Average Utility Costs in Modesto, CA

Estimated monthly utility costs (1,000 kWh + 5,000 gal)

Average monthly utility costs in Modesto, CA are about $587.03, based on 1,000 kWh of electricity and 5,000 gallons of water, plus sewer and trash fees. See the full breakdown and sources below.

Total estimated monthly utilities

$587.03

Estimated average monthly utilities in Modesto are ~$587.03 (1,000 kWh + 5,000 gal assumptions). Average water bill estimate: ~$44.21/mo at 5,000 gallons.

Data freshness: last verified 2026-03-17
  • Electric $440.00 (75%)
  • Water $44.21 (8%)
  • Sewer $47.89 (8%)
  • Trash $54.93 (9%)

Utilities here are about 15% higher than the California city average, driven mainly by electric rates.

  • In California, heating and cooling often makes electric the largest share of the bill.
  • City-provided trash is billed at a monthly fee ($54.93 in our estimate).

Water

Confirmed
Provider
City of Modesto
Base charge
$28.86/mo
Volumetric rate
$3.07/1,000 gal
Assumed usage
5,000 gal
Estimated monthly
$44.21
modestogov.com· verified 2026-03-17

Sewer

Confirmed
Method
flat
Estimated monthly
$47.89
modestogov.com· verified 2026-03-17

Trash

Confirmed
Monthly fee
$54.93

90-gal toter $54.93/mo. Includes trash, recycling, organics (green waste). Three-container system. SB 1383 compliance fees included.

modestogov.com· verified 2026-03-17

Total estimated monthly utilities

$587.03

What changes your bill most?

  • Electric is about 75% of your estimated utilities here.
  • Every 100 kWh changes your total by about $44.00.
  • Water increases by about $3.07 per additional 1,000 gallons.

Why we don't cover internet

Internet service varies widely—many providers, different plans, introductory offers, and bundles make it hard to compare apples to apples. We focus on electric, water, sewer, and trash where rates are more standardized, but we do offer a tool to help you compare internet service providers in your area.

Check available internet service providers in Modesto →

Assumptions

  • Electric: 1000 kWh/month
  • Water: 5,000 gallons/month

What these labels mean

  • Confirmed — From this area's rate schedule.
  • Benchmark — From an official typical (e.g. state commission 1,000 kWh); not city-specific.
  • Delivery only — Regulated delivery charges only (e.g. Texas); supply varies by plan.
  • Estimated — From other or incomplete sources; use as a rough guide.
Sources

Wondering if solar makes sense for you? Try our solar payback calculator to find out.

More in California

California utility costsStanislaus CountyElectric providers in California

FAQ

Trash in Modesto is provided by the city as part of municipal utilities and is billed at a monthly fee. Rates and services are set by the local government; our estimate uses the fee from City of Modesto – Solid Waste Rates (eff. Sep 1, 2024).
We use base charges and per-unit rates from official provider pages. Electric = base + (rate × assumed kWh). Water = base + (rate per 1,000 gal × assumed gallons / 1,000). Sewer is either a flat fee or a percentage of water. Trash is a fixed monthly fee. See the Methodology page for full formulas.
Actual bills depend on your usage, seasonal rates, taxes, fees, and provider-specific rules. Our estimates use fixed assumed usage (e.g., 1,000 kWh, 5,000 gal) for comparison. Your home may use more or less.
Each component shows a 'last verified' date. We aim to update from official sources periodically; always confirm current rates on the provider's site before making decisions.

Learn more

For tips on understanding your bill, comparing cities, and how electric and utility rates work by state, see our blog. Compare Modesto with another city side-by-side, or see how we calculate estimates.