Average Utility Costs in South Bend, IN

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

Average monthly utility costs in South Bend, IN are about $210.18, 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

$210.18

Data freshness: last verified 2026-02-08
  • Electric $132.90 (63%)
  • Water $29.84 (14%)
  • Sewer $31.09 (15%)
  • Trash $16.35 (8%)

Utilities here are about 20% lower than the Indiana city average, driven mainly by sewer.

  • In Indiana, heating and cooling often makes electric the largest share of the bill.
  • Trash is provided by private haulers; residents choose their own. Our estimate reflects typical rates for the area—contact haulers for exact pricing.

Electric

Confirmed
Provider
Indiana Michigan Power (I&M)
Base charge
$15.00/mo
Energy rate
$0.1179/kWh
Assumed usage
1000 kWh
Estimated monthly
$132.90
indianamichiganpower.com· verified 2026-02-08

Tiered rates: first 900 kWh at higher rate, then lower for usage over 900 kWh.

Water

Confirmed
Provider
South Bend Water Works
Base charge
$12.29/mo
Volumetric rate
$3.51/1,000 gal
Assumed usage
5,000 gal
Estimated monthly
$29.84
311.southbendin.gov· verified 2026-02-08

Trash

Confirmed
Monthly fee
$16.35

One-family dwelling inside city $16.35/mo. Outside city $21.26. Two-family $25.64; three-family $34.92; four-family $44.23. Senior $9.81. Yard waste (Apr–Nov) $6/mo.

311.southbendin.gov· verified 2026-02-08

Total estimated monthly utilities

$210.18

What changes your bill most?

  • Electric is about 63% of your estimated utilities here.
  • Every 100 kWh changes your total by about $11.79.
  • Water increases by about $3.51 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 Indiana

Indiana utility costsSt. Joseph CountyElectric providers in Indiana

FAQ

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. Indiana is a regulated electric state; our estimates use the serving utility's tariff at 1,000 kWh for comparison.
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 South Bend with another city side-by-side, or see how we calculate estimates.