Ever wondered if your electric bill is too high, or maybe suspiciously low? You’re definitely not alone. Millions of Americans open their electric bills each month without knowing whether what they’re paying is “normal.” The truth is, there’s no universal answer. What you pay depends on a unique mix of where you live, how much power you use, the season, and the size of your home.
Get A Free Solar QuoteSo, what’s the real average electric bill? What does the electricity bill for one person typically look like? And how can you cut down on your monthly charges, no matter where you live? We’ve got the answers in this comprehensive state-by-state and lifestyle breakdown. Whether you’re solo in a studio or managing a five-person household, this guide will help you understand what you should be paying—and how to pay less.
What Impacts Your Electric Bill?
Electric bills are made up of two key parts: the electricity rate (what you’re charged per kilowatt-hour or kWh) and your electricity usage (how many kWh you consume). Together, they determine how much you’ll owe at the end of the month.
But here’s the kicker—these two factors vary wildly across the country. Here's what contributes to your final bill:
- State and utility provider: Electricity rates differ by location and provider.
- Weather: More AC in hot summers or heating in freezing winters drives up usage.
- Size and insulation: Bigger homes or poorly insulated buildings need more energy.
- Appliances and electronics: Energy-hungry appliances (especially older models) are costly.
How many people live with you? More people generally means more usage, but efficient habits can balance things out.
The National Average Electric Bill
Per data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), average electric bills across the United States amount to $137 in 2025 after measuring 877 kWh use per month in each household. The presented numbers fail to deliver a complete account of the situation.
What if you're not part of a “typical” household? What if you live alone?
Understanding the Electricity Bill for One Person
Living solo has its perks, and one of them is a lower utility bill. The electricity bill for one person usually ranges from $40 to $100 per month, depending on a few things:
- Do you work from home?
- Do you use an electric stove, heater, or air conditioner regularly?
- Are your appliances energy-efficient?
- Do you leave electronics running when you’re not using them?
For a solo renter in a small apartment, the average bill might be $50–$70. But if you’re using AC daily in a warmer state or running multiple electronics and appliances, your monthly bill could easily jump to $90 or more.
Electric Bill by State: Who Pays the Most (and least)?
Let’s take a look at where people are paying the most—and the least—each month.
Top 5 States with the Highest Average Monthly Electric Bills
- Hawaii – $200+
- Connecticut – $180
- Alaska – $165
- California – $150
- Massachusetts – $145
Top 5 States with the Lowest Average Monthly Electric Bills
- Utah – $85
- New Mexico – $90
- Colorado – $95
- Idaho – $97
- Montana – $100
Hawaii stands at the top of the list since it imports all its required oil. States such as Utah, together with Idaho, maintain lower energy prices because they possess considerable hydroelectric and natural gas resources.
A single person in a low-cost state would have an electricity bill that ranges from $40 to $60 per month. A high-cost state forces even individual residents to spend more than one hundred dollars each month on utility bills.
What Does a Typical Household Pay?
Here’s how electric bills scale based on the number of people in a household:
Notice that even a household of one can use up to 750 kWh/month, depending on lifestyle. That’s why the electricity bill for one person varies so widely.
How Seasonality Affects Your Electric Bill
Your bill isn’t just about where you live—when you use electricity matters too.
Summer: ACs can be energy hogs. Window units or central air systems can add $30–$100 to your bill in hot months.
- Winter: If you use electric heat, expect a big spike in colder regions.
- Spring/Fall: These milder seasons usually result in lower bills.
Smart usage habits during peak seasons can help prevent your solo bill from spiking unexpectedly.
Tips to Reduce Your Electric Bill—Especially If You Live Alone
Even if your bill is already on the lower end, there's always room to cut costs. Here's how to keep your electricity bill for one person as lean as possible:
Use Smart Power Strips
Electronics like TVs and game consoles draw energy even when off. Smart strips shut off unused devices and prevent phantom loads.
Switch to ENERGY STAR Appliances
Old appliances can drain electricity. Replacing them with ENERGY STAR-rated models can save you up to 30% in energy use.
Upgrade to LED Lighting
LED bulbs consume 75% less energy and last 25x longer. Lighting is a silent
killer—make the switch.
Set a Thermostat Schedule
If you work outside the home, set your thermostat to ease off when you’re out. Smart thermostats can save up to $180/year.
Don’t Heat or Cool Unused Spaces
If you’re only using one room, no need to cool the whole apartment. Use fans or space heaters wisely.
Solo Living? Track Your Usage with Apps
Real-time electricity consumption tracking becomes accessible through electricity provider dashboards, together with apps running under the Sense and JouleBug brands. The system will activate notifications anytime your power consumption exceeds the predefined threshold.
Using feedback to track and make adjustments becomes a vital method to lower electricity costs for individual users who need to watch their budget and promote sustainable practices.
Get A Free Solar QuoteYour understanding of electricity bill numbers will supply you with enhanced control, which is itself a form of power. Every resident in both high-cost and low-cost areas holds potential for improvement according to their specific energy rate structure.
Understanding the average electricity expenditures of a single person living independently allows you to monitor your bill when it deviates from normal levels and find methods to control its increases. Multiple minor improvements, such as utilizing LEDs and smarter appliance operation techniques, can accumulate into substantial savings. It all starts with awareness—and a little action.