Average Utility Costs in North Carolina
Typical monthly utility costs in North Carolina are about $241.71/mo, based on 1,000 kWh of electricity and 5,000 gallons of water (plus sewer and trash where available). Compare North Carolina cities below to find cheaper vs more expensive areas.
Average Monthly Utility Costs in North Carolina
The average utility bill in North Carolina is estimated at $241.71 per month, a typical total assembled from median city estimates for electricity, water, sewer, and trash. To reflect a more typical bill across cities (and reduce the impact of outliers), these "average" values use the median of city estimates.
Assumptions: 1,000 kWh/month and 5,000 gallons/month (where applicable). "Average" values represent the median city estimate; water/sewer/trash medians exclude $0 entries when service or published rates vary by address. Actual bills vary by usage, fees, and provider.
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Duke Energy territories & how NC electric bills work
Duke Energy Carolinas vs. Duke Energy Progress
North Carolina has two main Duke Energy territories: Duke Energy Carolinas (serving the Charlotte area, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and much of the central and western part of the state) and Duke Energy Progress (serving the Raleigh-Durham area and eastern North Carolina). Each has its own approved rates and riders, so electric at 1,000 kWh can differ slightly between territories even though both are Duke utilities.
What "typical bill at 1,000 kWh" means
The NC Public Staff publishes typical monthly bills at 1,000 kWh for each regulated utility. We use those benchmarks so you can compare cities on a level playing field. Your actual bill will vary with usage, seasonal rates, fuel and rider adjustments, and any demand or time-of-use charges that apply to your rate schedule.
Why two Duke-served cities can still show different totals
Even when two cities are in the same Duke territory, total utility costs differ because water, sewer, and trash are set by each city or county. So the electric portion may be similar at 1,000 kWh, but the full bill reflects local water/sewer/trash rates and fees.
These rankings are estimates for comparison at 1,000 kWh. For the full breakdown (electric, water, sewer, trash) by city, use the comparison table below.
Cheapest electric rates in North Carolina
Top 5 cities with the lowest estimated electric bill at 1,000 kWh. See the comparison table below for all cities.
Most expensive total utility monthly cost in North Carolina
Top 5 cities with the highest estimated total (electric + water + sewer + trash). See the comparison table for all cities. High totals are often driven by sewer/trash fixed fees and local rate structures, not just electric.
Compare all cities
Estimated monthly costs by city, sorted by total (highest first). Same assumed usage (1,000 kWh, 5,000 gal) for comparison; some cities may show $0 when no single published municipal rate is available or service varies by address. 7 cities.
| City | County | Electric | Water | Sewer | Trash | Total | View |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh | Wake County | $163.17 | $36.15 | $48.94 | $14.60 | $262.86 | View Raleigh details → |
| Durham | Durham County | $163.17 | $35.01 | $49.46 | $14.14 | $261.78 | View Durham details → |
| Cary | Wake County | $142.15 | $44.69 | $33.25 | $26.00 | $246.09 | View Cary details → |
| Fayetteville | Cumberland County | $123.40 | $38.00 | $51.00 | $22.92 | $235.32 | View Fayetteville details → |
| Charlotte | Mecklenburg County | $143.39 | $21.41 | $49.80 | $10.03 | $224.63 | View Charlotte details → |
| Greensboro | Guilford County | $143.39 | $32.49 | $40.65 | $5.50 | $222.03 | View Greensboro details → |
| Winston-Salem | Forsyth County | $143.39 | $29.75 | $41.94 | $0.00 | $215.08 | View Winston-Salem details → |
North Carolina counties
View estimated utility costs by county. Each county page lists cities and a comparison table of monthly estimates.
Utility providers in North Carolina
In the cities we cover, electric is provided by Duke Energy Carolinas (Charlotte, Greensboro, Greenville, Winston Salem); Duke Energy Progress (Raleigh, Durham, Cary); Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) (Fayetteville) Water, sewer, and trash are set by city, county, or regional providers. Our estimates use each utility's published rate at 1,000 kWh. City pages show sources and last-verified dates.
See which electric, water, sewer, and trash providers serve different areas of North Carolina, along with typical residential rate information and sources.
View utility providers in North Carolina →Compare with nearby states
Compare utility costs in North Carolina with neighboring states.
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