Average Utility Costs in San Francisco, CA

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

Average monthly utility costs in San Francisco, CA are about $741.06, 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

$741.06

Estimated average monthly utilities in San Francisco are ~$741.06 (1,000 kWh + 5,000 gal assumptions). Average water bill estimate: ~$91.66/mo at 5,000 gallons.

Data freshness: last verified 2026-03-03
  • Electric $470.00 (63%)
  • Water $91.66 (12%)
  • Sewer $126.65 (17%)
  • Trash $52.75 (7%)

Utilities here are about 40% higher than the California city average, driven mainly by sewer.

  • In California, heating and cooling often makes electric the largest share of the bill.
  • Our electric estimate uses delivery rates from the tariff; supply charges vary monthly and we estimated them for comparison. Verify with your provider for current rates.
  • Trash is provided by private haulers; residents choose their own. Our estimate reflects typical rates for the area—contact haulers for exact pricing.

Water

Confirmed
Provider
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC)
Base charge
$18.36/mo
Volumetric rate
$14.66/1,000 gal
Assumed usage
5,000 gal
Estimated monthly
$91.66
sfpuc.org· verified 2026-03-03

Sewer

Estimated
Method
capacityCommodity
Estimated monthly
$126.65
sfpuc.org· verified 2026-03-03

Trash

Confirmed
Monthly fee
$52.75

City-franchised hauler (Recology). Rate depends on cart sizing/service level.

recology.com· verified 2026-03-03

Total estimated monthly utilities

$741.06

What changes your bill most?

  • Electric is about 63% of your estimated utilities here.
  • Every 100 kWh changes your total by about $47.00.
  • Water increases by about $14.66 per additional 1,000 gallons.

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

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More in California

California utility costsSan Francisco CountyElectric providers in California

FAQ

In San Francisco, sewer is billed using a capacity-plus-commodity structure: a capacity charge based on your equivalent residential unit (ERU) and a volumetric charge for usage. Our estimate uses the rates from SFPUC Water & Sewer Rate Schedule (effective 7/1/2025, FY25–26) at the assumed 5,000 gallons per month.
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 San Francisco with another city side-by-side, or see how we calculate estimates.