The following information is based on a survey finalised in December 2023 and calculated as an average of estimated quarterly bills based on each survey respondents’ latest bill. As such, the average quarterly bill sums cited may not reflect current energy pricing and billing. Please use the information below as a general guide only and contact your provider if you have any questions about your bill.
In this Canstar Blue guide, we take a look at the average electricity bill across Australia. We’ve broken this data into averages by state and territory, capital city, age group and household size to help you compare.
When a big power bill comes through, it’s natural to question it. Did I really use that much electricity last month? Could there be a mistake with the meter reading? Realistically, the bill you have is accurate, but sometimes it’s good to compare your costs to other households – not only for peace of mind, but also to check how other plans compare. You could be missing out on a better deal!
To help you understand how your energy costs compare, we’ve used our research data to calculate the average electricity bill in Australia. We show average electricity bills across the states and territories, as well as by customer age and household size, before revealing the cheapest plans on our database so you can see whether or not you’re getting a good deal on price.
On this page:
- Average Australian electricity bill
- Average electricity bill in Sydney
- Average electricity bill in Melbourne
- Average electricity bill in Brisbane
- Average electricity bill in Adelaide
- Average electricity bill based on household size
- Average electricity bill based on age group
- What impacts electricity bills?
- How else can I tell if my electricity bills are average?
- Could I get a better-than-average electricity deal?
Get better than average – compare electricity plans here
If you want to get ahead of the game and compare plans in your area, jump straight into our electricity comparison tool.
Average Australian electricity bill
The following average electricity bills were taken from a Canstar Blue survey of more than 4,100 households, conducted in December 2023. The costs reported include households of all sizes and should only be considered as a general guide.
| State | Average quarterly electricity bill |
|---|---|
| Western Australia | $296 |
| Queensland | $315 |
| Victoria | $320 |
| Australian Capital Territory | $321 |
| New South Wales | $345 |
| South Australia | $352 |
| Tasmania | $372 |
Source: Canstar Blue research, December 2023. Northern Territory excluded due to insufficient data.
As you can see, households in Tasmania and South Australia reported the highest electricity bills, with those in New South Wales not too far behind, while those in the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia, reported the lowest quarterly average.
Read on for a more detailed look at average electricity costs across the capital cities in some of these states. We also show the cheapest deals on our database that include a direct link to the provider’s website, to give you an idea of how your bills compare to pricing currently available. Use our comparison tool above for a specific comparison in your area.
Compare energy deals
Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid energy network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
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11% Less than reference price |
$1,614 Price/year (estimated) |
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18% Less than reference price |
$1,491 Price/year (estimated) |
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Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
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10% Less than VDO |
$1,304 Price/year (estimated) |
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Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from our referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
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4% Less than reference price |
$1,990 Price/year (estimated) |
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Average electricity bill in Sydney
For households in Sydney, we found the average quarterly electricity bill to be $339. Below, we have listed some of the cheapest electricity plans available on the Ausgrid network for households in Sydney. Think you are missing out on a better deal? Compare now.
Cheap electricity deals in Sydney
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. The next three tabs feature products exclusively from AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin.
Here are the AGL Energy plans on our database for NSW. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are the EnergyAustralia plans on our database for NSW. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are the Origin Energy plans on our database for NSW. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Average electricity bill in Melbourne
In Melbourne, the average household quarterly electricity bill was found to be $313. If you think you could be saving more on your electricity bill, then it is time to compare. We’ve listed some of the cheapest plans available on the CitiPower network for households in Melbourne below.
Cheap electricity deals in Melbourne
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. Costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. The next three tabs feature products exclusively from AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin.
Here are the AGL Energy plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are the EnergyAustralia plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are the Origin Energy plans on our database for Victoria. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Citipower energy network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Average electricity bill in Brisbane
The average quarterly household electricity bill in Brisbane was found to be $320. To see what prices are like in the market at the moment, we’ve listed some of the cheapest electricity plans available on the Energex network in Brisbane.
Cheap electricity deals in Brisbane
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. The next three tabs feature products exclusively from AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin.
Here are the AGL Energy plans on our database for SEQ. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Energex energy network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are the EnergyAustralia plans on our database for SEQ. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are the Origin Energy plans on our database for SEQ. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Average electricity bill in Adelaide
The average quarterly household electricity bill in Adelaide was $359, according to our latest research. If you think you could be paying too much for power, we’ve compared some of the cheapest electricity plans on the SA Power Networks network in Adelaide below.
Cheap electricity deals in Adelaide
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision. The next three tabs feature products exclusively from AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin.
Here are the AGL Energy plans on our database for South Australia. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are the EnergyAustralia plans on our database for South Australia. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are the Origin Energy plans on our database for South Australia. These are products from a referral partner†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Average electricity bill based on household size
As the above average electricity costs from our research are based on households of all shapes and sizes, let’s dive further into the data to see how these utility bills look based on household size. The following table shows the average electricity bill by household size across Australia.
| Household size | Average quarterly electricity bill |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $307 |
| 2 people | $323 |
| 3 people | $345 |
| 4 people | $358 |
| 5 or more people | $338 |
Source: Canstar Blue research, December 2023.
This table follows an intuitive path, with average electricity bills increasing as the number of residents do. The average electricity bill for a 1-person household was found to be the cheapest at $307 a quarter. The average electricity bill for a 2-person household crept up to $323 per quarter, while 3-person and 4-person households recorded an average of $345 and $358 for quarterly bills respectively.
For a 5-person household or more however, the average quarterly electricity bill was recorded at $338.
Average electricity bill based on age group
You’ve now seen the average costs by state, capital city and household size – but how does your age impact the amount you’ll be charged for electricity in Australia? We’ve collated our data to show the average power bills by age group at a national level.
| Age group | Average quarterly electricity bill |
|---|---|
| 18 to 29 years | $366 |
| 30 to 39 years | $376 |
| 40 to 49 years | $366 |
| 50 to 59 years | $358 |
| 60 to 69 years | $309 |
| 70 years or more | $268 |
Source: Canstar Blue research, December 2023.
So, the older you get, the less you pay for power? Maybe. It’s certainly the case that some electricity retailers offer additional discounts for seniors card holders and pensioners may be eligible for government rebates on their power bills. But also consider the other factors potentially impacting these costs. For example, younger people may live in larger households with high electricity usage needs, while older energy customers could be more likely to have a solar system installed. Younger Australians are also more likely to live in rental properties which may limit their access to energy efficient technologies or upgrades.
What impacts electricity bills?
Average electricity bills are just that – an average reflection of what households pay to keep the lights on. However, there are two main factors that determine the average costs mentioned above:
- Electricity usage: Small households of two or three people will typically use less energy than a larger household of four or five people. But the amount of energy used by a property is also dependent on other factors, such as the energy efficiency of appliances, how often certain appliances are used (e.g. air conditioners and clothes dryers) and whether the property has a solar system installed.
- Electricity prices: The other major factor in determining energy costs is the price you pay for power. If you’re getting a good deal on electricity, you’ll naturally have lower bills than an equivalent household getting a bad energy deal.
If you’re keen to cut your electricity costs, the good news is that you have the power to act on the factors mentioned above – by either reducing your energy usage or finding a better energy deal. Or both!
How else can I tell if my electricity bills are average?
If you’re looking for further evidence that your electricity bills are typical of other households like yours, your latest energy bill may be able to help. Most electricity providers publish helpful information in your bill statements, such as the actual amount of power used, what it costs, how your usage has changed over time and how your usage compares to other customers in your area. The following image is taken from an Alinta Energy bill, showing the customer’s electricity usage compared to that of other households. For more information on your electricity bills, visit our guide to reading your power bill.
Could I get a better-than-average electricity deal?
Having an average electricity bill may be reassuring if you thought your bills were not accurate, or that you’re generally paying way too much. But being average is certainly nothing to aspire to when it comes to electricity. In fact, having an average bill could mean you’re paying more than you need to.
Therefore, consider the table below which shows the annual costs for the cheapest single-rate electricity plans according to our database, based on a general usage assumption in a selected postcode for each capital city.
| Capital City | Cheapest Electricity Plan (Annual Costs) |
|---|---|
| Sydney | $1,326 |
| Melbourne | $1,163 |
| Brisbane | $1,530 |
| Adelaide | $1,872 |
| Canberra | $1,506 |
| Hobart | $1,249 |
Source: Canstar Blue electricity comparison database, January 2024. Costs are yearly estimates only and based on single rate tariffs for a specific distribution network in each capital city. Postcodes used for examples are in order: 2040, 3122, 4064, 5033, 2600 and 7000. For a full comparison, please visit our free comparison tool.
How do your electricity costs compare? If you pay more than the costs above, you may be paying too much. Keep in mind that costs can vary significantly between suburbs and household sizes, but this provides a helpful guide as to what you could be paying.
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Still want to be average?
The fact that you’ve found this page on our website suggests you’re not happy with the price you’re paying for energy. But the good news is that – unless you are already on the best deal in your area – there are potentially big savings to be had by shopping around. To get a better-than-average power deal, you will need to be proactive. This means regularly comparing your options and being willing to switch to a better deal if it comes up. Don’t put up with an average electricity bill, search for a better one.
Original reporting by Kelseigh Wrigley
Image Source: leolintang/Shutterstock
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