Higher costs are straining family budgets across the United States, and utility bills are no exception.
Over the past two years, the annual cost of utility bills has increased by an average of $293.30, according to new analysis by home services website Angi.
And some states are paying a premium for basic services: Americans in the most expensive areas pay up to $200 more a month than in the cheapest.
Angi analyzed the average monthly price of electricity, water, natural gas, and Internet and cable in all states.
Hawaii is the most expensive, it found, with average monthly utility costs of $441.54. Meanwhile, New Mexico residents pay the lowest price for utilities: $247.62 a month.
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According to Angi’s analysis, the average American pays $13.38 a month for natural gas, $42 for water, $122 for Internet and cable, and $136.71 for electricity.
While some households may consider streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime an essential monthly expense, the study did not take this expense into account. And in some cities and states, household services like garbage and sewer are also charged as utilities.
While the median household income has risen to $74,580 over the past two years, high inflation has meant that the typical annual cost of household bills has also risen to $3,761.14, according to the study.
The amount households pay for utilities varies by location, as well as energy use, the size of the home, and the age of appliances.
The state with the second-highest utility costs after Hawaii is West Virginia, according to the study, where households typically spend $383.35 a month.
Third on the list is Delaware, where residents must shell out $369.83 a month to keep their homes warm and water running.
The second cheapest state for utilities is Wisconsin, according to the study, 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 total $252.46.
Some states are paying a premium for basic services: Americans in the most expensive areas pay up to $200 more a month than in the cheapest.
New Mexico residents pay the lowest price for utilities: $247.62 a month, according to the study.
Electricity is the utility that fluctuates the most state by state, with average monthly costs of $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 the power plant, and state and local regulations,” said Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi.
“In general, areas close to energy sources have lower electricity costs, while remote areas that need to import fuel (such as Hawaii) have higher electricity costs.”
There are several ways to reduce your electricity bill, according to the study, including upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, adding a smart thermostat, checking insulation, and weatherizing your home.
He also recommends maintaining your air conditioner, if you have one, to reduce costs, since unserviced air conditioners become 5 percent less efficient each year.
Meanwhile, monthly water bills vary depending 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 primarily because most of the electricity for the state is generated with expensive imported fuel.
Monthly water bills vary depending on an area’s access to fresh and self-renewing water sources and local usage and billing regulations.
Reducing your water consumption can help reduce your bill and periodically check for water leaks that could substantially 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 rather than infrastructure costs.
While natural gas has a fairly low bill compared to other utilities, there can still be a significant difference depending on where you live.
While it normally costs $6.51 a month in North Dakota, it will cost $45.30 for Hawaii residents.
“Like other utilities, natural gas prices are affected by the local retail climate, operating costs, local taxes and regulations, and each area’s distance from natural supply,” according to Angi.
