Hawaii, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Alabama, and Massachusetts are the “Top 5 most costly states for energy in the United States in 2021,” according to Finder.
According to the platform’s data, the average monthly energy cost in Hawaii is $321, or $3,856 per year. The cost of electricity in the state is $168, and natural gas is $152. Due to rounding, the figures do not equal $321.
Idaho was the cheapest state for energy, with an average monthly cost of about $104 ($94 for electricity and $9 for natural gas). The entire cost of energy is roughly $1,247 per year.
Hawaii’s high cost is unsurprising considering that the state’s electricity rates have long been treble those of the rest of the country. According to the US Energy Information Administration, the average Hawaii home uses 40% less electricity, or 525 kilowatt-hours per month, than a home on the mainland, which uses 877 kilowatt-hours per month.
According to the US Energy Information Administration, the average retail price of energy in Hawaii is 28.7 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared to 10.5 cents per kilowatt-hour across the United States.
Hawaii, on the other hand, has the highest percentage of residential electricity users with rooftop solar systems in the country.
New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and Washington were the cheapest states for energy after Idaho.
What is the average Hawaii utility bill?
Hawaii’s Utilities score is 158.4, down from 184.6 in the second quarter of 2021. All things considered, utility bills range from $550 to $700 per month. This is an average for the entire state, although I mostly work with clients in Oahu who are on the top end of the pay scale. As a result, as of February 2021, I’ve broken down the costs you might see in those categories. While utility prices on the mainland have risen, they have remained largely steady in Hawaii.
The price of power, which ranges between $0.26 and $0.30 per kWh, is one area where the pricing disparity is most evident. This is slightly more than the national average of $0.13/kWh. Hawaii has a monthly average of 515 kWh, or roughly $150, while residences in the locations I service use between 1400 and 1600 kWh. On the low end, this works out to around $400 to $424 per month. On the higher end, I’ve had clients with average electric expenditures of around $1,700 per month.
Natural gas is another area where prices are higher than on the island, costing between $225 and $250 per month. Water and sewage costs for a home with a pool and excellent landscaping might cost anywhere from $160 to $180 per month.
The cost of cable and internet varies greatly depending on where you live on the islands. Bundles with promo rates in Honolulu can cost as little as $90 for cable and internet speeds of up to 200 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload, or as little as $50 for just the internet. On the other hand, Fiber options are being installed throughout Honolulu, with download speeds of up to 1000 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 300 Mbps. As you move further out, costs and availability can vary dramatically depending on your community, so double-check everything for every home you look at.
If you want to work from home, you won’t have to worry about internet connectivity, and because our temperatures are relatively mild throughout the year, you won’t have to worry about losing electricity to the internet due to an ice storm or other extreme weather.
This equates to a monthly utility expense of approximately $875 to $1,000. Many of these prices can be greatly reduced using a variety of techniques. Properly constructed solar panels that charge a battery bank during the day, for example, can cut your long-term electricity expenses in exchange for a greater upfront installation and purchase cost. Solar water heaters and energy-saving appliances, for example, can reduce it even more.
Is natural gas in Hawaii expensive?
According to a new analysis by WalletHub, Connecticut residents pay the most for their energy, whether it’s natural gas, electricity, home heating oil, or vehicle fuel, while residents of Washington, DC pay the least.
Connecticut residents spend an average of $372 per month on energy, compared to $199 per month for DC residents, according to the Evolution Finance Inc. subsidiary.
WalletHub examined the cost of electricity, natural gas, home heating oil, and automobile fuel in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. By calculating average usage by the average retail price in each state, the monthly cost of electricity was computed.
In terms of natural gas, Hawaii has the most expensive average residential pricing, followed by Florida, Maine, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Idaho had the most affordable residential natural gas pricing, followed by North Dakota, Montana, South Dakota, and Colorado.
Illinois had the largest natural gas use per capita, followed by Michigan, New Jersey, Alaska, and Utah. Hawaii, on the other hand, had the lowest natural gas consumption/consumer, followed by Florida, Maine, Arizona, and New Hampshire.
Is gas cheaper in Hawaii than electricity?
Hawaii’s Energy Given that Hawaii’s average electricity costs are more than double the national average, and our gasoline is consistently at or near the top of national price rankings, residents of the islands are likely to spend a far larger proportion of their income on energy than individuals elsewhere.
What is the cost of a sewer bill in Hawaii?
For single family houses, base costs will increase to $71.81 (a $3.42 increase) and water volume charges will climb to $4.29 (a $0.21 increase) per 1,000 gallons. The additional costs will help pay for environmental protection agency-mandated maintenance and enhancements.
Is it true that utilities are more expensive in Hawaii?
Renting in Hawaii is far more expensive than on the mainland, and the cost varies greatly depending on location. A studio on Oahu, for example, might cost anywhere from $1000 to more than $1,600 per month, not counting utilities, which can cost roughly $150 per month for one person. A one-bedroom apartment or house can cost anywhere from $1500 to more than $2000 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment or house starts at $1,800. Looking for a brand-new, magnificent one-bedroom condo? You should budget at least $3,000 per month.
You can always live outside of Honolulu’s city limits or perhaps contemplate moving to one of the other Hawaiian Islands.
Hilo, on the Big Island, is about 49 to 56 percent less expensive than Honolulu, and it has a laid-back, peaceful small-town character that may be more enticing than the city’s hustle and bustle.
If you’re seeking to buy, the median sales price of a single-family home in December 2020 was $870,000, a new high. On Oahu, the median condo sale price is $455,000. Despite the high prices, home and condo sales on Oahu continue to increase.
Alternatively, purchasing a plot of land and building your own home may be more cost-effective, depending on your region and general contractor. In this blog post, you can learn about the usual costs of building a home in Hawaii.
Hawaii citizens pay the highest monthly energy rates in the US when it comes to utilities. The average monthly energy cost in the United States is $168.13, according to the US Energy Information Administration. The national average is $117.65, therefore this is $50.48 more expensive.
Despite the high cost of energy, the sun shines 8 percent more in Hawaii than in other states, providing a potential for low-cost solar energy. In fact, Hawaii was the first state to announce a goal of generating 100% renewable energy by 2045.
Transportation
If you do decide to reside outside of Honolulu’s bustling downtown region, you’ll need to factor in the cost of owning and operating a vehicle. In Honolulu, gas costs around $3.16 per gallon as of January 2021. At $2.75 per ticket, taking the bus or, in Oahu, TheBus, may be a more cost-effective mode of transportation, however it may not be an enticing daily trip.
If you work in downtown Honolulu or Waikiki, you’ll almost certainly have to hire a parking place if your employer doesn’t supply one. Parking costs usually vary from $100 to $200. Those who live in a condo may be required to rent a stall at a similar price, depending on the association’s bylaws.
You might be able to use the Honolulu Rail Transit to work if you reside in Kapolei or on the ‘Ewa side of Oahu. However, there have been numerous delays in its development; for additional information, click here.
Groceries and Dining Out
as well as coffee cultivated in the area However, because products are imported from the mainland, Hawaii is the most costly place in the country to buy groceries. Hawaii’s groceries are extremely expensive, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center’s 2020 Quarter 3 study. Hawaii was ranked 196.3 on a nationwide rating of 100, while California, Washington, and Oregon were placed 138.5, 111.3, and 134.6, respectively.
On Oahu, for example, a gallon of whole milk can cost $8.99, with the cheapest gallon costing roughly $5.50 at Costco. Broccoli costs $3.79 per pound, while bulk carrots cost $3.49. Yes, while shopping local is encouraged, Hawaii grown mangos cost around $6.99 per pound. It will cost around $6 for four rolls of toilet paper.
Eating out can rapidly add up. Breakfast will set you back $8 to $12, lunch will set you back $8 to $15, and dinner will set you back $15 to $30. (or more). However, because there is such a wide price range, many individuals may buy a plate lunch (white rice, macaroni salad, and a meat entree such as loco moco or teriyaki beef) and store it for lunch and dinner, or split the plate in half with a buddy.
Miscellaneous
Are you prepared for some fantastic news? Hawaii has one of the lowest property tax rates in the country, at 0.35 percent. The income tax rate varies between 1.4 percent and 11 percent.
Hawaii is attractive to seniors because it exempts Social Security retirement benefits and public pension income from state taxes. Income from private pensions and retirement savings accounts is fully taxed.
Hawaii residents who participate in employer-sponsored health coverage plans pay some of the lowest costs in the country, according to a Commonwealth Fund report. In Hawaii, insurance is often offered by one of two organizations: Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc. or the Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA). According to this analysis, the potential cost to employees in Hawaii is around 36% of the national average, at $4,664 (8 percent of median salary), compared to a nationwide cost of $7,240. (12 percent of median income). In 2017, Hawaii had the lowest single-coverage employee expenditures in the country, at $675, which was less than half of the national average of $1,415.
More good news: Hawaii is the healthiest state in the US, having won the title nine times since 1990. Low levels of air pollution, less mental stress, and a large number of primary care physicians can all contribute to low obesity and smoking rates.
An example of a budget for a family of 4 living in a Single Family Home:
- $2,900 per month mortgage
- Purchasing groceries costs between $800 and $1,000 every month.
- $190 per month for electricity
- $380 per month for transportation
- $500 per month on dining out
- $2,350 in annual property taxes
The numbers above are based on the following conditions:
- You just have one wall air conditioner, which you use seldom.
- You have two gasoline vehicles.
- Costco, Foodland, and/or Safeway are all good places to shop.
- Once or twice a week, you eat out at a fairly priced restaurant.
- You reside in close proximity to your workplace.
Ways to Save
- Costco is a great place to shop. Shop at NEX if you or a member of your family is in the military.
- In Hawaii, Costco has the cheapest petrol.
- In Hawaii, electric cars (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular. Electric vehicle owners are offered incentives such as free street parking and access to HOV lanes.
- Solar Panels – Hawaiian Electric Company offers a number of energy-saving programs to its consumers.
What is the cost of electricity in Hawaii?
Hawaii’s utility bills are exorbitant. Residents of the Aloha State, in particular, have the highest monthly energy bills in the country. According to a 2017 research by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average monthly energy cost in Hawaii is $149.33. That’s over $38 higher than the national average of $111.67.
Electricity is also expensive in Hawaii. You’ll be spending a lot of money on your air conditioner if you don’t like the heat or humidity.
However, there is some variety amongst islands. Residents of Lanai spend an average of 35.40 cents per kWh, according to a 2017 report by Hawaii Energy. On Molokai, the average cost per kWh is 32.92 cents. Residents of Oahu pay an average of 22.63 cents per kWh, whereas residents of Maui pay 27.53 cents per kWh. The average cost of electricity on the Big Island is 30.93 cents per kWh. Consider that, according to the US EIA, the national average is 12.89 cents per kWh.
What is the source of Hawaii’s high gas prices?
“Scheuring believes that is the way of the future. ” Because of fossil fuels, oil, and other factors, an electric car is the superior option.
Many variables influence gas prices in Hawaii, including the state’s high real estate costs and the expense of carrying fuel to other islands by barge after it has been refined at the Par Pacific refinery on Oahu.
Crude oil price patterns typically affect retail pricing 60 days out in normal times. Crude prices have influenced gas prices in a shorter time frame because to OPEC production limits, COVID manufacturing closures in China, and supply interruptions resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Based on West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. benchmark crude, crude oil exceeded $130 a barrel last week, fell to $94 a barrel this week, then recovered to $102 a barrel this morning.
Why is my electric bill in Hawaii so high?
Due to US sanctions on Russian oil, Hawaiian Electric Co. advised customers today that their electricity costs will rise in the coming months.
Residential bills on Oahu are expected to rise by around 10%, while residents on Maui County and Hawaii island will see a 20% increase in the coming months, according to the utility.
“In a news release, Joe Viola, senior vice president of customer, legal, and regulatory affairs, said, “The hikes we’re predicting are more abrupt than we’ve seen before, and, on top of the inflation we’ve all experienced in recent months, I know they’ll damage the budgets of many people.” “We believe that by letting customers know what’s coming, they’ll be able to better plan their budgets and cut their energy consumption.
In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, President Joe Biden stated on Tuesday that the United States will prohibit all Russian oil imports, noting that this would come at a cost to Americans, particularly at the petrol pump.
Gas prices have been steadily climbing for weeks, with an average of $4.81 per gallon in Hawaii, according to AAA, compared to a national average of $4.31 per gallon for regular unleaded.
On Oahu, the average price per gallon is $4.71. Prices are significantly higher on neighboring islands, with a gallon costing $5.04 on Kauai, $4.98 on Maui, and $4.93 on Hawaii island.
Meanwhile, the state Public Utilities Commission regulates customer electricity tariffs, which include fuel costs that fluctuate with global markets.
Hawaiian Electric claims it makes no profit on the fuel it uses to create power, and that under a fuel-cost risk-sharing regulatory mechanism, the company’s shareholders must pay a portion of the cost if oil prices increase too high, resulting in a somewhat reduced rate for customers.
“In the news release, Viola stated, “We hope this is the peak and that by summer we will see some relief.” “There is a great deal of uncertainty, and if the world situation continues to be volatile, the price may rise.
What is the average electric bill in Honolulu, Hawaii?
Hawaii has the highest average monthly household power bills in the country, leaving consumers wondering why their bills are so high. The average monthly electric cost in Honolulu is $203 per month. Apartments and condos are included in this average price. The cost of a single-family home can range from $300 to $500, with air conditioning, water pumps, and electric vehicle charging costing considerably more.
Why is Hawaii electricity so expensive?
The cost of power in Hawaii is high due to the island’s remote location and distance from the mainland. Prices are higher because oil from the continental United States must be imported to power plants on Hawaii’s islands. Hawaii’s electricity bills rise in tandem with petroleum prices. Oil tanker gasoline is also included in electric bills; in fact, purchased power and fuel account for over half of a Hawaii resident’s monthly electric bill.
Is it worthwhile to install solar panels in Hawaii?
In the United States, Hawaii is a good location for home solar. Because of the high cost of power, abundant sunshine, a state tax credit, and a federal tax credit, homeowners in Hawaii can make a great return on their investment by installing residential solar panels.
