Average Cost of Utilities in San Francisco 2026

Homeowners and renters in San Francisco typically pay a mix of electricity, natural gas, water, sewer, trash, and internet services each month. The main cost drivers are housing type, consumption, and local rates, with electricity and wastewater charges often the largest single line items. This article presents cost ranges in USD to help with budgeting and planning.

Item	Low	Average	High	Notes
Electricity	$60	$120	$180	Seasonal usage, electrification level, and dwelling size affect the bill.
Natural Gas	$20	$40	$60	Used for heating or hot water; SF winters modestly impact costs.
Water & Sewer	$60	$85	$110	Metered; larger households or gardens raise the bill.
Trash & Recycling	$25	$40	$60	Container size and pickup frequency influence pricing.
Internet & Phone	$40	$70	$110	High-speed plans vary by provider and bandwidth.

Assumptions: region, dwelling type, rental vs ownership, typical household size, and standard service plans.

Overview Of Costs

Average monthly utility costs for a typical San Francisco household fall roughly in the $320–$520 range, depending on dwelling size and consumption. Utilities can be a substantial portion of living expenses in dense urban areas where rates and availability differ from suburban areas. The following sections break down the main cost components and regional nuances.

Cost Breakdown

Monthly utility charges typically comprise multiple services that vary independently by usage and unit price. Electricity and water/sewer are the most variable, while fixed charges like service fees or minimums can elevate the baseline even with low usage. The table below gives a practical snapshot of common costs for planning.

Service	Low	Average	High	Notes
Electricity	$60	$120	$180	Includes basic delivery and climate-related usage.
Gas	$20	$40	$60	Heating and hot water contributions vary by season.
Water & Sewer	$60	$85	$110	Metered consumption drives the bill.
Trash & Recycling	$25	$40	$60	Container size and pickup frequency matter.
Internet	$40	$70	$110	Higher speeds cost more monthly.

Assumptions: single-family dwelling, standard city utilities, typical plan selections.

What Drives Price

Energy pricing, water usage, and service charges are the primary price drivers in San Francisco. Electrical rates reflect regional supply and demand, while water and sewer costs hinge on conservation, meter readings, and infrastructure fees. Internet plans add variability based on speed and provider promotions.

Ways To Save

Bundle services when possible, monitor and reduce energy use, and choose mid-range internet plans to trim monthly costs. Small changes in usage can yield meaningful savings over a year, especially during peak rate periods. Budgeting for seasonal spikes helps maintain stability in the utility category.

Regional Price Differences

San Francisco city limits typically show higher electricity and disposal costs than many suburban areas. Regional comparisons below highlight how urban, suburban, and rural markets diverge in the same state.

Region	Electricity	Water & Sewer	Trash	Internet	Notes
Urban SF (City Core)	High	Moderate	Medium-High	Mid-High	Density and infrastructure shape costs; promotions can offset.
Suburban Bay Area	Moderate-High	Moderate	Medium	Medium	More spacing reduces some efficiency but lower transit costs.
Rural Northern CA	Lower-Moderate	Lower	Lower	Lower	Rate structures differ; access to providers varies.

Assumptions: three market examples within California with typical service plans.

Real-World Pricing Examples

Three scenario cards illustrate common budgets for San Francisco households. Each card shows specs, monthly usage assumptions, and totals with per-unit context.