Average Electricity Bill by State 2026: kWh Usage & Rates
The average U.S. home uses 875 kWh/month. See the average electricity bill by state, which states pay the most per kWh, and how your bill compares before going solar.
National benchmarks
The U.S. average residential electricity rate is 18.11¢/kWh (EIA, 2026 YTD May) and the average home uses about 875 kWh per month, for a typical bill around $158. Rates rose about 6% year over year — one reason solar economics keep improving.
Highest and lowest bills by state
Hawaii pays the most at roughly 44.6¢/kWh (about $380/month for average usage). California (~32.8¢), Massachusetts (~30.2¢), and New York (~29.2¢) are next. Idaho (~12.5¢), North Dakota (~11.9¢), and Nebraska (~12.6¢) pay the least. Where your bill sits is the single biggest input to solar payback.
How to use your bill for solar math
Find your monthly kWh and rate on your bill, then enter them into the PVFig Solar ROI Calculator. A $250/month bill in a high-rate state will almost always justify solar faster than a $120/month bill in a cheap-power state.
FAQ
What is the average electric bill in the US in 2026?
Around $158/month — about 875 kWh at the national average of 18.11¢/kWh (EIA, 2026 YTD May).
Which state has the highest electricity rates?
Hawaii at roughly 44.6¢/kWh, followed by California (~32.8¢) and Massachusetts (~30.2¢).
How do I find my electricity rate?
Your bill shows rate(s) in ¢/kWh and monthly kWh usage. That is the exact input the PVFig ROI calculator uses.
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Sources
- U.S. EIA — electricity rates by state, eia.gov/electricity/monthly
- NREL PVWatts v8 — solar production by location, pvwatts.nrel.gov
- DSIRE — state incentives and net metering, dsireusa.org
- See how every figure on this page is calculated — PVFig methodology.
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