Lately, utility costs have been relatively stable, compared to the last several years when inflation was running amok. According to the most recent numbers from the Consumer Price Index, energy costs have gone down in the last year for fuel oil (21.4% lower) and gas (5.3% lower,) although electricity prices have gone up 2.4%.
But even when prices are falling, how much you spend on utilities each month is worth paying attention to. From a budgeting standpoint, it’s a good idea to try and estimate how much utilities cost per month, including how much you’ll pay for services like electricity, water and internet.
Here’s How Much to Plan on Spending
According to Move.org, a moving resource site, anyone budgeting for utilities should plan on spending at least $290.79 a month for essential utility costs such as cable, electricity and natural gas.
The organization found that the average cost per month is $117.46 for electricity, $61.69 for natural gas, $45.44 for water, $25 to $100 for garbage and recycling (it varies a lot by your location and the size of your trash cans), $59.99 for broadband internet and $48.25 for streaming services. In total, that comes to $357.83 (plus $75 more if your trash pickup is particularly expensive).
If these numbers seem particularly high or low to you, remember that they are averages. The state you live in and whether you’re in a house or an apartment have a lot to do with how much you’ll pay for utilities. Surging fuel prices can also send…
