What is the average electric bill for 3 bedroom house?

Paying utility bills is a necessity – something every homeowner has to deal with. And, a high bill can really shake the monthly budget. That’s why it’s essential to be mindful of your monthly expenses and energy usage. And if you are moving to a new home, especially in a different state, it can be challenging to anticipate the total utility costs. In this guide, we’ll explore average electric bill for 3 bedroom house, how these average costs vary, and strategies to reduce the electricity expenses.

It’s a fact that electric bills for homes, particularly 3-bedroom houses, have risen significantly in recent years due to increased utility rates and extreme weather conditions necessitating more energy for heating and cooling. Keep in mind that electricity costs differ based on location, property size, and individual electricity usage.

What is the average electric bill for 3 bedroom house?

The average monthly electric bill for a three-bedroom house in the United States ranges from $87 to $180, depending on the number of occupants, total square foot, the location of the property, the local climate, and the energy consumption. For a four-bedroom house, the monthly bill can vary from $105 to $200.

The average electric bill for 3 bedroom house and location

Location, including state, region, zip code, affect your energy bills. For instance, the average monthly electric bill for a 3-bedroom house varies from $99 in Utah to $303 in Hawaii.

Here are some more examples to show you the variation in electric bills across states.

In California, the mild climate keeps electricity consumption low, but high utility rates mean the average electric bill for a 3-bedroom house is around $178 per month, ranking 10th highest nationally.

Florida faces the third-highest average electric bill for 3-bedroom homes at $198 per month. Despite slightly lower utility rates, the constant need for air conditioners in the hot, humid climate doubles electricity usage compared to California.

Ohio’s average electric bill for a 3-bedroom house sits just below the national average at $147 per month. With average usage of 960 kilowatt hour (kWh) and utility rates at 15.7 cents per kWh, Ohio ranks in the middle.

New York State’s 3-bedroom homeowners pay around $147 per month, ranking 32nd nationally. Low monthly electricity consumption of 632 kWh offsets higher utility rates of 23.2 cents per kWh.

Read more: Tips to estimate your utility bill by address

Average electric bill for 3 bedroom house and the home size

Heating and cooling account for over 30% of household electricity usage on average. Larger homes have more space to heat and cool, leading to higher electricity bills compared to smaller homes. For instance, the average monthly electric bill for a 1,200-square-foot house is about $133, which is $50 lower than a 2,500 to 2,999-square-foot house. Generally, for every additional 1,000 square feet, the monthly electricity bill increases by around $16, totaling $192 annually.

Average electric bill and energy consumption

Energy bills are directly linked to usage, and are generally not flat rates. Each home appliance you use impacts your costs differently. Your bill consists mainly of energy-hungry appliances such as your HVAC system and refrigerator. However, frequent use of smaller devices such as lights, hair dryers, and TVs can also contribute significantly to your bill.

For instance, running an electric clothes dryer typically consumes 2.5 to 4.0 kWh per load, while a hot wash with a warm rinse in the washing machine can use around 6.3 kWh per load. If you do more laundry than average, you can expect higher bills compared to local averages.

Additionally, the type of appliances you have matters. Opting for Energy Star-rated appliances, devices, and electronics can save you up to 30% on your electric bills compared to using non-Energy Star-rated products.

Read more: Energy-efficient home upgrades

Average electric bill for 3 bedroom house and the climate

On average, a 3-bedroom US home consumes about 32 kWh of electricity daily, totaling around 966 kWh per month. However, usage varies, with California using around 19 kWh per day and Louisiana using around 44 kWh per day. Electricity usage is largely influenced by climate conditions, with Southern states using more for air conditioning during hot summers, while coastal states in the West and Northeast, with milder climates, tend to use less electricity, particularly if they use gas-powered furnaces for winter heating.

Smart tips to reduce your energy usage

Making small adjustments or investing in home energy efficiency can help you save money significantly over time.

Proper insulation is a key long-term investment for homeowners, reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Insulation also benefits hot water heaters and pipes, with R-8 insulated jackets cutting heat loss by 25-45%, saving 4-9% in heating costs.

Upgrading to ENERGY STAR-certified appliances is another effective strategy. They use 10-50% less energy than standard models, potentially saving consumers $80 annually in energy costs per appliance.

Reducing idle energy usage, known as phantom load, is also important. Devices plugged into outlets, even when turned off, consume power, costing the average household $100 annually. Smart power strips or simply unplugging unused devices can curb this waste.

If your home uses natural gas or propane alongside electricity, your electric bill will likely be lower than in an all-electric household. Gas appliances, such as stoves and water heaters, can save up to 30% compared to their electric counterparts due to typically lower gas prices.

However, just like electricity rates, natural gas and propane prices vary so it’s a good idea to thoroughly research local pricing.

Last thoughts

Understanding the average electric bills for three- to four-bedroom homes is just one aspect to consider when managing your household expenses. While they provide a baseline, it’s important to account for other factors to avoid unexpected costs. Electricity costs significantly impact monthly budgets and overall financial planning for homeowners. Therefore, knowing the average electric bill for a 3-bedroom house is essential for effective budget management.

FAQs

What’s the typical monthly electricity usage per person?

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, average monthly electricity consumption was around 877 kWh in 2019. However, this varied widely depending on property size and daily habits. Those who use less power for heating and cooling and monitor their usage tend to have lower energy bills.

Why is my electric bill so high?

Your electric bill may be high due to increased energy usage, inefficient appliances, air leaks, or high rate charged by your utility company.

What’s the biggest expense on your electric bill?

Heating and cooling take up nearly half of your electric bill. And, electric water heaters contribute an additional 15%. You can consider alternatives, such as solar energy or natural gas, or investing in energy-efficient appliances. These can help lower your overall energy usage.

How can I estimate my average electric bill?

You can estimate your average electricity bill by taking into account your household’s electricity usage, the rates charged by your local utility company, and any applicable taxes or utility fees.

Written by Ramona Sinha. February 9, 2025

Ramona is the Senior Content Writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. She has written articles covering a broad range of topics, such as real estate, lending and mortgage, finance, business, taxation, home designs, home improvement projects, decor concepts, and more. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depth of her soul.