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Working from home can save you money on commuting, meals, attire, and other day-to-day expenses. However, many remote workers are facing increased utility bills as winter approaches.
While summer cooling costs caught many off guard, winter heating expenses can be equally daunting. As the colder months draw near, it’s essential to understand which states pose the highest heating costs for remote workers and to explore cost-saving strategies.
We analyzed the latest data to identify the states where work-from-home professionals can expect the highest heating expenses this winter while providing practical tips to manage those costs.
Main Findings
- Remote workers in Connecticut face the highest overall energy costs.
- Alaska and Massachusetts follow in second and third place.
- Conversely, the states with the lowest winter energy costs are New Mexico, California, and Arizona.
- The national average for oil heating, electricity, and natural gas is approximately $181 per month.
- With the average hourly wage in the U.S. at $19.33, workers are effectively spending about 9 hours of pre-tax work just to cover basic energy costs.
States With Most Expensive Heating Costs
- Connecticut
- Alaska
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- Delaware
- Pennsylvania
- New York
- New Jersey
- Maryland
- Virginia
Keep scrolling to see our detailed table ranking states by their average monthly energy costs.
How We Determined This
The data for this ranking were gathered from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Energy Information Administration, curated from WalletHub. Each state was evaluated based on average monthly costs for electricity, natural gas, and home heating oil—the higher the cost, the greater the financial burden.
How To Save On Heating Costs
Want to keep your hard-earned money instead of spending it on heating expenses? Here are some practical tips:
- Adjust Your Thermostat
- Insulate Your Home
- Be Mindful of Electricity Use
- Dress for the Season
Lowering your thermostat by just a few degrees can significantly reduce your heating bill. Even a 1-degree change can add up over the winter. However, ensure your home remains at a comfortable temperature to maintain your health and productivity.
Seal any drafts and gaps in doors and windows to keep the warmth in and the cold out. Simple measures like using caulk or foam insulation can make a difference. Heavy curtains can also help retain heat.
Remember to turn off lights and unplug electronics that are not in use.
One of the perks of working from home is your wardrobe flexibility. Embrace warmer attire like sweatpants or sweaters to stay comfortable without cranking up the heat.
It’s Getting Cold Out There
While it would be ideal to work from home without worrying about rising costs, that’s not the reality for many. While you may be able to negotiate for office supplies or ergonomic furniture, energy reimbursements are often overlooked in budgets, especially as many companies are still tied to large office spaces.
If your remote position becomes permanent, consider compiling your heating expenses to discuss potential reimbursements or adjustments in pay. For now, many workers, particularly in colder regions, are bracing for the financial impact as temperatures drop.
Heating Costs By State – Oil, Natural Gas, And Electric
| Rank | State | Monthly Electricity Cost | Monthly Natural-Gas Cost | Monthly Home Heating-Oil Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecticut | $169 | $45 | $80 |
| 2 | Alaska | $142 | $67 | $39 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $140 | $65 | $57 |
| 4 | Rhode Island | $130 | $65 | $70 |
| 5 | Delaware | $148 | $35 | $13 |
| 6 | Pennsylvania | $129 | $47 | $29 |
| 7 | New York | $110 | $68 | $31 |
| 7 | New Jersey | $118 | $58 | $15 |
| 9 | Maryland | $142 | $39 | $13 |
| 10 | Virginia | $150 | $28 | $6 |
| 11 | West Virginia | $148 | $29 | $4 |
| 12 | New Hampshire | $144 | $20 | $88 |
| 13 | Ohio | $122 | $49 | $3 |
| 14 | Georgia | $154 | $42 | $0 |
| 15 | Minnesota | $115 | $47 | $3 |
| 15 | South Dakota | $142 | $27 | $4 |
| 17 | Missouri | $148 | $41 | $0 |
| 17 | Michigan | $116 | $57 | $1 |
| 19 | Indiana | $138 | $41 | $1 |
| 20 | Kansas | $140 | $51 | $0 |
| 20 | Wisconsin | $112 | $41 | $4 |
| 22 | North Dakota | $139 | $24 | $5 |
| 22 | Iowa | $120 | $42 | $1 |
| 24 | South Carolina | $174 | $18 | $0 |
| 25 | Alabama | $180 | $24 | $0 |
| 26 | Maine | $123 | $8 | $102 |
| 27 | North Carolina | $145 | $19 | $2 |
| 27 | Tennessee | $154 | $23 | $0 |
| 29 | Vermont | $123 | $18 | $70 |
| 29 | Illinois | $104 | $62 | $0 |
| 31 | Kentucky | $142 | $26 | $0 |
| 31 | Nebraska | $123 | $40 | $0 |
| 33 | Wyoming | $112 | $41 | $1 |
| 34 | Oklahoma | $140 | $35 | $0 |
| 34 | Nevada | $123 | $30 | $0 |
| 36 | Utah | $88 | $53 | $0 |
| 36 | Montana | $112 | $33 | $2 |
| 38 | Arkansas | $137 | $30 | $0 |
| 39 | Idaho | $115 | $26 | $2 |
| 40 | Mississippi | $162 | $19 | $0 |
| 41 | Texas | $154 | $23 | $0 |
| 42 | Florida | $158 | $4 | $0 |
| 43 | Louisiana | $148 | $21 | $0 |
| 44 | Washington | $103 | $26 | $2 |
| 45 | Hawaii | $161 | $5 | $0 |
| 46 | Oregon | $109 | $24 | $1 |
| 47 | Colorado | $92 | $39 | $0 |
| 48 | Arizona | $146 | $18 | $0 |
| 49 | California | $108 | $34 | $0 |
| 50 | New Mexico | $93 | $29 | $0 |
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
