Average Utility Costs in Memphis, TN

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

Average monthly utility costs in Memphis, TN are about $224.65, 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

$224.65

Data freshness: last verified 2026-02-11
  • Electric $109.50 (49%)
  • Water $16.00 (7%)
  • Sewer $70.00 (31%)
  • Trash $29.15 (13%)

Utilities here are about 5% lower than the Tennessee city average, driven mainly by electric rates.

  • In Tennessee, 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
Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW)
Base charge
$15.10/mo
Energy rate
$0.0944/kWh
Assumed usage
1000 kWh
Estimated monthly
$109.50
mlgw.com· verified 2026-02-11

MLGW provides electric, gas, and water. Seasonal rates; TVA fuel adjustment may change. Sewer based on water use; trash is private hauler.

Water

Confirmed
Provider
Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW)
Base charge
$0.00/mo
Volumetric rate
$3.20/1,000 gal
Assumed usage
5,000 gal
Estimated monthly
$16.00
mlgw.com· verified 2026-02-11

Sewer

Estimated
Method
tiered
Estimated monthly
$70.00

Tiered structure simplified to a representative monthly estimate at assumed usage.

mlgw.com· verified 2026-02-11

Trash

Estimated
Monthly fee
$29.15

Trash only (weekly): $29.15/mo ($87.45/quarter). Trash + recycle: $41.87/mo. Private hauler; Memphis has no city trash. Rates vary by provider (HT Disposal, others).

htdisposal.com· verified 2026-02-11

Total estimated monthly utilities

$224.65

What changes your bill most?

  • Electric is about 49% of your estimated utilities here.
  • Every 100 kWh changes your total by about $9.44.
  • Water increases by about $3.20 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 Tennessee

Tennessee utility costsShelby CountyElectric providers in Tennessee

FAQ

In Memphis, sewer is billed in tiers based on usage, so the rate per gallon changes with volume. Our estimate uses the rate structure from MLGW – Sewer (usage-based) at the assumed 5,000 gallons per month. Your bill will vary with actual usage.
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 Memphis with another city side-by-side, or see how we calculate estimates.