What is the Average Electricity Bill For a 4-Person Household in the US?

Monthly electricity bill expenses per household in the US vary widely based on numerous factors.

Unsurprisingly, the number of occupants can significantly impact electricity consumption — though maybe not as much as you’d think.

Comparing your family’s electricity bill to the national average can help determine whether you overspend on home power.

If your bill is way higher than average, you can take steps to save on home energy bills.

Read on for the latest government statistics and data on electricity consumption and pricing for a four-person dwelling in the United States.

What Is The Average Electricity Bill for a 4-Person Household? 

According to the most recent Residential Clean Energy Survey (RECS), the average electricity bill for US households was about $115 a month or $1,380.

The total electricity consumption per household was 10,566kWh annually — about 880kWh per month.

RECS also found that the average household has a surface area of 1,118 square feet and about 2.3 occupants per home.

RECS does not provide averages based on the number of people living in a house.

Nor does any other government resource.

Getting an accurate estimate for the average 4-person household electricity bill takes some digging.

Join us for a deep dive into the most current 2024 and 2025 federal and state data, but first…

What is the Residential Energy Consumer Survey (RECS)?

The RECS dashboard is the most complete and “user-friendly” source for statistics on residential energy consumption.

Unfortunately, it’s only updated every five years, with the most recent survey taken in 2020.

The Department of Energy began surveying consumers again in late 2024, but the results generally take several years to publish.  

Obviously, electricity bill averages have changed since 2020…

But by how much?

What is the Average Electricity Bill in 2025?

With data from the next RECS still a few years away, the most accurate way to assess the average electricity bill is to take more recent data from the Energy Information Agency.

US Residential Electricity Prices, 2024 (cents per kWh)  

(Source: EIA)

The most current EIA data, through October 2024, shows the average electricity price at 16.94¢ per kWh.

That’s a significant increase of almost 30% above the average of 13.1¢ reported in 2020.

All other things being equal, it would suggest an annual increase of about $414 annually ($34.50 monthly) on the average electricity bill.

RECS 2020 found the average electricity was about $115 a month or $1,380 annually.

Based on the most recent pricing, the average monthly electricity bill in 2024 was $150. 

What Factors Influence Electricity Bills in the Average 4-Person Household? 

Many factors determine how much a four-person household pays for monthly electricity bills, including location and the amount of power the occupants consume. 

Here are the most crucial considerations.

Electricity Consumption

Of all the factors determining the amount of your electricity bills, consumption is likely the one you have the most control over.

There are many ways to cut electricity consumption, but it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to change the price you pay for power from your utility provider.

Here are some of the best ways to reduce energy consumption and save money on bills.

Residential Solar Power

Installing a solar generator at your home reduces your dependence on utility grid power and slashes your electricity bills.

With enough solar panels and the right balance of system, you can go completely off-grid.

Embracing clean, renewable energy is the best way to reduce electricity consumption by 75% or more.

Reduce the solar payback period with the 30% solar tax credit and state incentives to maximize your return on investment. 

Energy Efficient Home Improvements

Many households have inefficient high-wattage appliances, incandescent lighting, and leaky insulation that let electricity go to waste. 

By investing in new EnergyStar-certified appliances, such as refrigerators and air conditioners, you can significantly reduce your monthly electricity bills.

You may also benefit from renovations that make your home more energy efficient.

The federal government offers up to $3,200 per year to US taxpayers seeking to reduce inefficient energy consumption, and it’s available to renters and homeowners. 

Learn more about the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit here.

(Site: RECS Dashboard)

Location and Electricity Price per kWh

Where you live has a massive impact on how much you pay for electricity.

The average price of electricity to residential customers in Hawaii in October 2024 was 41.27¢ per kWh.

For consumers in Utah, the price was 11.42¢ per kWh —  a difference of over 72%.  

Overall, the total US average price per kWh for residential electricity in October 2024 was 16.94¢.

The fact that location plays such a crucial role in how much you pay for the electricity you consume indicates that national averages are of limited use when trying to determine whether your household electricity bills are too high or too low.

If that’s your goal, you’re better off looking at the average electricity bills for your home state. 

Average Electricity Bills by State (2023)

State	Average Monthly Consumption (kWh)	Average Price (cents/kWh)	Average Monthly Bill
Alabama	1112	14.63	$162.67
Alaska	577	23.9	$137.88
Arizona	1059	14.02	$148.44
Arkansas	1049	12.25	$128.51
California	491	29.51	$144.81
Colorado	662	14.3	$94.65
Connecticut	678	29.88	$202.74
Delaware	878	15.73	$138.04
District of Columbia	631	16.45	$103.85
East North Central	718	16.19	$116.29
East South Central	1091	13.11	$143.02
Florida	1107	15.21	$168.35
Georgia	1035	13.69	$141.67
Hawaii	503	42.39	$213.23
Idaho	965	11.05	$106.65
Illinois	669	15.71	$105.11
Indiana	876	14.94	$130.90
Iowa	846	13.31	$112.60
Kansas	881	13.38	$117.91
Kentucky	994	12.65	$125.80
Louisiana	1238	11.55	$142.96
Maine	560	27.42	$153.56
Maryland	894	16.6	$148.45
Massachusetts	559	29.61	$165.55
Michigan	603	18.84	$113.62
Middle Atlantic	657	19.6	$128.74
Minnesota	752	14.73	$110.78
Mississippi	1157	13.23	$153.07
Missouri	1003	12.58	$126.09
Montana	873	12.54	$109.50
Mountain	852	13.68	$116.57
Nebraska	996	11.2	$111.52
Nevada	874	16.67	$145.62
New England	591	28.73	$169.80
New Hampshire	600	28.15	$168.79
New Jersey	639	17.7	$113.21
New Mexico	659	13.85	$91.20
New York	566	22.24	$125.80
North Carolina	989	12.93	$127.79
North Dakota	1069	11.01	$117.69
Ohio	811	15.38	$124.68
Oklahoma	1069	12.08	$129.10
Oregon	924	12.73	$117.66
Pacific Contiguous	616	22.02	$135.74
Pacific Noncontiguous	532	34.4	$183.17
Pennsylvania	791	18.1	$143.10
Rhode Island	554	27.02	$149.78
South Atlantic	1026	14.45	$148.31
South Carolina	1022	13.68	$139.91
South Dakota	1025	12.32	$126.31
Tennessee	1109	12.19	$135.22
Texas	1146	14.46	$165.82
Utah	759	11.2	$84.97
Vermont	563	20.82	$117.11
Virginia	993	14.26	$141.63
Washington	977	10.98	$107.35
West North Central	902	13.02	$117.48
West South Central	1141	13.68	$156.13
West Virginia	986	14.05	$138.56
Wisconsin	658	16.88	$111.06
Wyoming	866	11.46	$99.24
U.S. Total	855	16	$136.84

(Source: EIA)

Seasonality (Space Heating and Air Conditioning)

Not only does the price per kWh vary widely by location, but temperature — particularly highs and lows — also plays a crucial role in how much power you consume.

Space heating and air conditioning are the most energy-intensive applications in many households, particularly in states with hot summers and cold winters.

The majority of American homes still use natural gas for heating, but over 25% of households use electricity as the sole energy source. 

(Source: EIA)

Over 90% of American households in 2020 used air conditioning, and — on average — it accounted for the most significant electricity expense per home.

If your state has a temperate climate, your electricity bills are likely lower than those in a state with extreme seasonal heat and cold.

According to RECS 2020, California residents spent the least on energy for space heating and AC, and  Maine residents spent the most. 

Usage Patterns (Time of Use Rates and Energy Demand Tariffs)

When and how your household consumes electricity significantly affects how much you spend on your monthly bills.

Virtually all power companies and utilities utilize time-of-use pricing, which charges consumers a higher rate per kWh for electricity during peak demand hours each day.

Increasingly, many utilities also charge energy demand tariffs.

Limiting electricity consumption during on-peak hours can substantially decrease your bills.

That may sound easier said than done — nobody’s going to start eating dinner at midnight to save on electricity bills.

However, if you invest in a hybrid solar system with home backup storage, you can set it to minimize on-peak consumption and only use grid electricity off-peak.

For example, EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra is a whole-house solar generator with multiple charging methods to help you avoid paying peak rates for utility power or go completely off-grid.

EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 is a more portable option with 7 charging methods, including solar and grid power. 

It’s powerful enough to reduce on-peak charges and provide reliable backup for your essential home appliances during a blackout.

Behavioral usage patterns are worth considering, too.

Bad habits like leaving the lights or AC on when you’re not in the room really add up over time and significantly increase your bills.

Size of Home

RECS reports the average square footage of American households — in 2020, it was 1,818 sq. ft.

However, it doesn’t provide estimates on the average electricity bill based on the size of the dwelling. 

Based on other government sources, here’s a guide to how household square footage impacts average electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours.

Average Electricity Consumption Based On Household Square Footage (Estimated)

Household Square Footage	Annual Consumption (kWh)	Monthly Consumption (kWh)
1,000 – 1,500	10,000	833
1,500 – 2,000	12,000	1,000
1,500 – 2,000	15,000	1,250
2,500 – 3,000	17,000	1,417
2,500 – 3,000	20,000	1,667

Number of Occupants

RECS doesn’t provide average electricity bill estimates based on the number of occupants.

However, we can determine average consumption using data from multiple sources like NREL and other EIA reports.

Average Electricity Costs per Household Based on Occupancy

Number of Occupants	Average Annual Consumption	Average Monthly Consumption	Average Monthly Electricity Cost
1	5,000 – 8,000 kWh	417 – 667 kWh	$93.17
2	7,000 – 12,000 kWh	583 – 1,000 kWh	$139.76
3	9,000 – 14,000 kWh	750 – 1,167 kWh	$169.40
4	10,000 – 16,000 kWh	833 – 1,333 kWh	$194.81
5	11,000 – 18,000 kWh	917 – 1,500 kWh	$220.22
6	12,000 – 20,000 kWh	1,000 – 1,667 kWh	$245.63

It’s important to note that the above estimates are based on a flat rate of 16.94¢ per kWh and don’t include taxes, service charges, or time-of-use tariffs.

Another thing to keep in mind…

Households with more occupants typically have higher overall electricity bills, but the energy cost per capita (per person) is often lower.

Many families share the use of high-wattage appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, and HVAC systems.

Electricity consumption will likely be higher than in homes with more occupants, but kWh consumption per person is often less.  

How to Calculate the Average Electricity Bill for a 4-Person Household 

If you’ve been living in your home for over a year, calculating the monthly average electricity bill for your 4-person household couldn’t be easier.  

Here’s how to do it, step-by-step.

1. Collect your last 12 most recent monthly electricity bills
2. Add up the total monthly electricity costs of each bill
3. For the annual, seasonally adjusted average, divide the sum total of your bills by 12.
   
   For example, if your annual electricity bill total is $1,380…
   1. Your average monthly bill is $115 ($1,380/12)
   2. Your average daily cost of electricity is $3.83 ($115/30)
   3. The average hourly electricity cost to run your home is about 32¢

It’s all simple math, but it only works if you’ve lived in your home for over a year.

If historical data is available, it’s useful for predicting future electricity bill costs and helping identify areas for improvement.

But you can still forecast electricity bill costs for a four-person household, even if you’ve only lived in your home for a short period — or have yet to move in.

Learn how to calculate kWh consumption for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The Energy Information Agency provides numerous resources for consumers, businesses, and policymakers looking for ready access to electricity consumption and pricing data.

However, national averages are of limited use if you’re trying to determine if your electricity bill is too high or how much higher it will be if more people occupy your home.

State electricity consumption and pricing averages are readily available from the EIA or your state’s public utilities commission (PUC) or public service commission (PSC) and give you a much more accurate picture of average electricity bills directly comparable to your home.

If your ultimate goal is to save money on electricity bills, solar generators like EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra offer the biggest impact — and return on investment.

EcoFlow has a wide range of home solar and backup battery solutions that provide energy security, electricity bill savings, and more.

Check out our selection today.