Utility Costs in Pennsylvania (PA)
The average household in Pennsylvania pays $260 per month for utilities, which breaks down to $130/mo for electricity (at 15.5¢/kWh), $80/mo for natural gas, and $50/mo for water. This is $13 (5.26%) above the national average of $247/mo. This ranks Pennsylvania #13 out of 51 states (1 = most expensive), with utilities consuming approximately 4.2% of the median household income. Deregulated electric market. Cold winters drive gas heating costs. Nuclear power provides baseload.
Utility Costs by City in Pennsylvania
The table below shows average monthly utility costs for 4 cities in Pennsylvania, sorted by total cost from highest to lowest. Costs can vary within a state due to different utility providers, local water systems, and microclimates. Philadelphia is the most expensive at $275/mo, while Harrisburg is the most affordable at $249/mo.
| City | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $135 | $85 | $55 | $275 | $3,300 | +$15 |
| Allentown | $130 | $80 | $48 | $258 | $3,096 | -$2 |
| Pittsburgh | $125 | $78 | $50 | $253 | $3,036 | -$7 |
| Harrisburg | $128 | $76 | $45 | $249 | $2,988 | -$11 |
How Pennsylvania Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Pennsylvania with five states that have similar total monthly utility costs. This comparison helps illustrate where Pennsylvania stands nationally and shows how the cost breakdown (electric vs. gas vs. water) can differ even when totals are similar.
| State | Electric | Rate | Gas | Water | Total/Mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania (PA) | $130 | 15.5¢/kWh | $80 | $50 | $260 |
| District of Columbia (DC) | $130 | 14.5¢/kWh | $75 | $55 | $260 |
| Georgia (GA) | $145 | 12.8¢/kWh | $65 | $45 | $255 |
| Maine (ME) | $120 | 22.0¢/kWh | $90 | $45 | $255 |
| Vermont (VT) | $115 | 20.0¢/kWh | $95 | $45 | $255 |
| Alabama (AL) | $160 | 13.6¢/kWh | $70 | $40 | $270 |
Utility Cost Breakdown for Pennsylvania
Electricity in Pennsylvania
The average electricity bill in Pennsylvania is $130/month, with a rate of 15.5¢/kWh. This is near the national average rate of about 16 cents per kWh. The total bill of $130/mo is below the national average of $137/mo.
Natural Gas in Pennsylvania
Natural gas costs average $80/month in Pennsylvania. This is near the national average, reflecting moderate heating needs and gas pricing. The national average gas bill is approximately $65/month.
Water in Pennsylvania
Water and basic sewer service averages $50/month in Pennsylvania. This is near the national average for residential water service. The national average water bill is approximately $45/month.
Estimated Utility Costs by Home Size in Pennsylvania
The averages above are based on a standard household. Here is how monthly utility costs in Pennsylvania typically vary by home type and size. These estimates apply the state's specific electric rates, gas costs, and water charges to different living situations.
| Home Type | Electric | Gas | Water | Total/Mo | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR Apartment | $59 | $32 | $25 | $117 | $1,404 |
| 2BR Apartment/Condo | $85 | $44 | $33 | $161 | $1,934 |
| Small House (3BR) | $117 | $68 | $43 | $226 | $2,714 |
| Average House (3-4BR) | $130 | $80 | $50 | $260 | $3,120 |
| Large House (4-5BR) | $169 | $100 | $65 | $333 | $3,994 |
How to Save on Utilities in Pennsylvania
Based on Pennsylvania's specific cost profile, here are the highest-impact strategies for reducing your utility bills:
Maintain Low Electric Costs
Your state already has below-average electric costs at $130/mo. Maintain this advantage by using a programmable thermostat, switching to LED lighting, and running major appliances during off-peak hours when your utility offers time-of-use rates.
Reduce Heating Costs
Gas bills of $80/mo suggest significant heating costs. Improve insulation (especially attic and basement), seal air leaks around windows and doors, and consider a high-efficiency furnace (95%+ AFUE) or heat pump. Lowering your thermostat by just 2 degrees saves 3-5% on heating costs.
Check for Rebates and Programs
Contact your local utility provider in Pennsylvania about energy audit programs (often free), appliance rebates, weatherization assistance, and budget billing to smooth seasonal cost swings. Low-income households may qualify for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) and WAP (Weatherization Assistance Program) benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Utilities in Pennsylvania
What is the average utility bill in Pennsylvania?
The average household in Pennsylvania pays approximately $260 per month for utilities, or $3,120 per year. This includes $130 for electricity, $80 for natural gas, and $50 for water. This is $13 above the national average.
How much is electricity per kWh in Pennsylvania?
The average residential electricity rate in Pennsylvania is 15.5¢/kWh, which translates to an average monthly electric bill of $130. This is near the national average of approximately 16 cents per kWh.
Which city in Pennsylvania has the highest utility costs?
Among the cities tracked, Philadelphia has the highest average utility costs at $275/month, while Harrisburg has the lowest at $249/month. Costs can vary further depending on your specific utility provider and usage.
How can I lower my utility bills in Pennsylvania?
To reduce your utility costs in Pennsylvania, consider: upgrading to energy-efficient appliances (look for ENERGY STAR ratings), improving home insulation and sealing air leaks, using a programmable or smart thermostat, switching to LED lighting, and fixing any water leaks promptly. Check with your local utility for rebate programs and energy audit services.
Are utility costs in Pennsylvania going up?
Utility costs nationwide have been increasing at approximately 2-4% per year due to infrastructure investments, fuel costs, and growing demand. In Pennsylvania, trends depend on local factors including energy source mix, regulatory decisions, and weather patterns. States with hydropower or wind energy tend to see more stable pricing. Contact your local utility provider for rate change notices and budget billing options.
Compare Utility Costs Across States
Use our utility cost lookup tool to compare Pennsylvania with any other state, or browse all 50 states ranked by cost to see where Pennsylvania stands nationally. Understanding utility costs can help with budgeting, relocation decisions, and identifying savings opportunities.