Utilities on the rise as winter makes way
This article was originally published on Marblehead Weekly News
As winter sets in, Americans are feeling the impact of rising utility costs, as detailed in Doxo’s recently released U.S. Utilities Market Size and Household Spend Report for 2024.
The comprehensive study tracks spending patterns on essential household utilities—electricity, gas, water and sewer, and waste and recycling—across the nation, offering valuable insights into how much Americans are paying to keep their homes running.
According to the report, utility bills are a significant expense for U.S. households. The national average for utility spending is $362 per month, while Massachusetts residents are facing a substantially higher monthly utility bill average of $456.
The costs are even steeper in the coastal town of Marblehead, with households spending an average of $390 per month on utilities. This cost is notably higher than the national average but still below the state’s overall average.
The report also sheds light on the massive scope of the U.S. utilities market, which totals $451 billion annually in household expenditures. This staggering figure underscores the growing financial burden on households as energy and water rates continue to climb.
In addition to utility expenses, Doxo’s data offers a broader view of the financial landscape for residents of Marblehead. The average Marblehead household spends a total of $3,346 per month—or $40,155 annually—on the 10 most common household bills. This includes utilities, as well as costs for things like housing, insurance, and transportation.
When comparing Marblehead to other Massachusetts communities, it ranks as the 36th most expensive city in the state. Residents here are spending significantly more on daily living costs than the national average—57% higher—and about 19% more than the state average.
As a result, Marblehead households devote 25% of their monthly income to paying bills, which is a substantial portion of household budgets. This highlights possible concerns for many American families, particularly in higher-cost regions like Marblehead, where the cost of living and utility bills are on the rise.