One thing many consumers want to know is what is the average electric bill. This is usually so they can compare their own bill to this average.
The cost you pay for electricity each month largely depends on how much electricity you consume. Aside from the additional minor charges on your bill, you can determine how much you’ll spend on electricity by multiplying the number of kilowatt-hours you consume over a month by the cost per kilowatt-hour that your utility company or supplier charges. In some cases, this cost will vary over time, but if you have a fixed-rate plan, it will remain consistent over the course of your contract.
There are many factors that can influence how much electricity you use. Some of these factors include where you live, the size of your home and the types of appliances you use. For instance, a person who lives alone in a small apartment in a mild climate will likely use a lot less electricity than a big family in a large house with major demands on the HVAC system to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Even two identical families in identical houses in the same place will likely use different amounts of electricity based on their lifestyle and habits. That said, you can look at averages to get an idea of the total most families see on their electric bill each month.
The average monthly electricity bill in the U.S. was $117.65 in 2018, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). The EIA also provides a monthly average for each state, with Utah being the lowest at $77.25 and Hawaii being the highest at $168.13. These averages can give you a general idea of what you should expect to pay for electricity each month, but for most people, their bill will vary from month to month as daylight hours wax and wane and as the temperature outside rises and falls.
This is where your user profile can help you see how your electricity usage this month compares to the same time last year. Once you’ve lived in the same place for a while, you can use your own records to get an accurate idea of how much you should budget for electricity each month throughout the year. This is a more effective approach than referencing averages for the country or for your state.