Average Household Utility Costs Flat in Q1 2026
Average Household Utility Costs Flat in Q1 2026
- Average monthly residential electric, gas and water utility bills total $418 in Q1 2026, up 0.5% from Q4 2025
- Gas bills rise 23.4% while electric and water utility bills declined in Q1
- Electric utilities account largest share of wallet with a nationwide monthly average of $186 in Q1
Executive Summary:
As part of its ongoing analysis of customer experience with residential utilities, JD Power tracks the average prices customers pay for electric, gas and water services nationwide. This average price data is tracked in four waves over the course of the year, which are roughly in line with calendar quarters. The following are key highlights from the Q1 2026 analysis.
Average Household Utility Cost Flat in Q1 2026
The average amount paid for monthly residential electric ($186), gas ($132) and water ($100) was $418 in the first quarter of 2026. That’s an increase of 0.5% ($2) since Q4 2025. On an annualized basis, average monthly utility bills are up 3.2% ($13) from Q1 2025.
Electric Utilities Account for Largest Wallet Share
Average monthly residential electric bills were $186 in Q1 2026, down 9.7% from Q4 2025 and flat with Q1 2025. The average monthly residential gas bill was $132 and the average monthly residential water bill was $100 in Q1 2026.
Gas Prices Show Sharpest Annual Rise
The average monthly residential gas utility bill was $132 in Q1 2026, which represents a 23.4% ($25) increase over Q4 2025 ($107). Residential gas utility bills have increased 109.5% between 2020 and 2026.
Total Share of Wallet
Monthly utility bills have come to occupy a significant share of consumers’ recurring household expenses. Based on a median annual household income of $80,610[1], monthly electric, gas and water bills now account for 6.2% of utility customers’ household income.
Find out More
This JD Power Quarterly Share of Wallet Tracker for residential utilities is based on data and insights drawn from the JD Power U.S. Electric Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study, the JD Power U.S. Gas Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study and the JD Power U.S. Water Utility Residential Custom Satisfaction Study.
Media Contacts
Brian Jaklitsch; East Coast; 631-584-2200; [email protected]
Joe LaMuraglia, JD Power; East Coast; 714-621-6224; [email protected]
[1] United States Census Bureau https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2024/demo/p60-282.html
