How Much Does the Average Water Bill Cost?
How much does the average water bill cost?
The cost of an average water bill will depend on your local cost of living, the size of your household and the amount of water you use. Typically billed together with the water and sewer, most average four-person households will see a water bill in the $25 to $75 per month range. We scoured the Internet to find the average monthly water bill for residents across the United States and included the prices we had found inside our table below:
Geographical Location | Household Size | Average Monthly Water Bill |
---|---|---|
Atlanta, GA | 3 bed, 2 bath, 3 people | $46 |
Baltimore, MD | 3 bed, 2 bath, 4 people | $33 |
Boise, ID | 3 bed, 2 bath, 4 people | $16 in winter; $32 in summer due to lawn watering |
Cleveland, OH | 3 bed, 2 bath, 4 people | $30 |
Detroit, MI | 2 bed, 1 bath, 1 person | $32 |
Orlando, FL | 3 bed, 2 bath, 4 people | $45 |
Philadelphia, PA | 2 bed, 1 bath, 2 people | $25 |
Phoenix, AZ | 3 bed, 2 bath, 4 people | $37 |
Portland, OR | 2 bed, 1 bath, 2 people | $34 |
Raleigh, NC | 4 bed, 2 bath, 5 people | $70 |
Salt Lake City, UT | 2 bed, 1 bath, 2 people | $22 |
San Marcos, TX | 1 bed, 1 bath apartment, 1 person | $15 |
St. Louis, MO | 2 bed, 1 bath, 2 people | $17 |
Traverse City, MI | 4 bed, 3 bath, 5 people | $29 |
Yucca Valley, CA | 2 bed, 1 bath, 2 people | $22 |
These prices, according to a Circle of Blue study have increased more than 41 percent since 2010 as result due to droughts and failing infrastructure. The study also claimed the average cost is about $40 per month based on 100 gallons of usage per person, per day.
Another study on MyFirstApartment.com claimed the average water bill for a one bedroom apartment was $32, whereas a two bedroom cost an average of $55 per month. A three+ bedroom would cost closer to $98 per month.
The Hamilton Project created a handy infographic, showcasing the largest cities in the United States, along with the corresponding prices, assuming each household consumed 11,220 gallons. Jacksonville, Florida, for example, averaged $25 per month, while Seattle, Washington, being the most expensive on the graphic, would cost closer to $70 per month.
What are the extra costs?
Aside from your water usage, additional fees may be charged, depending on your water utility company. This may include a water service turn-on charge, a service charge, permit fee, installation cancellation fee, delinquent service charge, return check charge, tampering fee, non-meter installation, ball valve installation, meter relocation and/or accuracy test.
Tips to know
In some cases, your water bill may be tied to your HOA fees if you live in a condo setting. Refer to your HOA documentation to see if it’s included.
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Average Reported Cost: $71.14
How much did you spend?
- Ballew (Muskogee , Oklahoma) paid $93 and said:
Seems too much
Was it worth it? Yes
- Stacey (Acworth, Georgia) paid $ and said:
97.00
Was it worth it? Yes
- Alicia (Palm coast, Florida) paid $68 and said:
Was it worth it? Yes
- David H. Lowa (Winston-Salem, NC 27104, North Carolina) paid $83 and said:
Our last bill was $83.00 for 60 days. It includes all taxes and fees. Two people, three bedrooms, two full baths.
Was it worth it? Yes
- Chuck (Baltimore, Maryland) paid $75 and said:
Baltimore City Water Prices have more than doubled in the last 2 years. And what do we get for our money? 14 million gallons of sewage leaking into our waters since January 2019.
Was it worth it? Yes
- Hidden (Calera, Oklahoma) paid $100 and said:
Awful high for Area
Was it worth it? Yes
- N/A (Haltom City, Texas) paid $79 and said:
This is for a one bedroom apartment and two person. This is ridiculous, especially because a corporate office took over. I lived here for 9 years and was never more than 60.00. Thieves
Was it worth it? Yes