Estimated monthly costs for a typical household · Q1 2026
Total monthly utilities
$268
National avg: $277/mo · $9 below average
Electricity
Varies most by climate zone and home size.
$122/mo
+20% vs national avg ($102/mo)
Natural Gas
Higher in cold-climate cities, near zero in the South.
$30/mo
-47% vs national avg ($57/mo)
Water & Sewer
Rates set by local municipality.
$35/mo
-12% vs national avg ($40/mo)
Internet
Assumes 100 Mbps+ broadband plan.
$55/mo
-4% vs national avg ($57/mo)
Trash & Recycling
Some cities bundle this into property taxes.
$26/mo
-4% vs national avg ($27/mo)
Estimates based on EIA residential data, BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey, and ISP market surveys. Actual bills vary by home size (data assumes 1,800 sq ft), usage habits, and provider.