11 States Where Monthly Bills Are Most Affordable for the Average Household

Household bills can be a major financial stressor for many Americans. 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.

The affordability of your monthly bills can vary based on where you live. In some states, the average household utility bills — including gas, electricity and water — are low compared to average salaries. In others, bills take a large portion out of the average paycheck.

Here’s a look at the states where the average resident puts the smallest percentage of their income toward household bills, according to a study by Eden Emerald Hot Water.

• Average annual bills: $6,693
• Average annual salary: $67,870
• Average annual utilities as a percentage of salaries: 9.86%

• Average annual bills: $7,364
• Average annual salary: $72,350
• Average annual utilities as a percentage of salaries: 10.18%

• Average annual bills: $7,525
• Average annual salary: $73,220
• Average annual utilities as a percentage of salaries: 10.28%

• Average annual bills: $7,929
• Average annual salary: $74,870
• Average annual utilities as a percentage of salaries: 10.59%

• Average annual bills: $6,251
• Average annual salary: $57,360
• Average annual utilities as a percentage of salaries: 10.9%

• Average annual bills: $8,358
• Average annual salary: $76,600
• Average annual utilities as a percentage of salaries: 10.91%

• Average annual bills: $7,031
• Average annual salary: $63,640
• Average annual utilities as a percentage of salaries: 11.05%

• Average annual bills: $7,881
• Average annual salary: $70,890
• Average annual utilities as a percentage of salaries: 11.12%

• Average annual bills: $7,971
• Average annual salary: $69,750
• Average annual utilities as a percentage of salaries: 11.43%

• Average annual bills: $7,499
• Average annual salary: $65,590
• Average annual utilities as a percentage of salaries: 11.43%

• Average annual bills: $7,172
• Average annual salary: $62,680
• Average annual utilities as a percentage of salaries: 11.44%

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