What Is a Utility Bill? Examples, Cost, Affordability - NerdWallet (2024)

Utility bills aren’t the most glamorous expenses, but they can be significant, adding up to hundreds of dollars per month. Read on for utility bill examples, average cost, how you can save money and what to do if you can’t pay.

What is a utility bill?

A utility bill is a monthly statement of the amount a household owes for any one (or more) of the basic services that generally keep a home operable and comfortable. Examples of utilities include electricity, water and gas. Depending on how you define utilities, you could also add sewage, trash and recycling, or even TV, internet, phone and streaming services to that list.

What information is on a utility bill?

A utility bill lists the customer’s name, address and account number. It also states the amount owed and the due date, as well as guidance on how to pay.

Utility bills typically give information about your usage of the service, too. A water bill, for example, would list the amount of water you used during the billing period and may show how that amount has changed over the last several months.

How much utilities cost varies widely depending on the service, provider, location and usage. Below are a few examples of utility bills and their average costs.

Electric bill

To save money on your electric bill, try to be more efficient with your appliances and devices. Investing in a programmable or "smart" thermostat that will adjust temperatures for when you're home or away can save money on your electric bill. Setting your thermostat up or down 7 to 10 degrees (depending on the season) for 8 hours a day can save you up to 10% over the course of the year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Check with your electric company to see if you qualify for budget billing. Typically, after living in your apartment or home for one year (sometimes a bit longer), you can qualify if you have good credit. The electric company takes your average usage from the previous year and bills you the same each month, saving you from surprise fluctuations that can bust your monthly budget.

You might also wait until you have a full load before running your washing machine. Or try a smart power strip, which turns off electricity to the products you aren’t using.

Water bill

The average family spends more than $1,000 per year on water costs, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data updated in 2023. That puts the average water bill at about $83 per month.

To lower your water bill, check for and fix any leaks in faucets, showerheads, sinks and toilet valves. You might also consider upgrading to WaterSense- or Energy Star-labeled appliances to improve efficiency and save more than $380 per year.

Tweaking your habits can also help. Taking faster showers and turning off the tap while brushing your teeth will save water — and money. And rethink hand-washing dishes each night. If you have eight or more dirty dishes, consider running the dishwasher instead.

Gas bill

The average residential gas bill was $761 per year, or $63 a month in 2021, according to the latest figures available from the American Gas Association. But that amount depends on where you live because the retail price of gas varies from state to state. The current price of gas in Hawaii and Florida, for example, is much higher than in Arkansas and Alaska, according to the EIA. Larger homes and those with gas-powered appliances, like furnaces, water heaters and stoves, will also yield higher gas bills.

Given that much of your gas bill likely goes toward heating and cooling the house, save money by monitoring your thermostat. In the winter, allow for lower temperatures while you’re away or asleep. In the summer, allow for warmer temperatures.

How to handle these bills

Utility bills can certainly add up, so it’s helpful to understand how much you’re spending on them. Consider tracking these bills and other expenses in a budget app.

And give the 50/30/20 rule a try. This type of budget divides your monthly take-home income like this:

There are several other types of budgets if this breakdown doesn’t work for you.

What if you can’t pay your bills?

If you don’t pay your bills, you risk late fees, damaged credit and possible disruption in service. But you have options:

Call the customer service line of your provider. You can likely find this number on your bill or through a quick online search. Explain your situation and request help. The company may lower or defer your bill or waive late fees.

Call 211 or visit 211.org. This network of experts may connect you with local resources and assistance.