#32 most expensive of 37 cities
Average utility bills in Portland, OR
Estimated monthly costs for a typical household · Q1 2026
Total monthly utilities
$263
National avg: $277/mo · $14 below average
Hydro power keeps electricity low
Monthly bill breakdown
Electricity
Varies most by climate zone and home size.
$80/mo
-22% vs national avg ($102/mo)
Natural Gas
Higher in cold-climate cities, near zero in the South.
$48/mo
-16% vs national avg ($57/mo)
Water & Sewer
Rates set by local municipality.
$45/mo
+13% vs national avg ($40/mo)
Internet
Assumes 100 Mbps+ broadband plan.
$60/mo
+5% vs national avg ($57/mo)
Trash & Recycling
Some cities bundle this into property taxes.
$30/mo
+11% vs national avg ($27/mo)
Estimates based on EIA residential data, BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey, and ISP market surveys. Actual bills vary by home size (data assumes 1,800 sq ft), usage habits, and provider.