How Does Your Energy Bill Compare To Others?

Americans will be wiping sweat off their foreheads this month, so get ready to crank up those air conditioners. July tends to be the hottest month of the year in the contiguous U.S., and as a result it has the highest energy consumption. With mercury rising, consumers can expect the heat to drain not only their energy supply but also their wallets.

In the United States, 7.1 percent of the average consumer's total income is spent on energy costs, including fuel, natural gas and electricity. And during the summer, when many Americans undergo major life transitions such as relocating to start a new job or start a family, the difference in energy costs among states becomes an important financial consideration.

Keep in mind that lower prices don't always equate with lower costs, as consumption is a key determinant in the total amount of an energy bill. In places with scorching summer weather but cheaper electricity like Southern Louisiana, households might end up with higher out-of-pocket costs than those in energy-expensive Northern California, where the temperate climate keeps heating and cooling units idle most of the year.

To help consumers make an informed decision, WalletHub has identified the Most & Least Energy-Expensive States. We used six key metrics to rank the states according to their tendency to produce the highest or lowest monthly energy bills. By doing so, consumers living in or planning to move to states with the steepest energy costs can effectively minimize their expenses while staying cool under the sun. Check out the Methodology section below for more detailed information on how we ranked each state.