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Utilities Cost in Houston, TX

By Diana Kowalski ยท Reviewed by James Okafor ยท Updated May 2026
ANNUAL AVG
$4,369
MONTHLY
$364
VS NATIONAL
-2%
COST INDEX
96

Direct Answer

Utilities Cost in Houston, TX averages approximately $4,369/year ($364/month) โ€” 2% below the US national average of $4,476. Typical range: $2,840โ€“$6,335 depending on household and provider.

Utilities Cost Range in Houston

Budget-Conscious
$2,840/yr
~$237/mo ยท 35% below average
Typical
$4,369/yr
~$364/mo ยท what most households spend
Premium
$6,335/yr
~$528/mo ยท 45% above average

How Houston Compares

Houston's utilities cost runs $107 less per year than the US national average. With a cost-of-living index of 96, Houston is positioned in the middle of US cost rankings, with utilities cost tracking close to national pricing.

โ„น More expensive nearby: Austin, TX (146 mi) costs more โ€” index 112.

Utilities Cost in Top US Cities (Annual)

CityCost IndexAnnual Avgvs. National
Houston, TX This page96$4,369-2%
New York, NY187$6,812+52%
Los Angeles, CA166$6,248+40%
Chicago, IL107$4,664+4%
Phoenix, AZ103$4,557+2%
Seattle, WA172$6,410+43%
View all 300+ cities ranked by utilities cost โ†’

How to Save on Utilities Cost in Houston

1

Shop providers annually โ€” utilities cost pricing in Houston varies meaningfully between vendors; getting 3 quotes typically saves 10-25%.

2

Consider neighboring zip codes โ€” even within TX, utilities cost can vary substantially by area.

3

Time purchases strategically โ€” off-peak periods see lower demand and better pricing for utilities cost.

4

Bundle services where possible โ€” many providers in Houston discount combined services 10-20%.

5

Use city-specific assistance programs โ€” Houston and TX may offer income-based reductions for utilities cost; check with local consumer-affairs offices.

Other Costs in Houston

See how other major expenses look in Houston, TX.

See the full Houston cost-of-living profile โ†’

Houston Utilities Cost โ€” FAQ

What is the average utilities cost in Houston, TX?

The average utilities cost in Houston, TX is approximately $4,369 per year ($364/month), based on a cost-of-living index of 96 applied to the national baseline of $4,476.

Is utilities cost expensive in Houston?

Utilities Cost in Houston runs close to the US national average, with a cost-of-living index of 96. The typical cost is within a few percent of the national figure.

How much does utilities cost cost per month in Houston?

Monthly utilities cost in Houston averages about $364. Households typically see $237โ€“$528 per month depending on size, provider choice, and lifestyle.

What drives utilities cost differences between cities?

Utilities Cost pricing tracks local labor markets, commercial real-estate costs, and regulatory environments. Cities with higher overall cost-of-living indices (like 96 for Houston) systematically see higher service prices. Local competition, climate, and demand-supply balance also play significant roles.