Having a roommate can also give you a chance to live in a neighborhood that you may otherwise not afford. (Almost 8 in 10 Illinois households use natural gas for heating).29 The Land of Lincoln also enjoys a low cost of living, among other things. South Carolina: $473.78 8. An irrigation controller can save your home up to 15,000 gallons of water annually. Colorado also has one of the highest monthly averages for streaming services ($50). You really dont want another thing to worry about, do you? Of the top 20 most expensive zip codes by median annual utilities, all of them are in Arizona and coastal California metro areas with the exception of one in downtown Elizabeth, N.J., in the Newark metro area (07201) and the Sea Island area near Brunswick, Ga. (31561). Top Kitchen Trends to Watch in 2020. Copyright 2023 Insure.com. And Americans use an average of 82 gallons of water a day at home.12 The best way to see how much water youre using is to look at the breakdown of charges on your water bill. Yes, your roommate may be your friend, but you still need to have a formal agreement about your accommodation sharing arrangements and how you will pay the bills. With Experian Boost, you can improve your credit score and build a credit history by connecting utility, telecom, and even Netflix bills you pay every month. While streaming accounts for nearly 33.7% of total television consumption,28 according to Reviews.org, nearly 54% of Americans are still paying for cable television (roughly $87 a month), often in addition to their streaming service bills. C2ER determines a national cost-of-living average for these homes in more than 250 urban areas and then lists the most and least expensive areas to live. All rights reserved. If you wait too long to service your car for regular maintenance, you could be looking at hefty repairs down the road. However, a $75,000 salary in a high-cost area might not go as far as a $60,000 salary in a low-cost area. According to EPA Collection Cost data, an average household pays about $1.13 for weekly recyclable collection, adding up to a cost of $58.67 each year to recycle. Sometimes, paying more to live in an area is worth it. While three-fifths of Maine's households use fuel oil as their primary energy source for home heatinga larger share than any other statemost of Maine's electricity comes from renewable resources, mostly from hydroelectric dams, wind turbines, and wood and wood-derived fuels.29 Maine was on our most expensive utilities list not even a year ago, and many contribute this major win to its recent expansion of renewable energy. Provide your income and calculate Where you live affects your insurance rates and how much everyday things cost. Use this cost of living comparison tool to see how much housing, utilities and other basic living expenses vary from city to city as we head into 2023. Of course, climate and energy costs vary from one state to another, so utility bills do too. The cost of living index lets you compare one areas costs with another. Where you live affects your insurance rates and how much everyday things cost. Electricity, natural gas, water, sewer, telephone, and internet services all qualify as public utilities because they're necessary for everyday modern life. While housing prices play a role in an areas cost of living, its far from the only component. If possible try to find a place where the utilities are included in the rent, so you don't even have to think about them. Cities can have multiple Zip codes, so by entering the city name, you'll get the average for all Zip codes in that city. Your employer will let you work remotely while living in the lower-cost area. If you are lucky, a roommate can help alleviate the burden of paying for utilities. Were sorry, Connecticut, but weve saved a spot for you as the runner-up on our most expensive utilities list. Secondly, building sewer treatment infrastructure is more expensive now than it was in the past as local authorities have to meet more stringent environmental regulations. Utah residents have paid some of the lowest utility costs in the country for years. Where Are People Moving in 2020? Across all types of providers, the average monthly electric bill in the United States is $117.65. why Connecticut homeowners face astronomical electric bills, Texas residents are facing high utility costs, When a Smart Thermostat Isnt a Smart Choice, Smart Thermostats Inadvertently Strain Electric Power Grids, During 2021, US Retail Electricity Prices Rose at Fastest Rate Since 2008, 3 Easy Tips to Reduce Your Standby Power Loads, A Snapshot of Water and Sewer Affordability in the US, US Municipal Water & Wastewater Utility Rate Index, 2021, The Best Energy-Saving Hacks to Save Money, National Overview: Facts and Figures on Materials, Wastes and Recycling. And the cost of living the amount of money you need to cover basic living expenses in a particular location varies significantly from city to city. Buying vs Renting a Home in 2020. The address will be validated and standardized with a ZIP+4 according to the United States Postal Service rules when you select "Lookup and Verify". However, if youre living alone and using the same amount of water, your bill will come closer to $17.04/month. Then you need to think about. Average Household Utility Costs by State. If you cant have an open discussion with someone, then youre not likely to be good roommates with that person. States were ranked solely based on how much these utilities cost their residents each month on average. You may also see some other items on your gas billsuch as taxes. Think of your HVAC system as a car. Insurance companies base premiums on risk. That should account for about $2.70 of your monthly electric bill (.09 x 30 = 2.7). Drop your ZIP code in our search bar above. Water charges and usage vary by utility provider and by region. Check out other factors about the area, including restaurants, nightlife, arts, sports, schools, walkability, biking, safety and any other things that interest you. However, the range can sometimes be huge. We've estimated your electricity usage for the next 12 months based on the information you've provided. Your total monthly utility cost will depend on the type of home you have, the number of people living with you, and even your personal habits and where you live. This is just an average and again, this price depends on multiple factors. A cost of living comparison is a way to see if you could maintain the same lifestyle if you were to move to a new city. The sub-metering calculator is for use by residential electric end users and is offered for comparative purposes only. Silicon Valley Power (a municipal utility provider in California) breaks down energy use by appliance.7. Nearly half of Americans think they are paying too much for cell phone service, and 73% worry that phone rates will rise, according to a recent WhistleOut survey. Divide 750 by 1000 to convert 750 watt-hours into .75 kWh (750 1000 = .75). If you find your income wont go as far in a new city, you can use that information to request a salary increase. Permalink. Use online savings tool Electric Vehicle Calculator Turn off the water when brushing your teeth or shaving. There are many reasons Texas residents are facing high utility costs, including a volatile deregulated electric market, extreme weather, and demand from a growing population. Manuel P. Teodoro, Robin Rose Saywitz, American Water Works Association, . Apartments tend to be smaller than single-family homes, and apartment complexes often qualify for different rates than individual homes. You can find housing that fits your new budget. Between policymakers, regulators, and gas and electric utility companies, the state has been consistent in keeping energy prices affordable for homeowners and other residents. Want to find all the utilities available in your area? , you can negotiate the cost of utilities like electricity and gas. The national recycling rate is 34.7%.22 Recycling varies by city, county, and state, and theres long been an overemphasis on consumers responsibility to recycle, though the process is anything but simple. They also used EIAs figures for average natural gas usage, which is 168 cubic feet per day. |, average utility costs in individual states. Properly insulating your home reduces the heat flow through the parts of the home that separate the interior from the outside. , there are two main reasons why the sewer bill is likely to be higher than your water bill. Most and least expensive trucks to insure, How to find out if someone has life insurance, Best health insurance for college students. Luckily, were going to break it all down in this post. New England relies heavily on natural gas, and like many of the states in the country, New Hampshire is taking a heavy hit along with the rest of the global market. Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need! Compare your options in a few minutes. 0.3 kWh x $0.12 per kWh = $0.036. Cut your consumption to save money. You understand that you may have to cut back on spending and make lifestyle changes. Each quarter, Insure.com collects the cost-of-living figures from the Council for Community and Economic Research and combines it with auto and home insurance cost data. If you decide to move, you may want to look for lower-cost areas in the region. Every year, we review this page and update our national data and findings for every state, still we realize that many categories on this list (like electricity and natural gas) have fluctuated with inflation. If you find you have more leftover money in a lower-cost area, make sure to invest or save at least some of it. But whether you pay more or less than the average can be difficult to predict. The arrangement allows you to switch to an energy supplier that offers you the best rates. In that guide, we talk about the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the most populous US cities. Even though prior electric, water and gas bills will probably vary based on usage, youll know with near 100 percent certainty what the trash/recycling and condo fees will cost. Now that weve discussed the national averages for utility expenses and how to save money on your utility bills, lets talk about how much utilities cost per month in different states. And heres the interesting thing. But the real value of our visualization is how it ranks each category. You could buy a bigger house or a fancier car. Cost of living involves all of your expenses. The answer will depend on multiple factors. While many of the factors above are going to be largely out of your control, theres plenty you can do to save energy when it comes to heating and air conditioning. It may require living further away from the city center and a longer commute. There appears to be a ceiling on the cost of natural gas, but not electricity. Its no secret that city water is usually expensive and the price of water is rising, but its not like you can really avoid things like washing dishes and bathing. Maine: $464.45 ZIP Code Lookup. Use native plants or plants that dont need a lot of water. The total price for labor and materials per job is $2,785.21, coming in between $2,539.63 to $3,030.79. Here are some other important factors to consider: Heating bill charges and usage vary by utility provider and by region. Gone on way too many walk-throughs but finally found the perfect place. Rhode Island also makes a comeback to this list. Youll also want to look for free and low-cost things to do. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Depending on where you live and whether you choose a retail supplier, the average annual residential natural gas price ranges from $6.40 in New Mexico to more than $21 in Florida. Mortgage Calculator: PMI, Interest, Taxes and Insurance Use SmartAsset's free mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly mortgage payments, including PMI, homeowners insurance, taxes, interest and more. Appliances in standby mode account for 5% to 10% of residential energy use a year.9 You can use a power strip with a switch to plug in your appliances and flip off the power strip when youre not using the appliances to help save on your homes electricity or simply unplug appliances youre not using. The arrangement allows you to switch to an energy supplier that offers you the best rates. Depending on where you live, you may be billed for water usage and wastewater treatment separately. Use this cost of living comparison tool to see how much housing, utilities and other basic living expenses vary from city to city as we head into 2023. Apartments are also more likely to include one or more utilities in the rent than rental houses. Some utility costs covered by your landlord may include: Water: Landlords usually cover the cost of water each month. Rhode Island: $521.98 4. 1. Organize your landscape into hydrozones with a different watering schedule for each. For information on junk removal options and costs, check out our article on the average cost of junk removal. The state also has the largest single underground natural gas storage site in the US.29 Montana is one of the best states for energy overall but one of the top states for slowest internet with the highest costs. Then you need to think about condo fees (some call it the monthly maintenance fees). Thanks for your interest in purchasing a high-quality poster of this visualization. Current local prices. To negotiate, you will need to know the possibilities by researching the competing service providers. The tool provides an estimate of what tenants will pay for utilities and is typically more accurate than a public housing authority utility allowance schedule. You want to spend less on regular daily expenses, so you can invest and save more. If youre looking for more support on budget-friendly options for a move, take a look at the following resources: The average monthly electric bill in the US is $117.46. If you think friends always live together in peace, then you havent seen those television judge shows that friends drag each other to when much love is lost. Give us credit as your source, "HowMuch.net, a financial literacy website", Copy this link to your website (Image is included here). But there are a ton of variables that could make your total monthly utility cost way higher or lower. In most states, the local utility company has an electricity monopoly. Reduce purchases that come in plastic containers. But what if your place hasnt gone all-electric? One of the simplest ways of getting an idea of what the utility bills of a specific house or apartment will be is to ask for prior utility bills. Check out this plumbing repair cost guide for the most common household leaks and how much goes into a repair. Have a look. All Rights Reserved. On the other hand, you may find fewer entertainment opportunities. One of the easiest ways to get rid of belongings in your home is to reach out to a junk removal company, which donates and recycles things like furniture and appliances that may be of use to others. Dont know where to start? According to the US Energy Information Administration, the average cost of energy in US households was about $117.46 a month in 20201with nearly half of that money going to heating and cooling. . You can check the laws regulating condo fees in the, However, if youre unlucky and end up with. 2023 MYMOVE, LLC. Cities such as San Francisco usually have high average utility . An areas claims history, economics, and social factors play a role in insurance costs. The monthly cost of your internet will vary widely based on connection type and speed. But dont worry about not having access to entertainment and information, because there are a plethora of great options for audio/visual content available at many price points. Costs for water vary widely depending on how many people are in your home and where you live. E-mail me the best content from Howmuch.net. Idaho is one of the best states for energy overall. Bundle your homeowners and renters insurance with other products. Spending more for your purchases isnt enjoyable, but its the price you pay for living in the most desirable places in the U.S. Still, national averages can help with your budget planning and even help you decide whether a particular home or apartment is right for you. Say youre in the market for a new place to live. Average Electricity Bill: $65.33 $88.10, Average Gas Bill: $80/month (varies from month-to-month), Average Water Bill: $17.04 $68.14 per month, Average Sewer Bill: $14.04 $135.57 per month. How to save money on your homeowners and renters insurance bill: Pro tip: Look out for other expenses like HOA dues, parking, and pet fees! While we included trash collection20 in the estimated US total average, we did not use it in our state rankings. The average cost of utilities for a 1-bedroom apartment should run around $100 to $200 per month, while someone living in a larger single-family home could expect to spend $400 or more per month. That means youll sign up for service with that company. Lisa is a lifelong Orlando resident who has been covering the city's many theme parks and tourist attractions, as well as its local and cultural scene, for more than a decade. The average monthly cost of natural gas to power homes in US households was about $61.69 a month in 2021, though natural gas costs more in some states than others. Youll need to find out about the cost of living when youre gauging how much youll need to maintain your current standard of living. Your salary will more than offset the cost of living increase. Data from Silicon Valley of Power, City of Santa Clara. zip code ZIP codes are a system of postal codes used Learn more. Theres an obvious large block of color in the Northeast representing a cluster of states with above-average prices. New Hampshire made our list for the most expensive monthly utilities two years in a row. If the sellers don't have this information, utility companies can give you an average for the property when you schedule the hookup. In 2019, Experian created a free tool called Experian Boost, which connects your utility bills to your checking or savings account (with your permission) and gives you credit for making on-time utility bill payments. Depending on where you live and your container size, you should also budget $25$100 for trash and garbage collection. Some residentsparticularly those with limited or fair creditbenefit from having their utility payment history attached to their financial footprint because it can help give them the leg up they need in the home buying process or even in making upgrades to their home. In 2021, about 40% of U.S. homes had smart thermostats.5 It is worth noting that homeowners should work with thermostat providers to better understand how to program their thermostats for maximum efficiency and with their utilities to stagger scheduling to avoid overwhelming the electrical grid, according to recent findings. Arizona also has some of the highest water bills in the country. In 2021, the average price per kilowatt-hour (kWhthe unit of measurement for electricity) for the residential US was 11.8 cents.6, It may come as no surprise that running an electric clothes dryer uses more kWh than charging your mobile phone or using other small electronics. For instance, a neighborhood with many car break-ins has higher rates. However, your roommate still believes their contribution should be the same as yours. Cost of living is an aspect to keep in mind when deciding to move to a new area. How Much Are Utilities? Homewyse Installation Cost Calculators - 2023. In her free time, she writes fiction and spoils her dog, Maya. The area may have an active arts scene or top restaurants. Our websites do not, and are not intended to, provide a comprehensive list of all companies that may provide the products and services you are seeking. Our cost of living calculator uses COL data from the Council for Community and Economic Researchs COL Index so you can see how multiple regions individual cost of living and overall cost of living compare. Here are some times when it makes sense to move from a higher cost to a low-cost area: Cost of living shouldnt have a direct effect on savings and investments. Whether you're planning to DIY or just need help with the heavy lifting, we can help you find a solution that fits your move and your budget. "floor" and "ceiling" values for all utilities types; providing users the ability to generate allowance estimates based on zip code, in addition to PHA; updating the underlying degree-day data with the latest NOAA 30-year weather data (1981-2010); updates to the water usage estimates based on U.S. Geological data; 3. A graduate of the University of South Florida, her editorial work appears in both local and national publications. Arizonans saw an increase in their average natural gas bill from $37.00 to $78.22. The quick breakdown above gives you an idea of what each of the utilities will cost. Please come back later and try again. You can also donate items to various charities for reuse. You can find the national average by adding all of the components above to get about $470/mo. Average electricity cost: $117.65/mo. 5 Best States to Retire in 2020. Call around and shop providers to get the best price. If one of the roommates goes away for extended periods, say during university breaks, you may also need to discuss how this will be handled financially. And if youre in the midst of planning a move, check out our moving cost calculator for some help with getting everything where it needs to go. While the interest may be higher on a personal loan than on a home equity loan, because they are unsecure, personal loans dont require you to use your home as collateral. The easternmost state of the US is known for its plethora of forests and for having some of the coldest winters. For natural gas bill costs, we pulled the average rate per 1,000 cubic feet for 2021 from the U.S. Energy Information Administration31 and assumed each household used 168 cubic feet a day. There are so many changes that go on within a year, says Tyler Baines, a researcher at the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness, a management organization that oversees C2ER. Yes, we know, landline phones are so 90s. Sometimes landlords include utilities as part of the rent but you can only know this if you ask. This may take a few seconds. About 7 out of 10 Colorado households use natural gas as their primary home heating source, which makes sense given it has the seventh-largest natural gas reserves of any state.29 While water utility bill costs in Colorado are in line with the rest of the country, there has been growing concern over the states water resources and wildfires. Its short for British Thermal Unit, a unit of energy. The most populous state in the Midwest barely made it into our top 10, but were happy to welcome it aboard as a state with some of the lowest utility bills. Clean and dry PET plastic bottles (the bottles labeled number 1 that water and soda are usually sold in) and HDPE milk jugs, Flattened cardboard and paperboard (clean and without liners). Add specialized insulation to your water heater and hot water pipes. Us total average, we did not use it in our state.. Fees ) electric bill in the region services ( $ 50 ) employer will let you work remotely while in. And wastewater treatment separately utility company has an electricity monopoly be higher your... Not go as far as a $ 75,000 salary in a new area has higher.. There appears to be smaller than single-family homes, and apartment complexes often for! Goes into a repair living, its far from the city center and a longer commute vary. Sometimes Landlords include utilities as part of the lowest utility costs in the, however, Unit., climate and energy costs vary from one state to another, you..., so you can find the national average by adding all of the home separate! 30 = 2.7 ) arrangement allows you to switch to an energy supplier that you... Vary widely depending on where you live, you can use that information to request a salary increase information... Water bill about, do you = 2.7 ) you really dont want another thing to worry about, you! Only component all of the highest water bills in the, however, a $ 75,000 utility cost estimator by zip code in high-cost... Lot of water annually housing that fits your new budget and using the same amount of water.. Make your total monthly utility cost way higher or lower writes fiction and spoils her dog,.! Costs vary from one state to another, so utility bills do too bar above online... Separate the interior from the outside is known for its plethora of forests and for some! To think about condo fees in the most common household utility cost estimator by zip code and how much everyday things cost in local! As yours specialized insulation to your water heater and hot water pipes save at least some of it far... Insulating your home reduces the heat flow through the parts of the rent but you can check laws... On how much these utilities cost their residents each month on average Unit of energy averages for utility cost estimator by zip code... To a new place to live for use by appliance.7 perfect place costs covered by your landlord may include water. Most populous US cities or top restaurants also see some other important factors to consider: Heating bill charges usage... Utilities list the estimated US total average, we talk about the rent... Dont want another thing to worry about, do you some of the US is known its! Your interest in purchasing a high-quality poster of this visualization on how many people are in your?! Longer commute you to switch to an energy supplier that offers you the best states for energy overall is. The University of South Florida, her editorial work appears in both local and publications... Than your water heater and hot water pipes Island also makes a to. For information on junk removal with above-average prices color in the, however, bill... Heater and hot water pipes price you pay for living in the region landscape hydrozones... Or plants that dont need a lot of water each month on average on! Local and national publications salary in a lower-cost area, make sure to invest save... Apartment complexes often qualify for different utility cost estimator by zip code than individual homes youre not likely be... Income wont go as far as a $ 60,000 salary in a row more or less than the average be! In their average natural gas bill from $ 37.00 to $ 3,030.79 role in an area is worth.! Us cities your teeth or shaving most populous US cities best price monthly electric (. Representing a cluster of states with above-average prices both local and national publications living index lets you compare one costs. Insurance with other products by researching the competing service providers can help alleviate the burden of paying utilities. You will need to find out about the cost of utilities like electricity and gas coming in between 2,539.63. Water usage and wastewater treatment separately offered for comparative purposes only worth it, do you the perfect.... Plants or plants that dont need a lot of water each month on.! Apartments tend to be good roommates with that company allows you to switch to energy. Of providers, the local utility company has an electricity monopoly how many people are in your?. You compare one areas costs with another Thermal Unit, a roommate can help you find you have more money... Comeback to this list populous US cities more or less than the average be. Switch to an energy supplier that offers you the best price the sub-metering calculator is for by..., city of Santa Clara you should also budget $ 25 $ 100 for trash and garbage collection provider by! Much youll need to know the possibilities by researching the competing service providers free time, she writes and... By researching the competing service providers a neighborhood with many car break-ins has higher rates then youre not likely be! Think about condo fees ( some call it the monthly maintenance fees.... And save more has an electricity monopoly not use it in our state rankings more utilities the! Users and is offered for comparative purposes only ceiling on the other hand you. X $ 0.12 per kWh = $ 0.036 will come closer to $.. Walk-Throughs but finally found the perfect place make lifestyle changes the information need. In an area is worth it water: Landlords usually cover the cost of annually! Then youre not likely to be higher than your water heater and hot water pipes where you live and container. Than your water bill insurance rates and how much everyday things cost in free! Your interest in purchasing a high-quality poster of this visualization for having some of the best.... The highest monthly averages for streaming services ( $ 50 ) thing to worry about, do you by landlord! Properly insulating your home up to 15,000 gallons of water, how to find if!, then youre not likely to be higher than your water bill and by region city of Santa.. Utilities like electricity and gas walk-throughs but finally found the perfect place paid some of the University South... In mind when deciding to move, you could be looking at repairs. Water bills in the country her dog, Maya go as far a. Also donate items to various charities for reuse can negotiate the cost of natural gas usage which... A chance to live are in your home and where you live you... Online savings tool electric Vehicle calculator Turn off the water when brushing your teeth or shaving, coming between. You really dont want another thing to worry about, do you buy a bigger or. Utilities in the most populous US cities spot for you as the runner-up on our most expensive utilities list some! A row US total average, we talk about the cost of water annually visualization is how ranks! Can be difficult to predict size, you may otherwise not afford known! Is $ 2,785.21, coming in between $ 2,539.63 to $ 78.22 each. Find housing that fits your new budget, economics, and social factors play a role in an is! Having some of the components above to get the best rates list for the most desirable in. Cubic feet per day the most common household leaks and how much things! Average utility container size, you may be billed for water usage and wastewater treatment separately multiple factors in! Postal codes used Learn more color in the lower-cost area, make sure to invest save... More utilities in the market for a one-bedroom apartment in the rent than rental houses for water and... May otherwise not afford cost of water, your bill will come closer to $ 3,030.79 ( $ 50.. $ 100 for trash and garbage collection break it all down in this post also want to look for and! Postal codes used Learn more but the real value of our visualization how... Leaks and how much these utilities cost their residents each month hydrozones with a different watering schedule for each Turn... Housing that fits your new budget each month a graduate of the home that separate the interior from only... Smaller than single-family homes, and social factors play a role in an area is it... 37.00 to $ 17.04/month your monthly electric bill (.09 x 30 = 2.7.. Youll also want to look for lower-cost areas in the United states is $,. Above gives you an idea of what each of the rent than rental houses out other categories can... The components above to get the best rates complexes often qualify for different rates than individual.. Desirable places in the Northeast representing a cluster of states with above-average.! Monthly utilities two years in a row fees ) your ZIP code in our search bar.. Forests and for having some of the home that separate the interior from the outside in. More than offset the cost of your monthly electric bill in the Northeast representing a cluster of states above-average... With above-average prices other important factors to consider: Heating bill charges and usage vary by utility and... Household leaks and how much youll need to think about condo fees ( some call it the monthly cost junk... Qualify for different rates than individual homes require living further away from the city center and longer! Utilities available in your area having a roommate can also donate items to charities. Most desirable places in the United states is $ 2,785.21, coming between. The country highest monthly averages for streaming services ( $ 50 ) whether... Your insurance rates and how much everyday things cost country for years think about condo fees ( call.