The Most and Least Expensive States To Work From Home

Joel Anderson
Photo of students studying together.
Photo of students studying together.

A great number of Americans were thrust into unemployment this year — suddenly and with little opportunity to prepare. For many, their chosen profession was revealed to be dependent on the sort of in-person work that suddenly became untenable as the virus spread. All of this has brought the benefits of remote work to the top of many people’s minds, and some are now undoubtedly considering a career where that’s possible.

However, working from home is more viable of an option in some states than others. With utilities like electricity and internet shifting to you instead of the office, the cost of those basics can have a big impact on your budget. And if you live in a state where they cost more, your work-from-home prospects suddenly become a little bit less attractive.

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But which states are going to squeeze you with bills, and which ones could be your work-from-home paradise? That’s what this GOBankingRates study lays out, drawing on the average costs of gas, electricity and internet to determine which states are among the least expensive for remote workers and which make it that much harder. So, take a closer look and see if your state is helping or hurting you when it comes to working from home.

Last updated: March 8, 2021

Muskogee is a town in and the county seat of Muskogee County, Oklahoma, United States.
Muskogee is a town in and the county seat of Muskogee County, Oklahoma, United States.

Least Expensive States To Work From Home

These states offer the best combination of low-cost internet, electricity and gas, making them the more cost-effective areas to operate your home office.

Related: The Best and Worst Things About Working From Home

Stock photo of condominium apartment buildings with parking lot and back yard in Dallas, Texas, USA.
Stock photo of condominium apartment buildings with parking lot and back yard in Dallas, Texas, USA.

Texas

  • Average monthly internet bill: $30

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 1,175.52 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $142.12

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 3.70 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $34.78

Read More: 100 Ways To Work Better From Home

Detroit Woodward Ave.
Detroit Woodward Ave.

Michigan

  • Average monthly internet bill: $30

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 670.62 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $107.63

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 7.00 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $53.70

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Downtown of Indianapolis by Indiana Central Canal.
Downtown of Indianapolis by Indiana Central Canal.

Indiana

  • Average monthly internet bill: $30

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 1,006.24 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $122.66

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 7.00 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $53.21

"Virginia Beach is a resort city with miles of beaches and hundreds of hotels, motels, and restaurants along its oceanfrontMore Virginia Beach Images".
"Virginia Beach is a resort city with miles of beaches and hundreds of hotels, motels, and restaurants along its oceanfrontMore Virginia Beach Images".

Virginia

  • Average monthly internet bill: $20

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 1,164.74 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $142.91

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 4.33 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $50.13

Look: 21 Executives Share How They Stay Efficient While Working From Home

BOZEMAN, MT -7 SEP 2018- View of downtown Bozeman, Montana, home to the campus of Montana State University (MSU).
BOZEMAN, MT -7 SEP 2018- View of downtown Bozeman, Montana, home to the campus of Montana State University (MSU).

Montana

  • Average monthly internet bill: $45

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 850.09 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $96.23

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 4.82 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $31.75

Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA - July 21, 2013: People on a horse drawn carriage in downtown Cheyenne.
Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA - July 21, 2013: People on a horse drawn carriage in downtown Cheyenne.

Wyoming

  • Average monthly internet bill: $45

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 840.70 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $90.04

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 4.82 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $35.89

JOHNSON CITY, TN, USA-9/30/18: Downtown image showing intersection of Market and Commerce.
JOHNSON CITY, TN, USA-9/30/18: Downtown image showing intersection of Market and Commerce.

Tennessee

  • Average monthly internet bill: $30

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 1,282.87 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $138.68

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 4.06 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $31.57

Colorful townhouses on Broadway boulevard in downtown Tucson Arizona USA.
Colorful townhouses on Broadway boulevard in downtown Tucson Arizona USA.

Arizona

  • Average monthly internet bill: $20

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 1,028.49 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $125.06

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 4.82 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $57.18

Fayetteville, Arkansas / USA - May 04 2019: Building Facade view, historical square downtown Fayetteville, Northwest Arkansas.
Fayetteville, Arkansas / USA - May 04 2019: Building Facade view, historical square downtown Fayetteville, Northwest Arkansas.

Arkansas

  • Average monthly internet bill: $30

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 1,155.99 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $117.10

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 3.70 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $39.56

Shops and Launderette on 83rd Street in Chatham, a Chicago community on the Far Southeast Side.
Shops and Launderette on 83rd Street in Chatham, a Chicago community on the Far Southeast Side.

Illinois

  • Average monthly internet bill: $30

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 744.01 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $97.99

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 7.00 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $49.01

CINCINNATI, OHIO - JUNE 18, 2017:
CINCINNATI, OHIO - JUNE 18, 2017:

Ohio

  • Average monthly internet bill: $25

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 913.95 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $107.66

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 7.00 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $54.96

Homes in an quiet urban neighborhood in St.
Homes in an quiet urban neighborhood in St.

Minnesota

  • Average monthly internet bill: $30

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 786.30 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $101.04

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 5.76 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $40.37

Henderson Nevada best weather
Henderson Nevada best weather

Nevada

  • Average monthly internet bill: $20

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 946.90 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $114.76

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 4.82 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $49.28

Topeka is the capital city of the U.
Topeka is the capital city of the U.

Kansas

  • Average monthly internet bill: $20

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 933.83 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $118.41

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 5.76 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $47.85

Fargo, North Dakota, USA - June 12, 2017: Daytime view of Fargo's historic Front Street now Main Street in the heart of the downtown district.
Fargo, North Dakota, USA - June 12, 2017: Daytime view of Fargo's historic Front Street now Main Street in the heart of the downtown district.

North Dakota

  • Average monthly internet bill: $30

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 1,118.06 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $111.81

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 5.76 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $32.65

Salem Oregon evening skyline
Salem Oregon evening skyline

Oregon

  • Average monthly internet bill: $30

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 901.33 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $98.70

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 2.80 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $27.52

Travel
Travel

Missouri

  • Average monthly internet bill: $20

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 1,117.99 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $111.69

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 5.76 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $51.94

Monroe is the eighth-largest city in the U.
Monroe is the eighth-largest city in the U.

Louisiana

  • Average monthly internet bill: $20

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 1,281.56 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $116.37

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 3.70 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $40.48

Kirkland, Washington, USA.
Kirkland, Washington, USA.

Washington

  • Average monthly internet bill: $30

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 957.11 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $91.88

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 2.80 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $28.76

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Denver, Colorado, USA downtown cityscape in Civic Center park at dusk.
Denver, Colorado, USA downtown cityscape in Civic Center park at dusk.

Colorado

  • Average monthly internet bill: $30

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 690.70 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $83.16

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 4.82 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $30.88

Downtown Boise Idaho.
Downtown Boise Idaho.

Idaho

  • Average monthly internet bill: $30

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 944.50 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $91.05

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 4.82 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $31.51

Park City, Utah, USA town skyline over Main Street at twilight.
Park City, Utah, USA town skyline over Main Street at twilight.

Utah

  • Average monthly internet bill: $30

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 741.91 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $75.38

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 4.82 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $40.32

Midtown Crossing Omaha Nebraska Aerial.
Midtown Crossing Omaha Nebraska Aerial.

Nebraska

  • Average monthly internet bill: $20

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 1,020.91 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $107.71

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 5.76 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $37.31

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Photo of a city street with new, colorful townhouses in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
Photo of a city street with new, colorful townhouses in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.

New Mexico

  • Average monthly internet bill: $30

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 639.29 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $79.72

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 4.82 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $26.98

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA downtown skyline at twilight.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA downtown skyline at twilight.

Oklahoma

  • Average monthly internet bill: $20

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 1,138.67 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $112.05

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 3.70 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $25.37

Kaneohe town and mountain range at sunset, Hawaii, USA.
Kaneohe town and mountain range at sunset, Hawaii, USA.

Most Expensive States To Work From Home

While working from home is better than not working at all, it is going to cost you more if you’re doing it in one of these states.

Frankfort, Kentucky, USA town skyline on the Kentucky River at dusk.
Frankfort, Kentucky, USA town skyline on the Kentucky River at dusk.

Kentucky

  • Average monthly internet bill: $35

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 1,166.24 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $125.49

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 4.06 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $43.30

Delaware, STATES
Delaware, STATES

Delaware

  • Average monthly internet bill: $30

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 977.03 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $126.53

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 4.33 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $49.22

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Aerial view of downtown Cedarburg Wisconsin known for its quaint downtown district lined with historic buildings.
Aerial view of downtown Cedarburg Wisconsin known for its quaint downtown district lined with historic buildings.

Wisconsin

  • Average monthly internet bill: $40

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 692.57 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $102.02

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 7.00 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $49.29

View to small American town.
View to small American town.

Mississippi

  • Average monthly internet bill: $30

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 1,247.18 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $143.92

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 4.06 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $45.49

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, FHA, insurance, real estate, homebuyers, foreclosure, single-family, home median price, mortgage, down payment
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, FHA, insurance, real estate, homebuyers, foreclosure, single-family, home median price, mortgage, down payment

Pennsylvania

  • Average monthly internet bill: $30

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 864.13 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $118.82

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 6.01 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $65.62

Macon, Georgia
Macon, Georgia

Georgia

  • Average monthly internet bill: $30

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 1,142.41 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $130.24

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 4.33 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $58.43

Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, USA - October 7, 2018 - View of High Street and Lower Town.
Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, USA - October 7, 2018 - View of High Street and Lower Town.

West Virginia

  • Average monthly internet bill: $38

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 1,133.00 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $135.73

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 4.33 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $40.61

Read: The Most Expensive States To Get a Divorce

"A typical row of late 19th century row homes are seen in Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York City.
"A typical row of late 19th century row homes are seen in Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York City.

New York

  • Average monthly internet bill: $30

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 604.39 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $103.77

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 6.01 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $72.05

Annapolis, Maryland, USA downtown view over Main Street with the State House at dawn.
Annapolis, Maryland, USA downtown view over Main Street with the State House at dawn.

Maryland

  • Average monthly internet bill: $30

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 1,005.30 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $136.62

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 4.33 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $54.28

Downtown Greenville, SC South Carolina Skyline Cityscape at Sunrise.
Downtown Greenville, SC South Carolina Skyline Cityscape at Sunrise.

South Carolina

  • Average monthly internet bill: $25

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 1,159.01 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $148.24

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 4.33 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $60.51

DES MOINES, IOWA - JULY 11, 2018: Des Moines, Iowa Skyline from the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
DES MOINES, IOWA - JULY 11, 2018: Des Moines, Iowa Skyline from the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

Iowa

  • Average monthly internet bill: $50

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 892.43 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $110.66

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 5.76 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $40.19

Rapid City, South Dakota, USA - October 06, 2018: street scene of downtown Rapid City with buildings and businesses.
Rapid City, South Dakota, USA - October 06, 2018: street scene of downtown Rapid City with buildings and businesses.

South Dakota

  • Average monthly internet bill: $50

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 1,045.10 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $116.84

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 5.76 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $39.33

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Brattleboro, Vermont, USA - October 19, 2018: Morning view of Main Street in the most populous municipality abutting Vermont's eastern border with New Hampshire.
Brattleboro, Vermont, USA - October 19, 2018: Morning view of Main Street in the most populous municipality abutting Vermont's eastern border with New Hampshire.

Vermont

  • Average monthly internet bill: $30

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 559.56 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $109.67

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 5.59 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $67.02

Morristown is a town and county seat of Morris County, New Jersey, United States.
Morristown is a town and county seat of Morris County, New Jersey, United States.

New Jersey

  • Average monthly internet bill: $40

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 689.70 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $111.32

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 6.01 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $54.56

Greensboro skyline with pink, orange, and yellow at sunset.
Greensboro skyline with pink, orange, and yellow at sunset.

North Carolina

  • Average monthly internet bill: $35

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 1,128.51 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $131.81

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 4.33 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $62.67

San Jose is the economic, cultural and political center of Silicon Valley, and the largest city in Northern California.
San Jose is the economic, cultural and political center of Silicon Valley, and the largest city in Northern California.

California

  • Average monthly internet bill: $40

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 546.31 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $111.94

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 2.80 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $38.29

Rochester is a city in Strafford County, New Hampshire, United States.
Rochester is a city in Strafford County, New Hampshire, United States.

New Hampshire

  • Average monthly internet bill: $30

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 621.12 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $117.83

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 5.59 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $73.62

Downtown Street in historic Ocala, Florida.
Downtown Street in historic Ocala, Florida.

Florida

  • Average monthly internet bill: $30

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 1,110.12 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $129.22

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 4.33 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $80.10

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Newport, Rhode Island.
Newport, Rhode Island.

Rhode Island

  • Average monthly internet bill: $20

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 589.01 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $136.95

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 5.59 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $77.82

Maine
Maine

Maine

  • Average monthly internet bill: $45

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 571.95 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $94.54

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 5.59 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $74.07

Urban scene of downtown Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
Urban scene of downtown Birmingham, Alabama, USA.

Alabama

  • Average monthly internet bill: $35

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 1,236.48 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $157.90

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 4.06 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $59.12

Juneau, United Stated - May 17, 2011: Business located along South Franklin Street in downtown Juneau, Alaska.
Juneau, United Stated - May 17, 2011: Business located along South Franklin Street in downtown Juneau, Alaska.

Alaska

  • Average monthly internet bill: $50

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 572.38 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $127.76

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 2.80 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $30.18

urban street with elegant old brownstone style townhouses or apartment buildings.
urban street with elegant old brownstone style townhouses or apartment buildings.

Massachusetts

  • Average monthly internet bill: $30

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 607.13 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $138.42

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 5.59 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $80.17

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Hartford Connecticut
Hartford Connecticut

Connecticut

  • Average monthly internet bill: $38

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 723.85 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $168.66

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 5.59 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $74.91

Scenic Honolulu Oahu Hawaii Suburban Neighborhood.
Scenic Honolulu Oahu Hawaii Suburban Neighborhood.

Hawaii

  • Average monthly internet bill: $45

  • Average monthly electricity consumption: 517.78 kWh

  • Average monthly electricity bill: $171.39

  • Average monthly natural gas consumption: 2.80 Mcf

  • Average monthly gas bill: $123.02

More From GOBankingRates

Methodology: To find out where workers can expect to spend the most on increased utility usage while working from home, GOBankingRates first used U.S. Energy Information Administration monthly reports to find (1) the average price of electricity (dollars/kWh) and (2) natural gas (dollars/Mcf) service for residential consumers in every state in March 2020. Then, the most recent average residential consumption data available from the EIA (2018 data by state for electricity and 2015 data by region for gas), GOBankingRates calculated the (3) average monthly bill for electricity and (4) gas service in each state. GOBankingRates sourced information on (5) the average monthly internet service bill for consumers in each state from RENTCafé. States were then scored against each other on factors 1-5 and ranked based on their cumulative score. The number of workers who worked from home in each state before the COVID-19 crisis according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2018 American Community Survey and the percent of the labor force these remote workers represented is also provided for context on where workers are already accustomed to remote work. All data was collected on and up to date as of June 3, 2020.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: The Most and Least Expensive States To Work From Home

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