When you’re moving into a new apartment in PA, rent isn’t the only number you should focus on. One of the first questions on most renters’ minds is, “How much is the average utility bill in PA each month?” Knowing this can help you plan your budget and avoid any surprises when the bills start rolling in.
To be clear, the bill you face depends on a number of factors, and an average may not reflect exactly what you can expect. That said, it can still give you an idea of what you might find. So, we’ve done the research and gathered the most up-to-date average to give you a clear picture. Read on to see what utility costs you could encounter and how you be able to might lower them as a tenant.
Main Takeaways
- The average utility bill in PA is $443, according to ElectricityRates. This is slightly lower than the national average, which is $524.
Average Utility Bill In PA
Renting in Pennsylvania means you’ll have a few regular bills to think about. So, property managers in Philadelphia will break this down for you.
According to ElectricityRates, the average Pennsylvania total utility bill is $443, while the national average is $524. So, if you live in PA, the average utility costs are lower than the nationwide number. That said, it’s very important to note again that averages are just that: an average, a rough idea of what you might be able to expect. In actuality, the rate you experience can vary by your location in PA, the number of people in your home, your usage of electricity, and other factors.
Average Cost for Each Individual Utility in PA vs. US
To be even more thorough, let’s go through how much each individual utility costs in the PA. To boot, we’ll compare those rates to their corresponding national rates. Here they are:
PA vs. US Electricity:
As of April 2025, the average monthly bills in PA is around $148.89. (Source: electricityrates.com, as of April 2025). Meanwhile, in the US, that average is $149.20 per month (Source: SaveOnEnergy.com, as of July 2025).
PA vs. US Natural Gas:
The Pennsylvania Natural Gas Residential Price was $16.20 per thousand cubic feet in April 2025. (Source: YCharts, as of June 2025) Then, the average natural gas bill in the United States is expected to range from $80 to $100 per month in 2025. (Source: SoFi, as of February 2025)
PA vs. US Water:
Water costs vary significantly by location and specific service, but some areas have published 2025 increases. For example, some Philadelphia residents could see their typical monthly bill jump to about $91.31 starting September 1, 2025. Another source indicates an average adjustment of approximately $6.67 per month for water customers due to a 15% increase effective January 1, 2025. (Source: Phila.gov and bcwsa.net, for specific examples within PA) For the US in general, LawnStarter projected that a group of 4 would pay $73 for water in 2025.
PA vs. US Internet:
While an exact single average for all of PA in 2025 is difficult to pinpoint due to varied providers and plans, the projected average monthly cost of high-speed internet for U.S. households in 2025 is expected to fall between $60 and $80. (Source: rsinc.com, for a national 2025 projection)
PA vs. US Trash Removal:
Costs for trash removal can vary greatly depending on the municipality and service provider. For instance, some areas have published 2025 rates ranging from $28.01 to $34.95 per month for various cart sizes, or a flat rate of $145.00 every 4 months in other townships. (Source: Cranberry Township Official Website and Hampton Township FAQ, for specific examples within PA) In the US, these expenses typically cost $25 to $100 per month. (Source: HomeAdvisor, as of June 2025)
Quick Tip: When you’re touring rentals, always ask about the average utility costs for that specific unit. This provides you with a much better idea of what to expect financially, as the estimates will be based on the home’s actual size, insulation, and existing heating/cooling systems.
Which Utilities Are Included in the Rent?
When you’re searching for a place to live, you’ll likely come across the phrase ‘utilities included’ in rental ads. This matters because it takes certain expenses off your list when calculating the average utility bill in PA.
In simple terms, what ‘utilities included’ means is that your landlord covers the cost of specific household bills as part of your monthly rent. Instead of paying separate bills, you simply pay one amount each month, and they take care of the rest.
In our experience, many landlords who bundle some utilities in the rent take care of the water, sewage, and trash collection. Then, the other utilities are typically on you to handle. That said, each landlord has their own policy on what they include or not. So, it’s essential that you ask them directly.
Internet & Cable TV Costs for Renters, By Provider
Wondering what your internet and cable options look like? These are some of the top internet providers in PA and their starting prices.
| Provider | Starting Price (Monthly) | Notes |
| Xfinity | $30–$75 | Widely available, variety of speeds |
| Verizon Fios | $49.99–$89.99 | Great for fiber internet |
| HughesNet | $49.99+ | Satellite internet, good for rural areas |
| RCN | $29.99–$65 | Smaller provider in some areas |
| Spectrum | $49.99–$89.99 | Strong in urban areas, bundles available |
The Factors That Can Affect Your Utility Bills
Keep in mind, utility costs aren’t one-size-fits-all. There are several factors that can significantly impact the average utility bill. Let’s look at the most common ones:
House or Apartment Size:
The bigger the space, the more energy it takes to heat, cool, and light effectively. Meaning, a cozy studio apartment will be much cheaper to run in terms of utility consumption compared to a sprawling 3-bedroom townhouse.
Number of Occupants:
More people usually mean more showers, more laundry cycles, and more electronic devices constantly plugged in and drawing power. Consequently, if you’re living alone, your utility bills will likely be considerably lower than those of a group of five residing in the exact same size unit.
Insulation Quality:
If your apartment isn’t well insulated, your heating and cooling systems will constantly work overtime to try and keep you comfortable, as conditioned air easily escapes. This constant, extra effort by your HVAC system often directly translates into a noticeably higher energy bill each month.
Your Windows
Believe it or not, drafty windows can let a lot of heat slip out during the cold winter months or let too much sun bake your home in the summer. Both scenarios make it harder for your heating and cooling systems to maintain a steady, comfortable indoor temperature. Then, that leads to increased energy use.
Thermostat Habits
Maintaining your place at a consistently warm and toasty temperature throughout the winter or an icy cool setting in the summer can quickly cause your energy bill to climb. Every degree difference from the outside temperature requires more energy, so extreme thermostat settings lead to higher consumption.
Everyday Habits
Even seemingly little things—such as habitually leaving lights on in unoccupied rooms, running energy-intensive appliances more frequently than needed, or taking excessively long, hot showers—accumulate over time. They can noticeably add up on your monthly utility statements.
How To Lower Your Utility Bills as a Tenant
Cutting utility costs doesn’t have to mean big sacrifices. Small changes in your daily habits can make a noticeable difference. While we have entire dedicated articles to this topic, here’s a short sample of some of our tips:
Start by adjusting your thermostat slightly—lower in winter, higher in summer—to ease the strain on heating and cooling systems. If your rental has a programmable thermostat, set it to save energy when you’re out.
Unplug devices when not in use. Even turned-off electronics like TVs and chargers draw power, so a simple power strip can help cut “phantom” energy use.
Also, if your place still has old-school bulbs, swapping them out for LEDs is an easy win—they use less power and last way longer. And when it comes to water, small habits like taking quicker showers, fixing leaks fast, and only running full loads in the washer or dishwasher can shave a few bucks off your bill.
Finally, check for drafts near windows and doors. Report them to your landlord or use draft stoppers and heavy curtains to keep your space insulated (with landlord permission, of course!)
Ready to Find Your Perfect Rental in PA? We Can Help!
In summary, the average utility costs in PA are $460. That said, it’s absolutely critical to note that the average utility bill in PA isn’t a one-size-fits-all number. What you actually pay can vary a lot depending on the size of your home, the number of people living there, and even your daily habits.
In the meantime, if you’re searching for a home that fits your lifestyle and budget, Bay Property Management Group can help. We have homes of all shapes and sizes, in all price points. Whether you want a cozy apartment or a sprawling single-family home, we’re sure we’ve got just the right fit for you.
