Utility Bills: What’s the Australian Average?
If there’s one thing every person in Australia can relate to, it’s the universal dread of receiving bills. One of the most common bills is in the form of a utility bill.
Whether mulling over the lights you left on once you receive your power bill or wondering how much the heating unit has tanked your funds when the gas bill arrives, utility bills can be a worrisome mail to receive.
In addition to the rising average cost of living in Australia, now is the time to double-check your energy costs and determine how much your neighbours are spending to keep the utilities on. With that being said, it’s time to grab your electricity, gas, and internet bills so you can see how you stack up when compared to the Australian average.
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Get connectedAverage Electricity Bill
Electricity is a fundamental utility that powers our homes, keeping the lights on, appliances running, and devices charged. The cost of electricity in Australia can vary significantly depending on location, consumption, and energy providers.
According to The AER reference price (Australian Energy Regulator), the average monthly electricity bill for a typical household as of April 2024 was around $165 ($1,979 per year). This cost may fluctuate based on factors such as the size of your household and the number of people in the home, energy-efficient appliances, and the state in which you reside. Electricity prices can also fluctuate seasonally due to increased energy consumption for heating or cooling and certain off-peak times.
For a more extensive breakdown of electricity costs by state, please see the table below:
| State | Average Electricity Bill (Yearly) | Average Electricity Bill (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria (VIC) | $1,571 / year | $131 / month |
| New South Wales (NSW) | $1,827 / year | $152 / month |
| South-East Queensland (QLD) | $1,969 / year | $164 / month |
| Western Australia (WA) | $2,252 / year | $187 / month |
| South Australia (SA) | $2,279 / year | $190 / month |
Need a deeper look?
If you’re looking for more information about the average electricity bill in Australia, we’ve got a whole article dissecting the topic, which you can find here!
Average Gas Bill
Gas is another essential utility for many Australian households, primarily used for heating, cooking, and hot water systems. Similar to electricity, gas bills can vary based on consumption and location.
The average gas bill across Australia, according to the Finder Consumer Sentiment Tracker, stood at approximately $66 per month ($788 per year) as of April 2024. Factors that influence the cost of your gas bill include the type of heating and cooking appliances you use, as well as the region you live in. Some regions have access to natural gas, which may be cheaper than bottled propane gas.
For a more extensive breakdown of gas costs by state factoring in the average household size of Australia, please see the table below:
| State | Average Gas Bill (Yearly) | Average Gas Bill (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Western Australia (WA) | $588 / year | $49 / month |
| Queensland (QLD) | $796 / year | $66 / month |
| New South Wales (NSW) | $820 / year | $68 / month |
| South Australia (SA) | $848 / year | $70 / month |
| Victoria (VIC) | $892 / year | $74 / month |
Looking for more?
For a deeper dive into everything to do with the average gas bill in Australia, check out our article here, so you can see how you measure up!
Average Internet Bill
In today’s digital age, internet connectivity has become a necessity for work, entertainment, and communication. The cost of internet services can also differ based on your chosen plan, internet speed, and the provider you opt for.
As of April 2024, the average monthly internet bill was around $75 ($900 per year) according to Canstar Blue’s Average Internet Bill article. This price can vary depending on your location and the type of internet connection you have, such as NBN, ADSL, or cable. Additionally, the cost may be influenced by whether you bundle your internet with other services like phone or TV.
For a more extensive breakdown of internet costs by state, please see the table below:
| State | Average Internet Bill (Year) | Average Internet Bill (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| South Australia (SA) | $876 / year | $73 / month |
| Western Australia (WA) | $888 / year | $74 / month |
| New South Wales (NSW) | $900 / year | $75 / month |
| Victoria (VIC) | $912 / year | $76 / month |
| Queensland (QLD) | $912 / year | $76 / month |
Did you know?
When it comes to calculating the average internet bill, the cost of your internet plan directly relates to the speed? You can find out more here!
Average Utility Bill
With the national averages laid out for your energy bills, we can now dive into how much the average Australian will spend on their utilities:
Average Monthly Cost
| State | Average Electricity Bill (Monthly) | Average Gas Bill (Monthly) | Average Internet Bill (Monthly) | Total Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria (VIC) | $131 / month | $74 / month | $76 / month | $281 / month |
| New South Wales (NSW) | $152 / month | $68 / month | $75 / month | $295 / month |
| Queensland (QLD) | $164 / month | $66 / month | $76 / month | $306 / month |
| Western Australia (WA) | $187 / month | $49 / month | $74 / month | $310 / month |
| South Australia (SA) | $190 / month | $70 / month | $73 / month | $333 / month |
Average Yearly Cost
| State | Average Electricity Bill (Yearly) | Average Gas Bill (Yearly) | Average Internet Bill (Yearly) | Total Yearly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria (VIC) | $1,571 / year | $892 / year | $912 / year | $3,375/ year |
| New South Wales (NSW) | $1,827 / year | $820 / year | $900 / year | $3,547 / year |
| Queensland (QLD) | $1,969 / year | $796 / year | $912 / year | $3,677 / year |
| Western Australia (WA) | $2,252 / year | $588 / year | $888 / year | $3,728 / year |
| South Australia (SA) | $2,279 / year | $848 / year | $876 / year | $4,003 / year |
While the data provided here offers a valuable snapshot of average utility costs, it’s essential to recognize that several factors can influence your actual bills:
- Location: Utility costs can vary significantly from state to state and even within regions. Remote areas may have higher delivery costs for utilities.
- Household Size: Larger households typically consume more electricity and gas, leading to higher bills.
- Energy Efficiency: Using energy-efficient appliances and adopting sustainable practices can help reduce electricity and gas bills.
- Internet Needs: Your internet expenses can vary depending on your usage patterns, the number of connected devices, and your need for higher speeds.
Is it Time to Change Providers?
After assessing whether you’re happy with what you’re currently paying or not, it’s up to you to decide whether it’s time to look at new energy plans or not. There is a multitude of retailers in the utility market to choose from and it’s important to find the right one for you.
Luckily, MyConnect can help you out, no matter whether you’re from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, etc. If you need help switching over and connecting electricity, gas, internet and more, give us a call at 1300 187 449 or use the Get Connected form here!
