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Home Utility Cost Estimator

Estimate your monthly home utility bills — electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash — by home size and region. Use these benchmarks when budgeting for a new home or comparing total cost of ownership.

Monthly Utility Costs by Home Size

Small = under 1,500 sq ft  |  Medium = 1,500–2,500 sq ft  |  Large = 2,500+ sq ft

UtilitySmall HomeMedium HomeLarge HomeVaries With
Electricity$80–$120$120–$180$180–$280Climate, AC usage, EV charging
Natural Gas$40–$70$70–$120$120–$200Heating climate, gas stove/dryer
Water & Sewer$30–$50$50–$80$80–$130Lawn irrigation, family size
Trash & Recycling$20–$35$25–$40$30–$50Municipality, frequency
Internet$40–$80$50–$90$60–$100Provider, speed tier
Home Phone/Cable$0–$50$0–$80$0–$100If retained; mostly cut
Total (est.)$210–$355/mo$315–$510/mo$470–$760/mo

Average Utility Costs by Region

Northeast (MA, NY, CT)

Electric: High ($150–$220/mo)Gas: High ($100–$180/mo)

Cold winters drive gas up; high electric rates

Southeast (FL, GA, SC)

Electric: High ($140–$200/mo)Gas: Low ($30–$60/mo)

AC dominates; mild winters reduce gas

Midwest (IL, OH, MI)

Electric: Moderate ($100–$160/mo)Gas: High ($90–$160/mo)

Harsh winters; lower electric rates

Southwest (TX, AZ, NV)

Electric: Moderate ($110–$180/mo)Gas: Low ($25–$55/mo)

Desert AC costs high summer; mild winters

West Coast (CA, WA, OR)

Electric: Moderate ($90–$150/mo)Gas: Moderate ($50–$100/mo)

Mild climate; CA has high electric rates

Mountain (CO, UT, MT)

Electric: Low ($80–$130/mo)Gas: Moderate ($70–$130/mo)

Lower rates; cold winters drive gas

Ways to Lower Your Utility Bills

Add attic insulation

Save $200–$600/yr on heating and cooling

Upgrade to a heat pump HVAC

Cut heating costs 30–50% vs gas furnace

Install a smart thermostat

Save $100–$200/yr on average

Seal air leaks and caulk windows

Save 10–20% on HVAC energy

Switch to LED lighting

Save $75–$200/yr on electricity

Install a tankless water heater

Save $100–$200/yr vs tank heater

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