Average Home Energy Cost
The average U.S. household spends about $1,884 a year on home energy — roughly $157 a month for electricity, natural gas and other fuels combined (EIA RECS). Electricity is the largest share for most homes.
Average annual home energy spending is about $1,884 (about $157/month) across electricity, gas and other fuels (EIA RECS).
- Per year~$1,884
- Per month~$157
- Largest componentElectricity
- SourceEIA RECS
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration — Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS 2020)
What “home energy” includes
This is total household site-energy spending from the EIA’s Residential Energy Consumption Survey — electricity plus natural gas, and where used, fuel oil and propane. It is an average across all U.S. homes and climates. Bills vary widely with home size, climate zone, heating fuel and local rates, so regional and seasonal costs differ substantially from the national mean.
Home energy cost in context
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Average annual home energy spending | ~$1,884 |
| Average monthly | ~$157 |
| Typical range (by climate/home) | $1,200–$3,000+ |
| Largest component | Electricity |
EIA Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS 2020, the latest full release). Ranges are indicative and vary by region.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average home energy bill?
About $1,884 a year, or roughly $157 a month, for all home energy combined (EIA RECS).
Is that just electricity?
No — it combines electricity, natural gas and other heating fuels. Electricity is usually the single largest piece.
Why is my bill so different?
Home size, climate, heating fuel, insulation and local rates all move the number; northern homes with electric heat or southern homes with heavy AC can far exceed the average.
How can I lower home energy costs?
Sealing and insulating, efficient HVAC, and shifting usage off peak are the biggest levers; the electricity-cost calculator can price individual appliances.
Sources & methodology
Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration — Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS 2020).
The headline figure is from the EIA Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS 2020). Monthly and comparison values are NumberBench calculations; ranges are indicative.
Last checked July 2026 · Reviewed when the EIA publishes the next RECS release.