What Is the Average Cost of Utilities in Seattle?
Get a realistic look at the average monthly expenses for essential household services in Seattle. Prepare your budget with confidence.
Understanding household utility costs is important for managing a budget in Seattle. For individuals considering a move or current residents, grasping the typical costs of essential services is invaluable. These ongoing expenditures represent a significant portion of monthly outlays, impacting overall financial planning.
Electricity Costs
Electricity expenses in Seattle are primarily managed by Seattle City Light, a publicly owned utility. Bills typically involve a fixed daily service charge and a per-kilowatt-hour (kWh) rate for energy consumed.
The average monthly electricity bill in Seattle has been reported to be around $154.29, based on a residential electricity rate of 13.9 ¢/kWh and an average monthly consumption of 1,110 kWh. Another estimate places the average monthly bill at $173. These costs can fluctuate based on factors such as home size, insulation quality, and appliance efficiency. Seattle City Light also plans to introduce a Time of Use (TOU) rate in fall 2025, where electricity prices will vary depending on the time of day, with peak hours (5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday) being the most expensive.
Water and Sewer Charges
Water and sewer services in Seattle are provided by Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), with billing typically combined. Sewer charges often constitute a larger portion of the overall bill than water usage itself. Billing for these services is generally based on water consumption, and for single-family residential customers, sewer bills are calculated using actual water usage during the winter period (November through April). This approach helps ensure that residents are not charged for water used outdoors, such as for irrigation, which does not enter the sewer system.
The average water and sewer bill for a Seattle apartment is approximately $75 per month. For a typical single-family residential customer, wastewater generation is estimated at 4.3 CCF per month. King County’s monthly sewer rate for single-family residences is $58.28 for 2025. These charges cover the operational costs of maintaining the water and wastewater infrastructure.
Natural Gas Expenses
Natural gas services in Seattle are primarily supplied by Puget Sound Energy (PSE). Natural gas bills are structured with per-therm rates and fixed service charges. The cost of natural gas can experience seasonal fluctuations, largely due to heating demands during colder months.
Average natural gas bills for Seattle apartments might be around $100 during winter months but can fall below $60 per month in the summer. In December 2024, Seattle area households paid an average of $1.425 per therm for utility (piped) gas. Natural gas is commonly used for home heating, water heating, and cooking.
Waste Management and Internet Services
Waste management, encompassing garbage, recycling, and composting, is also handled by Seattle Public Utilities (SPU). Residential waste collection is typically billed based on factors such as the size of the garbage can and the frequency of pickup. Recycling service is usually included within the garbage rate for Seattle residents.
Internet services in Seattle are provided by a range of competitive companies. The cost of internet service varies significantly depending on the chosen speed tier and whether the service is bundled with other offerings. Monthly internet costs in Seattle generally range from $20 to $300, with an average around $42 to $52 per month.