Cost of electricity by state

There's a good bit of variety among the states when it comes to the average electricity bill and the average price for electricity per month. As of 2021, Utah had the lowest average monthly electric bill at $82, while Hawaii clocked in at over twice that amount with $178 per month, according to the EIA.

Rates vary among the individual electricity providers, which means you could end up paying significantly more or less than the average kWh rate for your state. Moreover, many residential electricity customers are charged a variable rate, which constantly changes based on factors like the ever-changing fuel price and the demand on the electrical grid.

While EIA's data can provide some valuable guideposts to help you understand the relative cost of electricity in your state, these figures won't tell you what you want to know: what's the average electric bill for an apartment or home you're planning to rent or buy?

Ask the previous tenants

The one thing that will tell you the most about your expected electricity costs is the amount that the current or previous occupant paid for electricity in your future home. If you're searching for the average electric bill for an apartment, ask the landlord or property manager if they can estimate the cost of the monthly electric bill. If you can ask the current or previous tenants, that's even better. Ask the real estate agent or seller the same questions when house hunting.

You can obtain totals (or at least estimates) for the previous year's electric bills. Be sure to inquire about statements from the middle of summer (and winter if the furnace is electric) because HVAC costs are usually the biggest drivers of residential energy consumption.

Unless the previous tenant or owner was unusually frugal or excessive with their electricity use, it's reasonable to assume that your bills will be within $20 to $30 per month of theirs.

Energy usage of appliances

Your appliances and systems will use the most energy in your home and cost you the most on your electric bill. Below are usage and cost estimates for your most significant energy users based on a 10¢/kWh rate:

• Central heating and cooling: Your HVAC system accounts for about 46% of your home's energy usage. A 3500-watt HVAC unit costs you $85-$195 monthly, depending on your system's efficiency.
• Water heaters: Your water heater represents 14% of your energy usage. Running a 4500-watt water heater costs around $40.50 a month.
• Appliances: Major appliances, including your washer, dryer, electric oven, electric stove, dishwasher and refrigerator, account for 13% of your electricity cost. Cumulatively, these appliances cost about $38/month on average.

Read more on what uses the most energy in your home.

Tips to lower your average electric bill

You can't control everything. Unless your state has a deregulated electricity market, for example, you likely won't have a choice in your electricity provider. And if you move into a space that is expensive to heat or cool because of its size, you can't just remove a few rooms to lower your bill.

However, there are simple things you can do to bring down your electricity bill if it's higher than you'd like. Try these tips to see how much you can save:

• Seal and insulate. If you own your home, consider upgrading your insulation and windows and seal drafts with weather stripping or spray foam. If you rent, you can ask your landlord to make these upgrades, but you can also use simple hacks like covering your windows with plastic wrap in the winter and putting up blackout curtains for the summer.
• Switch to LED light bulbs. LEDs draw far less energy than incandescent bulbs and even energy-efficient CFL bulbs. Each bulb will cost you a few dollars more, but LEDs are also built to last for years, so you can consider it a wise investment.
• Upgrade to a smart thermostat. Because these thermostats are connected to the internet, you can control them anywhere with your smartphone. This makes it easier to program your heating and cooling schedules and ensures you're never overpaying to treat the air in an empty home.
• Upgrade to ENERGY STAR-rated appliances. This is another area where renters often have to play the hands they're dealt, but if you're a homeowner, you'll need to replace most of your appliances eventually. When you do, look for the ENERGY STAR label to ensure you get an energy-efficient model.
• If you have a choice of electricity provider, shop wisely. A growing number of states have deregulated their electricity markets, which means that electricity providers compete for business. If you live in one of these states, you may have access to dozens of different rate plans from various companies, enabling you to choose the terms that are just right for you. Check out electricity plans with Direct Energy for competitive fixed rates to fit your home and lifestyle.