Did you know that as a Boston resident, you might have already saved $200 in utility bills last year? According to an article by the Boston Sun. Residents who had enrolled in Boston Community Choice Electricity (BCCE) saved around $200 yearly between 2021 & 2024.
Utility costs are something we all have to deal with. This usually consists of paying for electricity, heating, water, and other services. While their cost is not as high as a mortgage, they are reoccuring payment & the costs will add up if you don’t pay attention.
Its even more important for you to understand these costs because Boston has a slightly higher cost of living compared to other US cities. The unobserved utility bills have the potential to eat up your budget quietly. Understanding which factors increase the utility costs can help you maintain your energy use & avoid the heavy bills.
In this article, we will analyze how much homeowners typically pay for utilities in Boston. We will then breakdown main types of utility expenses & the factors that increase their costs. This will help you budget your money better as a Boston resident.
Average Utility Costs by Category
Many factors can affect the utility costs; however, due to Boston’s climate, the major factor is the weather. The summer and winter seasons can increase the utility bills. Below, you will be able to see how much you might pay in utility bills.
Electricity
Electricity could be the biggest utility expense for your household. If your house uses less electric heating and air conditioning, you can keep the bill low. However, if your usage is high, the bills can skyrocket. Given below are the estimated usage charges.
- Estimated usage: 1,000 kWh per month
- Estimated monthly electricity cost: $332
Natural Gas
Since March, gas prices have increased by at least $45. The unit used to charge the gas utility bill is called a therm. You are charged for as many therms as you burn to heat your house or cook your food.
Monthly Per therm charge: 1.8569
Average monthly gas bill (For 120 therms): $222.83
(Note: These are only aevarge estmauted rate by the company Eversource; if you are a customer of another company, your bill might slightly differ.)
Water
The water utility bill is handled by the Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC). The bill you are charged depends on two factors: a base fee and the amount of water you use. If you have a large family and do your laundry frequently, you can expect higher water bills.
- Base charge: $9.06 per month
- Usage rate: $9.38 per 1,000 gallons
- Estimated usage: 5,000 gallons per month
- Estimated monthly water cost: $55.98
Sewer:
Estimated monthly sewer cost: $44.57
Monthly Utility Cost Table for Boston Homeowners
| Utility Type | Typical Usage | Rate / Pricing | Estimated Monthly Cost |
| Electricity | 1,000 kWh | Standard residential electricity rate | $332 |
| Natural Gas | 120 therms | $1.8569 per therm | $222.83 |
| Water | 5,000 gallons | $9.06 base + $9.38 per 1,000 gallons | $55.98 |
| Sewer | Based on water usage | Tiered pricing system | $44.57 |
Utility Expense Comparison: Boston vs New York
If you compare Boston residents’ monthly utility expenses with those of a New York City resident. You will realize that the costs are $75 more per month for a Boston resident. Below you can read an average utility expenses comparison between the two cities.
Electricity
- Boston:
- Typical usage: 1,000 kWh/month
- Estimated bill: $332
- New York:
- Estimated bill: $250.40
- The bill is lower in NYC because of cheaper rates.
Water
- Boston:
- Base charge: $9.06/month
- Rate: $9.38 per 1,000 gallons
- Estimated monthly bill for 5,000 gallons: $55.98
- New York:
- Estimated bill: $38.68
- Boston water is pricier due to higher per-gallon rates.
Natural Gas
- Boston
- Rate: $1.8569 per therm
- Typical usage: 120 therms/month
- Estimated bill: $222.83/month
- Rate: $1.8569 per therm
- New York City
- Average bill: $289/month (Estimated)
Sewer
- Boston:
- Tiered pricing system
- Estimated monthly cost: $44.57
- Tiered pricing system
- New York:
- Estimated bill: $36.11
Boston vs New York Utility Comparison Table
| Utility Type | Boston Monthly Cost | New York City Monthly Cost | Difference |
| Electricity | $332 | $250.40 | Boston is higher |
| Natural Gas | $222.83 | $289 | NYC is higher |
| Water | $55.98 | $38.68 | Boston is higher |
| Sewer | $44.57 | $36.11 | Boston is higher |
Tips to Reduce Utility Costs
- Check your walls, windows, and doors to see if they are properly sealed. If you properly air-seal your walls, windows, and doors, you can reduce your heating and cooling needs by 15% or more. Hence, cutting down on bills by consuming less.
- Consider signing a PPA with a renewable energy company. They offer lower fixed rates with no upfront costs.
- Do your laundry and dishwashing during the off-peak hours. You can save 8 percent monthly from bills if you follow this strategy.
- If you replace your old HVAC system and invest in insulation, you might secure federal or state tax credits. This can reduce your upfront costs and long-term bills.
- Investing in a thermostat is probably one of the smartest decisions you can make to cut utility bill costs. A thermostat automates heating and cooling, saving tons in wasted energy.
- Replace all your old bulbs with LED bulbs. An LED bulb can save 85% energy, which can save hundreds of dollars per year.
- Invest in an efficient shower head. The modern shower heads use 75% less water. They reduce both heating and water costs.
- Lowering your water heater to 120°F can save up to 5% on gas heating costs.
Boston Utility Cost Summary
| Type of bill | What can it cost you monthly | What can it cost you annually |
| Electricity | Around $332 | $3,984 |
| Natural Gas | $222.83 | $2,673.96 |
| Water | On average, $55.98 | $671.76 |
| Sewer | $44.57 | Typically $534.84 |
| Total | $655.38 | $7,864.56 |
(FAQ)
What is the average cost of utilities in Boston, Massachusetts?
Homeowners in Boston typically spend around $655 per month on utilities. This usually includes electricity, natural gas, water, and sewer services. However, the actual amount can vary depending on home size, energy usage, and seasonal heating or cooling needs.
What are the reasons for the high utility bills in Boston?
Utility bills in Boston are often higher due to cold winters, older housing infrastructure, and higher electricity rates. Heating systems work harder during winter months, which increases gas and electricity consumption.
What is the average electricity bill in Boston?
The average electricity bill for a homeowner in Boston is around $332 per month, based on an estimated usage of 1,000 kWh. Homes that rely heavily on electric heating or air conditioning may experience even higher bills.
How much do Boston residents pay for natural gas each month?
The cost of gas varies depending on how much gas is used for heating and cooking. Assuming that 120 therms of gas are used each month, it would cost Boston residents around $222.83 for the gas used for heating and cooking.
What is the average water bill in Boston?
The cost of water in Boston is determined by how much water is used and a basic service fee. Assuming that 5,000 gallons of water are used each month, it would cost Boston residents around $55.98 for water services.
And how much do sewer services cost Boston residents each month?
Sewer services in Boston vary depending on how much water is used. Assuming that Boston residents use around 5,000 gallons of water each month, it would cost Boston residents around $44.57 for sewer services.
Are utility costs in Boston higher than in New York City?
Some of the utilities in Boston are higher than in New York City. For instance, electricity, water, and sewer services are higher in Boston than in NYC. On the other hand, natural gas services are higher in NYC than in Boston. This helps to balance out the cost of utilities in both cities.
How can a homeowner in Boston lower their utility bills?
A homeowner in Boston can lower their utility bills by increasing insulation, sealing gaps around windows and doors, using LED bulbs, using smart thermostats, and using major appliances at off-peak hours. This can save a homeowner a significant amount of money in utility bills.
What is Boston Community Choice Electricity (BCCE)?
Boston Community Choice Electricity (BCCE) is a city initiative that helps residents in Boston save money by shopping for electricity at competitive prices from alternative providers. This has helped residents save around $200 per year.
Conclusion
The Utility expenses are higher in Boston compared to cities like NYC. By observing your monthly utility expenses, you can see patterns like seasonal fluctuations and increase on utility bill rates. You can then adapt practices that help you control and lower your expenses gradually. Observing your utility costs is a long game, but it’s worth it because you can save hundreds of dollars yearly.
