What is a normal electric bill?

The U.S. average residential electric bill was about $142 a month in 2024 (EIA), for roughly 863 kWh of use. But "normal" varies a lot by state — from the low $100s to the $160s — because of climate, home size, and local rates. Pick your state in the tool above to compare to the right benchmark.

Is my electric bill too high?

Compare it two ways. First, against your state's average (above). Second — and more useful — split it into usage vs. rate: a high bill from heavy usage (big home, electric heat/AC) is a different problem than a high bill from a high per-kWh rate. Enter your kWh in the tool and it tells you which one is driving yours.

What's the average electric bill for a house?

Nationally about $142/month, but a larger all-electric home can run well over $200 while a small apartment may be under $80. The state averages range widely — Maryland and West Virginia run high (big homes, heavy use), D.C. and Illinois lower (smaller, denser housing).

My bill is high — what can I actually do?

If it's a usage problem, target your biggest loads (heating/cooling, water heater). If it's a rate problem and you're in a choice state, check whether a supplier is overcharging you versus the utility's default rate (a fixable overcharge). And if the bill is more than you can cover, there's assistance and shutoff protection.

Free · runs in your browser

Is your electric bill too high?

Enter your bill and see how it stacks up against your state's average — then, if you add your kWh, find out the part that actually matters: whether it's high because you're using more or because you're paying more per unit. Those are two very different problems.

Your stateYour monthly bill ($)

Your kWh this month (optional — unlocks the why)

Your $150 is about the Maryland average of $166 — $16 below (-10%).

Add your kWh (from the bill) to see whether it's your usage or your rate driving the difference.

Runs in your browser — nothing is sent anywhere. Compared to your state's average monthly residential bill (U.S. EIA, 2024). Your bill includes supply + delivery + fees, so the "all-in rate" is your total bill ÷ kWh.

What's a "normal" electric bill?

Nationally, the average residential electric bill was about $142/month in 2024 (about 863 kWh at 16.48¢/kWh, per the EIA). But "normal" swings hard by state — and for the same reason your own bill might look off: a bill is price × usage. A cheap-rate state with big all-electric homes (Virginia, West Virginia) can have a higher bill than an expensive-rate state with small apartments (D.C., Illinois). So compare to your state, not the national number.

See the average bill in every state →

If it's high, here's where to look

High usage? Find your biggest loads. Appliance cost calculator →
High rate? Check whether a supplier is overcharging you. Free bill audit →
Rate jumped recently? It may be the 2025–26 increase. See your utility's rate change →
Can't cover it? Assistance & shutoff protections →

Common questions

What is a normal electric bill?: The U.S. average residential electric bill was about $142 a month in 2024 (EIA), for roughly 863 kWh of use. But "normal" varies a lot by state — from the low $100s to the $160s — because of climate, home size, and local rates. Pick your state in the tool above to compare to the right benchmark.
Is my electric bill too high?: Compare it two ways. First, against your state's average (above). Second — and more useful — split it into usage vs. rate: a high bill from heavy usage (big home, electric heat/AC) is a different problem than a high bill from a high per-kWh rate. Enter your kWh in the tool and it tells you which one is driving yours.
What's the average electric bill for a house?: Nationally about $142/month, but a larger all-electric home can run well over $200 while a small apartment may be under $80. The state averages range widely — Maryland and West Virginia run high (big homes, heavy use), D.C. and Illinois lower (smaller, denser housing).
My bill is high — what can I actually do?: If it's a usage problem, target your biggest loads (heating/cooling, water heater). If it's a rate problem and you're in a choice state, check whether a supplier is overcharging you versus the utility's default rate (a fixable overcharge). And if the bill is more than you can cover, there's assistance and shutoff protection.

Benchmarks are EIA 2024 state averages (source). Your bill depends on your home and usage. RateWatchdog is independent and takes no supplier commissions.