Key points:
- On average, Tasmanians and Victorians paid the lowest electricity bills last quarter.
- Seniors and 18 to 29-year-olds paid the lowest on average.
- Melbourne, Hobart and Sydney had the cheapest average annual electricity plans.
This Canstar Blue guide looks at the average electricity bill across Australia by breaking down data into averages by state and territory, capital city, age group and household size to help you compare.
It’s good to compare your electricity bill to other households – not only for peace of mind but also to help you avoid bill shock. If you haven’t compared your electricity deal in the last 12 months then you could be missing out on a better deal.
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 in Australia?
- Could I pay less than the average electricity bill?
- Compare energy deals
Average Australian electricity bill
The below averages are for single rate plans and should only be considered as a general guide.
← Mobile/tablet users, scroll sideways to view full table →
| State | Average quarterly electricity bill |
|---|---|
| Queensland | $481 |
| Victoria | $391 |
| ACT | $546 |
| New South Wales | $501 |
| South Australia | $535 |
| Tasmania | $315 |
Source: www.canstarblue.com.au – 17/10/2024. Electricity usage cost estimates based on the average usage rates. Scenario based on a customer who uses the same amount of electricity as the reference annual usage for a single rate plan from each distributor. Based on a 365-day year. Postcodes used for examples are in order: 4064, 3122, 2600, 2040, 5033 and 7000.
As you can see, households in Tasmania and Victoria reported the lowest average electricity bills. Those in the Australian Capital Territory, South Australia and New South Wales reported the highest quarterly average electricity bills.
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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21% Less than reference price |
$1,435 Price/year (estimated) |
Go to Site |
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) |
Go to Site |
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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|
9% Less than reference price |
$1,888 Price/year (estimated) |
Go to Site |
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 SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4011kWh/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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|
9% Less than reference price |
$2,036 Price/year (estimated) |
Go to Site |
Average electricity bill in Sydney
For households in NSW, Canstar Blue research found the average quarterly electricity bill was $501.
If you have found that your electricity bills are higher than the average electricity bills in Sydney, you can find some of the cheapest electricity plans available on the Ausgrid network in the Canstar Blue tool below.
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 Victoria, the average quarterly electricity bill is $391.
If you think you could be saving more on your electricity bill, it’s time to compare. Below are some of the cheapest plans available on the CitiPower network for households in Melbourne.
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
Households in Queensland recorded an average quarterly electricity bill of $481.
To see what prices are like in the market at the moment, below are some of the cheapest plans available on the Energex network. See how your costs compare to the average electricity bill 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
According to our latest research, the average electricity bill in South Australia was $535 per quarter.
If you think you could be paying too much for your electricity bills, below are some of the cheapest plans available on the SA Power Networks network in Adelaide.
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
The average electricity costs from Canstar Blue’s latest research are based on households of all shapes and sizes. If you’re looking to find out the average electricity bill for a one-person household, two-person household, or four-person household, knowing these figures can help you benchmark your costs. The following table shows the average electricity bill by household size across Australia.
| Household size | Average quarterly electricity bill |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $263 |
| 2 people | $322 |
| 3 people | $384 |
| 4 people | $420 |
| 5 or more people | $453 |
Source: Canstar Blue research, December 2024.
This research shows that average electricity bills increase as the number of household residents does.
- The average electricity bill for a 1-person household was found to be the cheapest at $263 last quarter.
- The average electricity bill for a 2-person household was $322 last quarter.
- The average electricity bill for a 3-person was $384 last quarter.
- The average electricity bill for a 4-person household was $420 last quarter.
- The average quarterly electricity bill for a 5-person or more household is $453.
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? Canstar Blue collated recent data to show the average electricity bills by age group at a national level.
| Age group | Average quarterly electricity bill |
|---|---|
| 18 to 29 years | $278 |
| 30 to 39 years | $282 |
| 40 to 49 years | $284 |
| 50 to 59 years | $291 |
| 60 to 69 years | $249 |
| 70 years or more | $228 |
Source: Canstar Blue research, December 2024.
Retirees and seniors pay less for power on average, for multiple reasons. Some electricity retailers offer additional discounts for senior cardholders and pensioners. These groups may be eligible for government rebates on their electricity bills, potentially reducing their fees below the average electricity bill for a two-person or one-person household.
However, there are 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, two main factors 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. Comparing your energy usage to the average electricity bill for a similarly sized household could provide further insights.
- Electricity prices: the other major factor in determining energy costs is the price you pay for electricity. If you’re paying for a good electricity rate, you’ll likely have to pay lower prices than required by the average electricity bill in Australia.
If you’re keen to cut your electricity costs, it’s a good idea to start by either reducing your energy usage and/or finding a better energy deal.
How else can I tell if pay the average electricity bills in Australia?
If you’re looking for further evidence that your electricity bills are typical of similar households, 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 energy 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 the Canstar Blue guide on how to read your electricity bill.
Source: alinta.com.au
Could I pay less than the average electricity bill?
Now that you’ve compared your electricity bill to the average in your state, you might be pleased to have discovered that you’re right on average. However, you could still be paying too much.
You should also consider the annual costs for the cheapest single-rate electricity plans in your state as compared to your current electricity plan’s annual cost (which you can find by searching for your postcode on Canstar Blue’s tool).
For example, the table below shows most of Australia’s cheapest electricity plans, based on a general usage assumption in a selected postcode for each capital city.
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| Capital city | Cheapest electricity plan (annual costs) |
|---|---|
| Sydney | $1,299 |
| Melbourne | $1,036 |
| Brisbane | $1,499 |
| Adelaide | $1,748 |
| Canberra | $1,848 |
| Hobart | $1,131 |
Source: Canstar Blue electricity comparison database, December 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 Canstar Blue’s free comparison tool.
How do your electricity costs compare? 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.
Related content:
Compare energy deals
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. Whether you’re comparing your expenses to the average electricity bill in Melbourne, or aiming to pay lower than the average electricity bill for a two-person household, proactive research and switching to a better plan will help you save money.
Click on the link below to find out more.
Original reporting by Monika Gudova
Image Source: leolintang/Shutterstock
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