10 States Where Monthly Utility Bills Take the Biggest Bite Out of the Average Paycheck

Many Americans are struggling to cover their household bills. A recent GOBankingRates survey found that 13% of Americans can’t cover their monthly bills and an additional 46% can just barely afford their bills.

That’s no surprise when you consider how much Americans are paying for these monthly expenses. The average American now puts nearly 13% of their income toward household utility bills, including gas, electricity and water, a new study by Eden Emerald Hot Water found. But in some states, the average earner is putting up to 16% of their salary toward paying household bills (not including rent or mortgage).

Here’s a look at the states where the average earner spends the largest percentage of their salary on utility bills.

• Average annual bills: $8,007
• Average annual salary: $49,170
• Average annual utilities as a percentage of salaries: 16.28%

• Average annual bills: $7,004
• Average annual salary: $45,180
• Average annual utilities as a percentage of salaries: 15.5%

• Average annual bills: $8,229
• Average annual salary: $55,960
• Average annual utilities as a percentage of salaries: 14.7%

• Average annual bills: $8,862
• Average annual salary: $61,420
• Average annual utilities as a percentage of salaries: 14.43%

• Average annual bills: $7,282
• Average annual salary: $50,620
• Average annual utilities as a percentage of salaries: 14.39%

• Average annual bills: $6,942
• Average annual salary: $48,570
• Average annual utilities as a percentage of salaries: 14.29%

• Average annual bills: $7,233
• Average annual salary: $50,940
• Average annual utilities as a percentage of salaries: 14.2%

• Average annual bills: $7,294
• Average annual salary: $51,490
• Average annual utilities as a percentage of salaries: 14.17%

• Average annual bills: $7,126
• Average annual salary: $50,650
• Average annual utilities as a percentage of salaries: 14.07%

• Average annual bills: $7,141
• Average annual salary: $50,940
• Average annual utilities as a percentage of salaries: 14.02%

Data is sourced from Eden Emerald Hot Water and is accurate as of Sept. 17, 2024.