Do You Know How Much Are Monthly Utilities for A Single Person?
An average monthly electric bill in the US is $100-120 per month. Furthermore, an average American family has 2.6 members, which brings the average electric bill per person down to some $40. However, there is more to it, as each new household member does not add the same amount of electricity use to the electric bill. Let’s read on and find out how much electricity one person uses per month.
How Much Does Your Electricity Cost Each Month?
Single-person households in the US use more energy per resident than bigger households. To better understand why that is so, consider the average Internet bill: in the US, broadband Internet costs $59.99 on average, meaning that one family will pay this much regardless of how many members it has.
The situation with your average electric bill is pretty much the same, as bigger appliances, such as HVAC, the fridge, and the freezer, work the same time during the day regardless of how many family members live in the house. The electricity they consume depends more on the size of the house/apartment than the family members in it. However, with some other appliances, such as the TV, the dishwasher, and the laundry machine, it is easy to see how more family members mean higher energy use.
An average single person living in a house pays around $79 on their electricity bill. Most of this bill goes for larger electricity users, such as your cooling and heating systems, as well as the water heater and the ventilation. Adding more family members means more power used, so a two-member household pays around $110 for electricity and a three-member household $130.
However, in apartments, the average electric bill is significantly lower. As the surface of the apartment is smaller, and there are fewer walls exposed to the elements, the costs for heating and cooling are much lower. Considering that these sometimes account for up to 50% of your electricity bill, it is easy to see where the savings come from. An average person in an apartment spends $55-60 per month on electricity, two persons spend $65-85 per month, and three people living in the same apartment spend around $80-95 on their electricity bill.
Here is a breakdown of how much different-sized households pay for their electric bill in a house vs. an apartment:
| Number of People in the Household | Average Electricity Bill [Apartment] | Average Electricity Bill [House] |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $55-60 | $79 |
| 2 Persons | $65-85 | $110 |
| 3 People | $80-95 | $130 |
Average Electricity Price
Moreover, your electricity bills do not only depend on the size of your home and your family. The average electricity price in your area can have a significant impact on your monthly electric bill as well. Compare electricity rates in Texas ($0.1255) and electricity rates in Hawaii ($0.3517). The difference in the electric bills between these two states mostly comes from the electricity costs.
How To Calculate the Average Electricity Bill?
To understand the average electricity price you pay, you should refer to your electricity bill. Your utility bills always have the average price per unit for electricity, water, sewage, natural gas, etc. Multiplying your average monthly usage with the electric rate gives you how much you’re paying for your electricity.
Monthly Electricity Use X Average Cost per kWh = Your Electricity Bill (in cents),
Monthly Electricity Use X Average Cost per kWh / 100 = Your Electricity Bill (in dollars)
You can also calculate how much electricity a single device or appliance you have used in a month. This is very useful when you are deciding on the next appliance to purchase, as choosing more energy-efficient appliances, such as Energy-Star appliances, leads to saving money and lessening your water bill. To calculate how much power your appliances use in a month, use the following formula:
Appliance Power X Time of Use in a Day X 30 (days) = Appliance Energy use
Let’s take a look at several examples to understand how your electric bills come to be so high. An average American home has at least one TV, one fridge, and one AC unit. An average TV has a nominal power of 0.030 kW, the fridge 0.300 kW, and the AC 3.00 kW. With an assumption that all these appliances run for 10 hours on an average day, we come to the following electricity use:
TV: 0.030 kW X 10 hours X 30 days = 9 kWh per month
Fridge: 0.300 kW X 10 hours X 30 days = 90 kWh per month
AC: 3.00 kW X 10 hours X 30 days = 900 kWh per month
Please be aware that this is the average cost for your electricity use. These prices are only illustrative and exclude other expenses you may be paying with your energy bills, such as the Power Provider Flat Fee and the TDSP (Transmission and Distribution Service Provider) flat fee. These add around $10-20 to your average utility bill.
United States Average Monthly Energy Bill
The average cost of electricity in the US is on the rise. This happens for two reasons: first of all, the average inflation rate rises the prices over time. Secondly, as the fuels get more expensive, the electricity costs rise as well. For this reason, the average US electricity bill has been steadily rising in the past few years.
Back in the early 2000s, the average electricity costs for residential power were around $0.07 per kWh. In 2020, they were $0.1278. In 2021, the average utility bills were based on an electricity price of $0.1375. This information is available on the Energy Information Administration website and is a good example of prices normally rising over time.
That brings us to the average monthly energy bill in the US: $117.65. With an average use of 893-914 kWh per household per month, this is the approximate price that many US households were paying. Normally, a household that takes care of their energy efficiency will pay less for the natural gas bill, will have a lower average water bill, and their Energy-Star appliances will save energy and reduce the overall monthly cost of their utility bills. You can always use Electricrate to check out the electricity prices in your ZIP code area.
Besides the size of your household and your family size, there are other factors that influence the power bill in an average American household. These factors include climate, state electricity rates, and the energy supplier you choose (especially in deregulated energy markets). Let’s learn more about the factors that affect your monthly electric bill.
Climate
The climate is one of the factors that affect your utility cost. While Texans spend a lot of money and electricity to keep their houses cool in the summer, Alaskans spend a lot of money to keep them warm in the winter. So, where you live has a big say on your electricity and natural gas costs.
Furthermore, weather events can dictate the price of fuels and energy consumption. That way, your electricity bill, and natural gas bill are both influenced by these weather events. Particularly hot or cold weather increases the energy consumed by the average household and increases the energy price for everybody. Particularly vulnerable to this are the households using variable-rate energy plans.
State Electricity Rates
Your monthly utility bills are also influenced by the state you live in. Every state has different electricity rates, depending on energy production and how much of that power actually gets used. Texas, for example, has very cheap electricity – in part thanks to its renewable energy efforts. Hawaii, on the other hand, has electricity that is very expensive, mostly because the costs of transporting fuels to the islands are very high.
Energy Supplier
In deregulated states, choosing the best electricity provider can affect your average utility costs. Choosing utility companies and power providers that offer fair pricing and freebies will ensure that your cooling systems and water heater do not push you into debt. Many good energy suppliers will also offer free advice on how to become more energy-efficient and reduce electricity and gas consumption.
Average Monthly Energy Bill by State
As has been mentioned earlier, climate and electricity rates are some of the biggest contributors to how much is the average electric bill in your household. Since no two states are alike, we’ve decided to calculate the average monthly energy bill by state. Here is the average electricity bill calculated on the basis of average price and consumption for every US state:
| State | Average Electricity Price per kWh [December 2021] | Average Electricity Consumption per Household [kWh] | Average Electric Bill [December 2021] |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $0.0935 per kWh | 1,145 | $112.10 |
| Alaska | $0.0979 per kWh | 552 | $122.38 |
| Arizona | $0.1007 per kWh | 1,114 | $140.70 |
| Arkansas | $0.1016 per kWh | 1,060 | $115.12 |
| California | $0.1022 per kWh | 572 | $132.82 |
| Colorado | $0.1033 per kWh | 711 | $96.06 |
| Connecticut | $0.1062 per kWh | 711 | $148.24 |
| Delaware | $0.1063 per kWh | 932 | $117.62 |
| Florida | $0.1073 per kWh | 1,142 | $139.32 |
| Georgia | $0.1086 per kWh | 1,081 | $131.34 |
| Hawaii | $0.1114 per kWh | 537 | $191.01 |
| Idaho | $0.1116 per kWh | 955 | $98.65 |
| Illinois | $0.1129 per kWh | 721 | $97.55 |
| Indiana | $0.1153 per kWh | 938 | $128.04 |
| Iowa | $0.1155 per kWh | 865 | $99.91 |
| Kansas | $0.1156 per kWh | 883 | $112.05 |
| Kentucky | $0.1164 per kWh | 1,073 | $130.80 |
| Louisiana | $0.1182 per kWh | 1,201 | $138.84 |
| Maine | $0.1185 per kWh | 570 | $102.09 |
| Maryland | $0.1198 per kWh | 957 | $134.75 |
| Massachusetts | $0.1215 per kWh | 602 | $146.29 |
| Michigan | $0.1219 per kWh | 676 | $116.61 |
| Minnesota | $0.122 per kWh | 775 | $99.20 |
| Mississippi | $0.1221 per kWh | 1,146 | $137.29 |
| Missouri | $0.1255 per kWh | 1,028 | $109.17 |
| Montana | $0.1262 per kWh | 858 | $95.58 |
| Nebraska | $0.1263 per kWh | 1,013 | $103.53 |
| Nevada | $0.1269 per kWh | 973 | $118.80 |
| New Hampshire | $0.1278 per kWh | 630 | $132.43 |
| New Jersey | $0.128 per kWh | 683 | $109.28 |
| New Mexico | $0.1307 per kWh | 670 | $87.57 |
| New York | $0.1307 per kWh | 602 | $117.39 |
| North Carolina | $0.1351 per kWh | 1,041 | $117.53 |
| North Dakota | $0.1353 per kWh | 1,085 | $101.45 |
| Ohio | $0.1365 per kWh | 873 | $111.57 |
| Oklahoma | $0.1408 per kWh | 1,078 | $115.67 |
| Oregon | $0.1422 per kWh | 916 | $102.23 |
| Pennsylvania | $0.1437 per kWh | 846 | $121.57 |
| Rhode Island | $0.16 per kWh | 594 | $149.15 |
| South Carolina | $0.1725 per kWh | 1,081 | $141.29 |
| South Dakota | $0.1791 per kWh | 1,037 | $119.57 |
| Tennessee | $0.195 per kWh | 1,168 | $135.96 |
| Texas | $0.196 per kWh | 1,132 | $142.07 |
| Utah | $0.2085 per kWh | 769 | $78.13 |
| Vermont | $0.2102 per kWh | 567 | $111.13 |
| Virginia | $0.2217 per kWh | 1,095 | $129.76 |
| Washington | $0.2322 per kWh | 969 | $97.58 |
| West Virginia | $0.243 per kWh | 1,051 | $124.23 |
| Wisconsin | $0.2511 per kWh | 694 | $98.69 |
| Wyoming | $0.3557 per kWh | 869 | $92.37 |
| U.S. Total Average | $0.1375 per kWh | 893 | $122.79 |
Average Home Energy Bill
Considering the above table, it is easy to see why an average home energy bill can be so different in different states. Starting in Utah, with $78.13, and ending in Hawaii, with an average power bill of $191.01, it becomes apparent that the power use is not the only important factor determining your power bill since Hawaii actually uses less electricity than Utah: 537 kWh per month, as opposed to 769 kWh in Utah.
On the other hand, the usage itself does not help understand the average home energy bill either. Hawaii has the lowest energy use per household but has the highest energy bill. Louisiana, on the other hand, has the highest energy usage per household of 1,201 kWh per month, while the Louisiana average home energy bill of $138.84 is just a few dollars above the national average.
To really understand where the difference comes from, we must take a look at a number of factors determining energy use and price: from home size and the age of your home to the number of people living in your household. It is at the intersection of these factors combined with the electric rate that we can find the reason for very different energy use and power bill charges.
Home Size
Your home size is the single most important factor that affects your electricity and natural gas monthly bill. Even if you have a large house, you can still save money and pay at least the national average gas bill in the winter and electricity bill in the summer. You can do this by choosing energy-efficient models of your appliances, insulating your home, and finding a low electricity rate for your household.
For example, an average home in Texas is 2,412 sq. feet. With the average US annual electricity consumption of 4.73 kWh per sq. foot, this means that the house itself will need around 11,400 kWh per year for lighting, heating, and cooling. Connecticut’s average home size, on the other hand, is only 1,804 sq. feet and will use only 8,530 kWh per year.
Age of Your Home
The age of your home is another important factor that determines your utility costs. Newer homes tend to have larger windows (meaning more light and heat received during winter), better insulation (less heating and cooling), and better fixtures (saving water and natural gas for water heating). As your home gets older, the insulation wears off, water heaters become less efficient, and air conditioning has to go the extra mile to keep your house cool.
Number of People in the Household
The next most important factor to consider is the number of people living in your household. A two-person family will never use the same amount of electricity as a six-member family. More people means more laundry and dishes to wash, as well as more hot water for showering, gas for heating, and more electricity used by the air conditioner. Furthermore, your cable TV and Internet connection may need to be upped to work for more people.
Appliances and Electronics Power Usage
Your house has dozens of appliances and electronics, all of which draw power when in use. Additionally, many of them, such as the TV and smartphone chargers, draw power even when not in use. Over the course of the month, this use adds up, and you end up with an energy bill that is over your monthly budget. Choosing Energy-Star rated appliances can save money and energy, as these appliances use the least electricity possible.
Some other devices, such as the dryers and laundry machines, use electricity only when in use, but they can draw a lot of power and up your energy bill and water usage even with periodic use. Choosing a front-loader instead of a top-loader can save up to 5 kWh per hot cycle, and opting for a dryer with a heat pump or natural gas costs less than running an electric one. Every kilowatt-hour saved is a kilowatt-hour less to be paid. Here is a breakdown of the monthly energy use of some common appliances and electronics:
| Appliance | Energy Usage per Cycle / Hour | Energy Usage per Month | Cost to Run per Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| A/C | 3 kWh per Hour @ 8 hours a day | 720 kWh | $90.00 |
| Washing Machine - Top Loader @ hot cycle | 6.15 kWh per load @ three loads a week | 73.8 kWh | $9.59 |
| Washing Machine - Front Loader @ hot cycle | 1.5 kWh per load @ three loads a week | 18 kWh | $2.34 |
| Electric Clothes Dryer | 3 kWh per load @ three loads a week | 36 kWh | $4.50 |
| Dishwasher | 1.25 kWh per load @ a load a day | 37.5 kWh | $4.68 |
| TV | 0.030 kWh per hour @ 4 hours a day | 3.6 kWh | $0.45 |
| Hair Dryer | 2 kWh per hour @ 15 minutes a day | 15 kWh | $1.88 |
| Laptop | 0..045 kWh per hour left plugged in | 32.4 kWh | $4.05 |
| Incandescent Light - 100 W | 0.100 kWh per hour @ 8 hours a day | 24 kWh | $3.00 |
| LED light - 100 W-equivalent | 0.013 kWh per hour @ 8 hours a day | 3.12 kWh | $0.39 |
These are estimated costs with the energy rate of $0.125 per kilowatt-hour and nominal power use for time-based consumption data.
What is Energy Deregulation?
Back in 1978, the Public Utility Regulatory Act was passed, and it allowed states to choose how to supply electricity to their citizens. Since then, 18 US states have become energy deregulated. The states that chose to split their distribution company into utility companies and utility providers are California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, and Washington D.C.
Some of the characteristics of a deregulated energy market include a separate utility company, taking care of the grid, energy transmission, and distribution, energy providers, selling wholesale electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Some of the benefits of energy deregulation include low energy prices, better customer care, and support, and the power to choose your power provider.
How To Lessen Your Electric Bill?
If your electric bill is too high, there are many ways to lessen it. Being aware of how your electronics and appliances use power, using energy-efficient appliances, installing a smart thermostat, and using solar panels are only some of the ways you can use to spend fewer kWhs every month. Let’s learn more:
Unplug Unused Electronics or Appliances
Your electronics use power even when off. The standby mode draw or the vampire power use can add up over time. In the UK alone, the standby mode use is high enough to supply over 60,000 households with energy. If you want to reduce the average cents your appliances use when turned off and reduce the cost of utilities, invest in smart power strips. These strips can completely cut off the power supply to your electronics and appliances when they are not in use.
Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
Using Energy-Efficient appliances can significantly reduce your power consumption. Energy-efficient light bulbs use up to 90% less energy than their regular counterparts. Furthermore, efficient appliances reduce water use, gas-fueled appliances cost around 60-70% less to run, and installing a smart thermostat on top of these changes can reduce your power bills even further.
Install a Smart Thermostat
How much does heating cost you a month? How about cooling? You may be surprised to learn that these expenses can be in the hundreds of dollars per month. Installing a smart thermostat can help you with nearly half of these expenses, depending on the type of heating and your location. A significant portion of your power also goes to heating rooms that are not used during certain periods of the day – a smart thermostat can heat rooms only when they are needed.
Use Solar Panels
Using solar panels can help further reduce your power bill. Although a solar system does not reduce power consumption, it can reduce your power bill by producing some of the electricity you consume. At the same time, this energy is clean, green energy that helps fight climate change and reduce your carbon footprint.
FAQs
Why has my electricity bill doubled?
The most common reason your electricity bill doubles is because your energy usage has increased. To understand exactly how this could have happened, make sure to understand what your average monthly electric bill is. If you have recently purchased any new devices or appliances, ensure that you read their power rating right: a small laptop draws a staggering 32 kWh per month if left running. Furthermore, particularly cold or hot weather is known to significantly increase energy consumption.
How much more expensive is electricity than gas?
Natural gas is 2-3 times cheaper than electricity. This means that any form of heating in your home should be switched to electricity, as it can save you serious money. How much can you save by switching to natural gas? Well, a single year of heating your home using electricity costs the same as heating that same house for two to three years using natural gas.
How many kWh per month is normal?
The average US household uses 893 kWh per month. Note that your energy use may be very different from this and still be normal: particularly hot or cold states demand more energy to be used simply to keep the house at a comfortable temperature. Furthermore, the size of the house and the size of your family have a big say in how high your electricity bill will be. In general, anywhere between 20-40 kWh per day, or 600 – 1,200 kWh, is considered optimum energy usage for a medium-sized home with two to four family members.
How often do electricity prices change?
Electricity prices change all the time. Sometimes, you can see electricity prices change several times in a matter of an hour on the wholesale market. This is the reason why a fixed-rate energy plan is always the best solution for your household or a small business, as energy costs can be expected to stay the same month after month.
Conclusion
Calculating how much electricity one uses per month is easier said than done. However, with good data and the right knowledge to help you crack your power bill, this can be done as well. Once you know how power is consumed and which appliances draw the most power in your home, you can reduce your energy use, increase the energy efficiency of your home, and help your wallet by keeping a few extra dollars in it month after month.
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