How Much Is the Average Gas Bill Per Month?

Key Points of This Article:

• As of March 2025, the average monthly gas bill in the U.S. is $79.59, with yearly costs averaging $955.09. Costs vary widely based on location, climate, and household size.
• Gas usage is typically measured in CCF (hundred cubic feet) or MCF (thousand cubic feet). Some bills also show usage in therms, which measure the energy content of the gas.
• Monthly gas bills are influenced by location, seasonal weather, insulation, appliance efficiency, natural gas rates, usage habits, and utility fees.

What Does My Gas Bill Cover? 

Your gas bill covers more than just the gas you use to power your home. While that is the most important aspect of your bill to pay attention to, that’s not all it covers. While your exact gas bill can vary based on your gas provider and plan type, ere’s what you’ll most likely see on a typical gas bill: 

• Gas You Used (Energy Cost): This is the cost of the natural gas you actually consumed during the billing period. On your bill, this is typically measured in MCF (thousand cubic feet), though some providers may show usage in CCF (hundred cubic feet) or therms. The total is calculated by multiplying the volume used by the current rate per unit. 

• Delivery Charges: These cover the cost of getting gas to your home—like maintaining the pipelines and distribution systems. 

• Monthly Customer Charge: A flat fee you pay every month—even if you didn’t use any gas. It helps cover basic services like meter reading, customer support, and billing. Take note that not all customers will see this on their bill. Whether it’s included and how much it costs depends on your utility provider and your specific service plan. 

• Public Purpose Programs: These are state-mandated fees that support things like energy efficiency programs, renewable energy projects, and help for low-income customers. 

• Taxes and Regulatory Fees: These include local, state, and federal taxes tied to energy use and infrastructure. 

• Public Purpose Surcharges: Similar to program fees—these support specific public benefit programs like energy savings or income-based assistance. 

• Other Charges: You might see items like environmental fees, utility franchise costs, or adjustments required by government agencies. 

Note: These are just some examples of what you might find on a typical gas bill. The exact layout, terminology, and charges will vary based on your provider and your location. 

What Is CCF on My Gas Bill Mean? 

If you’ve ever looked closely at your natural gas bill, you may have seen usage listed in CCF. This stands for “hundred cubic feet,” and it’s one of the standard ways gas utilities measure how much natural gas your home uses. 

With over 35 years of experience in the gas industry, we can confirm that most U.S. homeowners will see their gas usage measured in MCF on their natural gas bill. MCF stands for “thousand cubic feet.” However, depending on your gas provider, your bill might also use CCF, which means “hundred cubic feet.” It’s simply a different unit of measurement for the same thing—how much natural gas your home used. 

Think of it like measuring liquids: some use gallons, some use liters. With gas, utility companies measure it in cubic feet. 

• 1 CCF = 100 cubic feet of gas 

• 1 MCF = 1,000 cubic feet of gas 

Natural gas is delivered to your home through underground pipelines. Your gas company measures how much you use based on volume. But here’s where it gets interesting: some bills also show usage in therms, which measure the amount of energy the gas produces—not just the volume. 

That’s because not all natural gas contains the same amount of energy. To make billing fair and accurate, gas companies apply a conversion factor to convert CCF (or MCF) into therms. On average, 1 CCF equals 1.03 therms, but your bill will show the actual conversion factor used based on the energy content of the gas delivered to your home. 

Are Gas and Electricity on the Same Bill? 

While both gas and electric utilities power your home, they are often billed separately—especially in deregulated energy markets. However, depending on your provider, you may see them combined on a single utility statement for convenience, even though they’re distinct services with different sources, pricing structures, and usage patterns. 

In deregulated energy markets where you might choose to supply your electricity or gas from a retail supplier where you may see two separate bills, one from your supplier and one from your main utility if you choose to split up your energy use between a supplier and a utility; but this varies greatly depending on the supplier you choose.  

Also in this setup, you may receive two separate bills—or a consolidated bill from your utility on behalf of your supplier. 

In a regulated market where utilities control both the delivery and supply of energy, you may receive a single bill from your utility that includes both electric and gas charges.  

Each service will have its own line-item breakdown, detailing supply charges, delivery charges, and applicable taxes. Even when combined on one bill, the rates, usage metrics, and pricing rules are still handled separately. 

How Much Is the Average Gas Bill per Month? 

As of March 2025, the average gas bill in the U.S. clocks in at $79.59 a month and $955.09 a year.  

We’ve based our estimate off the average gas consumption of 5,040 cubic feet per month and average natural gas rates as of March 2025. However, actual monthly expenses can vary widely depending on where you live, how cold your winters are, how energy-efficient your appliances are, how much gas your household uses, and any extra fees added on your bill.  

It’s noteworthy that homes in colder regions often see higher bills in winter due to increased heating demands, while those in warmer climates generally use less gas year-round. 

We’ve found that natural gas typically accounts for 41% to 51% of a household’s total utility bill, and while it’s usually less expensive than electricity, gas costs can fluctuate more with the seasons. Weather patterns and the type of heating system you have play a big role in how much you’ll pay month to month so your bill can change at any time without the proper energy plan in place. 

Average Gas Bill Based on Household Size 

The size of your home plays an integral part in how much your gas bill is per month. The bigger the house, the more likely it is that you’ll consume more gas heating up your space. The same goes for occupants within the household; the more people that occupy, the more energy you’re likely to use. 

To help you better understand how these factors influence your costs, we’ve outlined some common household scenarios and estimated average gas bills based on home size, number of occupants, and usage patterns.  

What Influences Your Monthly Gas Bill 

As experts in the natural gas space, we’ve found that your monthly gas bill isn’t just about how long you run the heater or how often you cook. It’s shaped by a combination of factors—some you can control and others you can’t. Here are some of the most common factors that influence how much your average gas bill is: 

1. Location & Climate: Gas usage tends to spike in colder states like Michigan or Illinois during winter due to heating needs leading to higher bills. In warmer regions like Florida or Texas, usage may remain more consistent year-round. 
2. Seasonal Weather: Bills often rise in the winter when heating is used more frequently. In summer, costs may drop—unless your gas water heater or other appliances are used heavily year-round. 
3. Insulation: Larger homes need more energy to heat up. Poor insulation, drafty windows, and unsealed doors can force your furnace to work harder, raising your gas usage. 
4. Appliance Age & Efficiency: Older appliances like furnaces, stoves, and water heaters are often less efficient and use more gas. Upgrading to Energy Star models can help lower your bills. 
5. Natural Gas Rates: The cost per unit of natural gas can vary significantly depending on your location, market demand, and your utility provider’s pricing model. If you’re not on the right plan that can protect you from market changes, this can hurt you in the long run.  
6. Usage Habits:  Everyday behaviors—like long hot showers, frequent dryer use, or keeping the heat high—can significantly impact how much gas you use and can spike your bill. 
7. Utility Fees & Surcharges: Most gas bills include fixed charges such as monthly service fees, public purpose surcharges, and taxes. These apply even if you use minimal gas and can affect your bill. 

What Uses the Most Natural Gas in a Home? 

Aside from just knowing how much your average gas bill will be, we advise that it’s also good practice to keep tabs on the appliances that use the most energy. This way, with this information at your disposal, you can actively monitor your appliances’ energy consumption and look for ways to cut back when you need to save on gas.  

Using the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, we’ve identified the household appliances that consume the most natural gas. By applying our industry expertise and the average residential gas rate of $14.57 per MCF (as of March 2025), we’ve estimated the monthly costs of each appliance to give you a clearer picture of where your gas usage—and your bill—is really coming from.  

Gas Furnaces 

Furnaces are usually the biggest gas consumers in a home, especially in colder months. Heating large areas for extended hours leads to significant usage and higher monthly bills. If you use your furnace to generate 4.65 MCF per month you could be looking at a cost of around $67.89 per month.  

This might seem easy to budget for, but over time, these costs can really add up. To cut down on this cost, try lowering your thermostat to around 68-70 degrees for ultimate energy savings.  

Gas Water Heaters 

Water heating is a year-round expense, used for showers, laundry, and dishwashing. However, if you have a natural gas water heater, you may notice a bigger spike in your heating bill during the winter months. That’s because hot water use often increases when it’s colder, and natural gas prices also tend to rise seasonally.  

We’ve estimated that your water heater could cost you around $22.15 per month at 1.52 MCFs. To control this cost, try setting your water heater to 120°F, insulating your pipes, and use water-efficient fixtures to reduce your use. 

Gas Stovetops (Ranges) 

Cooking uses a relatively small amount of gas, though we’ve found frequent use or large meals can increase usage. If you use 0.10 MCF per month this can cost you $1.46 monthly. Every piece of energy savings helps when it comes to lowering your bills. To cut this cost, try covering your pots to retain heat, match pan size to burners, and reduce idle burner time. 

Gas Ovens 

It’s no secret that ovens tend to use more gas than stovetops per session, particularly for baking or roasting. Gas ovens use significantly more energy than other cooking methods when compared to appliances like microwaves and air fryers (coming in at around $0.10 – $0.20 cents per kWh). 

Using 0.20 MCF per month, a gas oven could cost you as much as $2.92/month – this is much more expensive than its electric-powered counterpart. To cut this cost, cook multiple dishes together, minimize preheating time, and avoid opening the oven door repeatedly as this can lose energy. 

Gas Fireplaces 

Gas fireplaces are efficient heat sources but can consume more gas when used regularly. At an estimate of 0.50–1.00 MCF per month, you’d be looking at paying $7.29–$14.57 per month for this appliance. We recommend using this appliance on occasion to cut down on costs. 

Note: If all these gas appliances are used together in a home (especially during colder months), the total monthly gas bill could easily exceed $75.91. This makes sense for larger households or colder climates. However, not all homes use every gas appliance heavily every month, especially in warmer climates or during off-peak seasons. 

Why Did My Gas Bill Double? 

Experiencing a sudden spike in your gas bill can be alarming. Several factors can contribute to a significant increase in your monthly charges. Understanding these can help you identify potential issues and take corrective actions. In our experience, here are some of the most common culprits that can cause your gas bill to double: 

1. Increased Gas Consumption: This is by far the most common reason your gas bill can double. Colder weather naturally leads to higher gas usage as heating systems work harder to maintain indoor temperatures when homeowners use their gas appliances more often to stay warm. 

Additionally, lifestyle changes—such as more people staying at home, hosting guests, or increased use of gas appliances—can elevate consumption leading to doubled bills.  

2. Rising Natural Gas Prices: Natural gas prices are subject to market fluctuations influenced by supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical events, and seasonal changes. Even if your consumption remains steady, an increase in the per-unit cost of gas can result in a higher bill if you’re not on a gas plan that shields you from market fluctuations.
3. Inefficient or Aging Appliances: Older appliances, such as furnaces and water heaters, tend to lose efficiency over time, consuming more gas to deliver the same performance. Regular maintenance and timely replacements can mitigate this issue. 
4. Poor Insulation and Air Leaks: Homes with inadequate insulation or drafts allow heat to escape, causing heating systems to operate longer and consume more gas to maintain a consistent temperature. Sealing leaks and upgrading insulation can lead to significant savings from this issue.
5. Billing Errors or Estimated Readings: Sometimes, utility companies estimate your gas usage, which can lead to inaccuracies. If an estimated reading is higher than your actual consumption, it could result in an inflated bill. Always check your meter readings and compare them with your bill to ensure this issue doesn’t happen.
6. Gas Leaks: A sudden and unexplained increase in your gas bill might indicate a gas leak. Leaks not only pose safety hazards but also lead to wasted gas and higher bills. If you suspect a leak, contact your gas company immediately.

Why Is My Gas Bill So High in the Winter? 

When your gas bill shoots up during the colder months, it’s often due to heat loss and overworked heating systems. Here are some common culprits: 

1. Poor Attic Insulation:  Warm air naturally rises—and if your attic isn’t properly insulated, that heat escapes right through the roof. This forces your furnace to run longer to maintain a comfortable temperature, driving up your gas usage. 
2. Under-insulated Walls: Walls without sufficient insulation let cold outdoor air seep inside. As a result, your heating system works harder and more frequently to keep your rooms warm. 
3. Uninsulated Crawl Spaces or Rim Joists: These areas can cause cold floors, chilly air in ductwork, and even frozen pipes. If left uninsulated, they contribute to major heat loss and energy inefficiency. 
4. Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows: Drafty doors and windows allow warm air to leak out and cold air to enter. This not only makes your home feel colder but also increases your overall heating demand. 
5. Oversized or Undersized Furnace: If your furnace isn’t the right size for your home, it may cycle on and off too often (short cycling) or struggle to maintain heat—both of which can waste gas and inflate your bill. 

All of these issues force your heating system to work harder and burn more gas just to keep your home livable. With a few smart upgrades and regular maintenance, you can keep your home warmer—and your gas bill lower—throughout the winter. 

Is Gas Heating Expensive? 

Natural gas heating is generally considered cost-effective compared to other heating methods, but its affordability can vary based on several factors, including regional energy prices, home efficiency, and the type of heating system used.  

So, while natural gas heating usually costs less per CCF than electricity does per kilowatt-hour, how much you actually pay each month depends on how efficiently your home retains heat and how much gas you use during peak heating seasons. 

Why Do I Have a Gas Bill in the Summer? 

With 35 years of supplying natural gas to homes in the Midwest, we’ve found that even during the summer months, it’s common to receive a natural gas bill. While heating demands decrease, several factors contribute to continued gas usage especially if you use gas-powered appliances year-round: 

1. Water Heating: Water heating remains a significant year-round energy expense. Activities like showers, dishwashing, and laundry require hot water, leading to consistent gas consumption. In fact, water heating can account for approximately 14% of a home’s total energy use. 

2. Cooking Appliances: Gas-powered stoves and ovens are frequently used for meal preparation. Regular cooking, especially baking or stovetop use, contributes to ongoing gas usage. 

3. Gas Dryers: If your household uses a gas dryer, each laundry cycle consumes natural gas. Increased laundry during summer activities can lead to higher gas consumption. Consider air-drying your clothes in the summer months to cut down on this cost. 

4. Pilot Lights: Some gas appliances have pilot lights that remain lit continuously, consuming a small amount of gas even when the appliance isn’t actively in use. In turn, this can contribute to a small gas bill. 

5. Billing Factors: Utility companies may estimate usage based on historical data, leading to bills that don’t precisely reflect current consumption. Additionally, fixed service charges apply regardless of usage levels.  

How To Lower Your Gas Bill 

Whether you’re heating your home in the winter or using gas appliances year-round, there are smart strategies you can use to cut down your natural gas usage without sacrificing comfort. Here’s how to start: 

Upgrade to High-Efficiency Appliances

Older furnaces, water heaters, and stoves tend to burn more gas than newer models. Energy Star-certified models are about 11% more efficient than standard ones and can help you save around $40 on energy costs annually. 

Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

Lower your thermostat by 7–10°F for 8 hours a day (like when you’re sleeping or away), and you can save up to 10% a year on heating. Smart thermostats adjust automatically and offer real-time savings tracking. 

Seal Air Leaks and Improve Insulation

Heat loss through poorly sealed windows, doors, and attics makes your furnace work harder. Caulking, weather-stripping, and attic insulation can reduce gas use and improve comfort—especially in winter. 

Lower Water Heating Costs

Set your water heater to 120°F—the recommended safe and efficient temperature. Install low-flow showerheads and insulate hot water pipes to reduce heat loss and hot water demand and if your water heater is 10+ years old, consider upgrading to an energy-efficient gas model. 

Monitor Your Usage

Read your gas meter or log in to your utility account to track usage trends. Watch for unexpected spikes that could indicate leaks or inefficient operation. For more tips, visit our blog for all you need to know! 

Understanding your natural gas bill—from what influences the cost to how much you should budget—can help you make smarter, more confident decisions for your home. Whether it’s seasonal spikes in heating, everyday appliance usage, or opportunities to cut back on waste, the more you know, the more control you have over your energy costs. 

And if you’re looking for a plan that fits your lifestyle and helps you stay ahead of high bills, we’ve got you covered. 

Visit our site to check your address and see if you’re in our coverage area—then explore energy plans designed with your comfort, lifestyle, and budget in mind.