REVEALED: The states with the highest and lowest utility costs – how do your monthly bills stack up?
Higher costs are straining household budgets across America – and utility bills are no exception.
According to new sources, the annual cost of energy bills has increased by an average of $293.30 over the past two years. analysis by the Angi home services website.
And some states pay a premium for basic services — with Americans in the most expensive areas paying up to $200 a month more than in the cheapest.
Angi analyzed the average monthly price for electricity, water, natural gas, internet and cable in all states.
Hawaii is the most expensive, it found, with average monthly energy costs of $441.54. New Mexico residents, meanwhile, pay the lowest price for utilities: $247.62 per month.
According to the Angi analysis, the average American pays $13.38 per month for natural gas, $42 for water, $122 for internet and cable and $136.71 for electricity.
Although some households consider streaming services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime to be monthly essentials, the study did not take these costs into account. And in some cities and states, household services such as trash and sewer are also charged as utilities.
Although the average median household income has risen to $74,580 over the past two years, high inflation has caused the typical annual cost of household bills to also rise to $3,761.14, the study found.
The amount households pay for utilities varies depending on location, as well as energy consumption, the size of the house and the age of the appliances.
The state with the second-highest energy costs, after Hawaii, according to the study, is West Virginia, where households typically spend $383.35 per month.
Third on the list is Delaware, where residents must spend $369.83 monthly to keep their homes warm and the water running.
The second-cheapest state for utilities is Wisconsin, the study found, where households spend $248.86 on bills.
South Dakota is the third cheapest state, where monthly utility costs for electricity, water, internet, cable and gas reach $252.46.
Some states pay a premium for basic services – with Americans in the most expensive areas paying up to $200 per month more than in the cheapest
New Mexico residents pay the lowest price for utilities: $247.62 per month, the study found
Electricity is the utility that fluctuates the most by state, with monthly costs averaging $214.24 in Hawaii and $89.95 in New Mexico.
“Electricity costs vary significantly depending on your location and are often based on factors such as local fuel costs, fuel availability, proximity to power stations and state and local regulations,” says Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi.
“In general, areas close to energy sources have lower electricity costs, while remote areas that must import fuel (such as Hawaii) have higher electricity costs.”
There are several ways to lower your electric bill, the study said, including upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, adding a smart thermostat, checking your insulation and weatherproofing your home.
It also recommends having your air conditioning serviced if you have one to save costs, as unused air conditioners become 5 percent less efficient every year.
Monthly water bills, meanwhile, vary based on an area’s access to fresh, self-renewing water sources and local rules on usage and billing.
“In general, areas with easier access to water offer lower water costs, while drier areas have higher costs,” the study reads.
Electricity prices are high in Hawaii, mainly because most of the state’s electricity is generated with expensive imported fuel
Monthly water bills vary depending on an area’s access to fresh, self-renewing water sources and local regulations on usage and billing
By reducing your water usage you can lower your bill and regularly check for water leaks that can significantly increase your bill.
Internet and cable costs range from $95 per month in South Dakota to $156 per month in Delaware – largely due to local markets and not infrastructure costs.
Although natural gas will cost a fairly low bill compared to other utilities, there can still be a significant difference depending on where you live.
While it typically costs $6.51 per month in North Dakota, it costs Hawaii residents $45.30.
“Like other utilities, natural gas prices are influenced by the local retail environment, operating costs, local taxes and regulations, and each area’s distance from natural supplies,” Angi said.