Electricity Expenses Across East Coast States: What You're Actually Paying

The East Coast carries some of the nation’s steepest energy costs, adding significant pressure to household budgets. Based on recent analysis of U.S. Energy Information Administration data, residents in these 16 coastal states face an average monthly electric bill of $142—considerably higher than what many other regions experience.

The Expense Breakdown Across States

Connecticut tops the list as the most expensive state for electricity, with an average monthly bill reaching $202.74—roughly 48% above the national average. This steep figure reflects the state’s reliance on specific energy infrastructure and regional pricing dynamics.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, New Jersey offers the most relief to residents, with bills averaging just $113.21, sitting 17% below the national average. Vermont follows closely behind, averaging $117.11 monthly (14% below national average), making both states relatively affordable options for East Coast dwellers.

Mid-Range and Moderate Rates

Several states cluster around or slightly above the national average:

Higher-expense states include Florida ($168.35), New Hampshire ($168.79), and Massachusetts ($165.55), all ranging 21-23% above the national average. These regions typically show higher consumption patterns, with bills reflecting both usage and per-kilowatt rates.

Moderate-expense states such as Maryland ($148.45), Rhode Island ($149.78), and Maine ($153.56) represent the middle ground, ranging 8-12% above average. Delaware maintains rates almost perfectly aligned with national averages at just 0.9% variance.

Below-average states include New York ($125.80), North Carolina ($127.79), and Pennsylvania ($143.10), offering modest savings compared to the national baseline.

Understanding the Regional Variation

The disparity between Connecticut’s $202.74 monthly average electric bill and New Jersey’s $113.21 represents nearly an 80% difference—a substantial gap influenced by generation mix, transmission infrastructure, and state energy policies.

Several factors drive these variations:

• Energy source diversity: States with varied power generation experience different cost structures
• Consumption patterns: Average monthly consumption ranges from 554 kWh in Rhode Island to 1,107 kWh in Florida
• Regional infrastructure: Older or stressed grids often result in higher per-unit costs

For residents tracking household expenses, location significantly impacts annual energy spending. A Connecticut household might pay approximately $2,433 annually, while a New Jersey resident could manage with around $1,359—nearly $1,100 in annual savings despite living in the same region.

Understanding your state’s specific rates helps with budgeting and identifying whether energy efficiency improvements might deliver meaningful returns on investment.