📈 Compare Two States
Select two states below to compare their estimated monthly electricity bills based on the national average household consumption of 886 kWh per month.
📈 State Comparison Results
ⓘ Based on EIA March 2026 residential rate data using national average consumption of 886 kWh/month. Actual bills vary by utility, rate plan, and household usage patterns.
⚡ Why Electricity Costs Vary So Much Between States
Electricity prices across the United States are anything but uniform. As of March 2026, the gap between the cheapest and most expensive states is staggering: North Dakota residents pay just 11.95¢/kWh, while households in Hawaii face 42.23¢/kWh — a difference of more than 3.5 times. For the average household consuming 886 kWh per month, that translates to a monthly bill of roughly $106 in North Dakota versus $374 in Hawaii, an annual difference of over $3,200. Understanding why these disparities exist is essential for anyone relocating, buying a home, or simply trying to manage their household energy budget.
Fuel Mix and Generation Sources
One of the primary drivers of state-level price differences is the fuel mix used for electricity generation. States that rely heavily on coal, natural gas, or hydropower tend to have lower electricity rates because these fuels are abundant and relatively inexpensive to transport. For example, the West North Central region (North Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri) benefits from substantial coal-fired generation and wind power, keeping residential rates well below the national average of 18.56¢/kWh. In contrast, states that depend on imported liquefied natural gas, petroleum, or renewable energy with high transmission costs — like Hawaii and much of New England — face significantly higher rates. New England states average approximately 29.42¢/kWh, more than double the West North Central average.
Regulatory Environment and Deregulation
Whether a state operates under a regulated monopoly model or has deregulated its electricity market also plays a major role. In regulated states like Alabama, Kentucky, and Utah, a single utility handles generation, transmission, and distribution, and rates are set by state public utility commissions. This model often results in lower rates but fewer choices for consumers. Deregulated states such as Texas, Ohio, and Illinois allow retail providers to compete, which can theoretically lower prices through competition, but also introduces variable rate plans, time-of-use pricing, and additional fees that can complicate bill comparison. California's partial deregulation has contributed to its high average rate of 33.35¢/kWh, as transmission infrastructure costs and wildfire mitigation expenses are passed through to ratepayers.
Climate, Geography, and Consumption Patterns
It is important to note that a lower rate per kWh does not always mean a lower monthly bill. States with cheap electricity often have higher consumption due to extreme weather and larger home sizes. Texas, for instance, has a below-average residential rate of 16.39¢/kWh, but the average Texas household consumes 1,155 kWh per month — significantly above the national average of 886 kWh. This results in a monthly bill of approximately $189, comparable to Maryland (22.20¢/kWh, 944 kWh consumed, $209/month). Conversely, California's high rate of 33.35¢/kWh is offset somewhat by relatively low consumption (561 kWh/month), producing a monthly bill around $187. The relationship between rate and consumption is complex, and our state comparison calculator accounts for both factors to give you an apples-to-apples estimate.
Seasonal and Regional Variation
Seasonal changes also amplify the differences between states. Summer cooling costs in the South can push bills 40-60% above annual averages, while winter heating in the Northeast using electric furnaces or heat pumps can produce similarly dramatic spikes. Residents of Florida, Arizona, and Texas may see summer bills double their spring or fall bills, while households in Maine, Vermont, and Minnesota face the opposite pattern with winter heating. Our comparison tool uses annual average rates, but it is valuable to check local utility websites for time-of-year rate adjustments when budgeting for a move across state lines.
How to Use This Comparison Tool
Select any two states from the dropdowns above and click the calculate button. The calculator will display the estimated monthly and annual electricity costs for each state using the national average consumption of 886 kWh per month. You will also see the rate per kWh, the absolute dollar difference between the two states, and which state is more or less expensive. A bar chart visualizes the comparison for quick reference. Whether you are considering a cross-country relocation, evaluating a second home, or simply curious about how your state stacks up, this tool provides the data you need at a glance.
Frequently Asked Questions About State Electricity Cost Comparisons
What is the cheapest state for electricity in 2026? North Dakota has the lowest residential rate at 11.95¢/kWh, followed by Idaho (13.01¢/kWh), Nebraska (13.10¢/kWh), and Iowa (13.42¢/kWh). However, the total monthly bill depends on consumption, so a high-consumption household in North Dakota could still pay more than a low-consumption household in a higher-rate state.
Which state has the most expensive electricity? Hawaii leads at 42.23¢/kWh, more than double the national average. Other high-cost states include California (33.35¢/kWh), Connecticut (30.47¢/kWh), Massachusetts (30.21¢/kWh), and Rhode Island (29.91¢/kWh). Most of the highest-rate states are concentrated in New England and the Pacific Coast.
How much can I save by moving to a cheaper electricity state? Moving from Hawaii to North Dakota could save over $3,200 per year in electricity costs for a typical household. Even a less extreme move — from California (33.35¢/kWh) to Texas (16.39¢/kWh) — could save roughly $1,100 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate the savings specific to your move.
Does the calculator account for different home sizes? The state comparison calculator uses the national average household consumption of 886 kWh per month to provide a standardized comparison. For a more personalized estimate based on your specific home size, occupancy, and season, try our Monthly Electric Bill Calculator.
Are the electricity rates updated regularly? Yes. All state rate data comes from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Electric Power Monthly report, Table 5.6.A, updated through March 2026. We refresh our dataset as new EIA reports are published. The national average rate of 18.56¢/kWh reflects the most recent official data available.