💨 Natural Gas Cost Calculator
Estimate your monthly and annual natural gas costs based on usage, rates, and appliances
CL
CalcLeap Editorial Team
Reviewed by certified professionals · Last updated April 1, 2026
Average US household: 60-100 therms/month
US average: $1.00-$1.50/therm. Check your utility bill.
Typical: $10-$25/month
📘 Natural Gas Cost Guide
Understanding Your Natural Gas Bill
What is a therm? A therm is a unit of heat energy equal to 100,000 BTU (British Thermal Units). It's the standard measurement for natural gas usage on utility bills.
Average Natural Gas Usage by Appliance
- Heating: 40-80 therms/month (winter), 5-15 therms/month (summer)
- Water Heater: 12-20 therms/month
- Gas Stove: 2-4 therms/month
- Gas Dryer: 1.5-3 therms/month
- Gas Fireplace: 3-10 therms/month (when used)
Natural Gas Rates by State (2026 Average)
- Lowest: Louisiana ($0.85/therm), Texas ($0.92/therm)
- National Average: $1.25/therm
- Highest: Hawaii ($2.85/therm), California ($1.95/therm)
💡 Cost-Saving Tips
- Lower thermostat: Each degree = 1-3% savings. Set to 68°F when home, 62°F when away.
- Programmable thermostat: Automatically adjust temperature → save 10-15%/year
- Water heater settings: Set to 120°F (vs 140°F default) → save 6-10%
- Seal air leaks: Caulk windows/doors → save 5-10%
- Insulation: Attic insulation R-38+ → save 15-25% on heating
- High-efficiency furnace: AFUE 95%+ (vs 80%) → save 15-20%
- Tankless water heater: On-demand heating → save 8-14% vs tank
Natural Gas vs Electric Heating Cost Comparison
Typical scenario: Heating 1,500 sq ft home in winter
- Natural gas: 60 therms/month × $1.25 = $75/month
- Electric resistance: 2,000 kWh × $0.14 = $280/month
- Heat pump (mild climate): 800 kWh × $0.14 = $112/month
Natural gas is typically 50-70% cheaper than electric resistance heating in most US markets.
When to Contact Your Utility
- Usage suddenly doubles without explanation (possible leak)
- Bill higher than neighbors with similar homes
- Smell gas (evacuate immediately, call from outside)
- Questions about budget billing or payment plans
Budget Billing Programs
Most utilities offer budget billing: average your annual usage, pay the same amount each month. Benefits:
- Predictable bills (no winter spikes)
- Easier budgeting
- No enrollment fee (usually)