 45-50%
The largest electricity consumer in the average household is your heating and cooling appliance. By a long shot. Central air conditioners and heaters use tons of energy in order to keep your home set to the right temperature.
Hawaii is the state with the highest household electricity price in the United States. In September 2024, the average retail price of electricity for Hawaiian residences amounted to 41.27 U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour. California followed in second, with 30.221 U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour.
Whether you're using your air conditioner in summer or your furnace in winter, this makes up the biggest expense on your electricity bill. In fact, heating and cooling account for close to half of an average household's energy usage. The next highest contributor to your electricity bill is your water heater.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, standby power accounts for as much as 5% to 10% of residential energy use, and homeowners could save $100 to $200 each year on utility bills by unplugging devices that aren't in use.
In some states, like California, electricity prices can vary depending on the time of day. During peak hours, electricity may cost more. If you are blasting your air conditioning during peak hours, you can expect to pay a premium.
Average energy consumption is also affected by the weather, which is why energy bills are usually higher during the darker, colder winter months, but average household electricity consumption works out at between eight and 10 kWh per day.
Be More Efficient
You will find that your electric heat, air conditioner and water heater will typically make up the greatest percentage of your electric bill, so these are the areas in which you may want to concentrate your energy management efforts.
Generally, TVs use between 50 to 200 watts (W) of electricity, depending on the model. Most TVs use less than one amp and connect to a 120-volt outlet. Older TVs that use technology such as Plasma and CRT are much less efficient compared to newer LED and LCD TVs.
The most expensive utility is cell phone service, at $1,844 per year, followed by electricity at $1,644 per year. Typical utility costs include electricity, gas and/or heating oil, water and/or sewer, cable, cell phone, internet and streaming services, and sometimes trash and recycling.
The average two-person household uses 887 kWh per month in the US, according to the EIA. However, this figure varies from region to region based largely on climate conditions and the prevalence of gas versus electric appliances.
How much are average utilities for a house? Across the US, homeowners should set aside around $400 a month for their home's utilities.
Faulty electrical wiring could cause a sudden increase in electricity consumption, or your electrical meter may be broken. If you continue to see a higher than expected electricity bill, even after taking all of the necessary steps to troubleshoot the exact cause, it may be time to call a certified electrician.