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Which of the Following Are Examples of Utilities?

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July 25, 2025

On July 25, 2025

When setting up your home or reviewing your budget, it’s important to know which bills actually count as utilities. While electricity and water might be obvious, others—like internet or trash pickup—can cause confusion. This blog will break down exactly which of the following are examples of utilities, explain how each one functions, and help you separate essential services from everything else.

We’ll also cover what are utilities and its examples, along with what is the average utility cost to expect month-to-month.

What Are Utilities, Really?

To begin with, utilities are essential services that make a home livable. These aren’t nice-to-haves. They’re services you depend on to power your lights, run water through your faucets, heat your space, and take out your trash.

Utilities are either provided by public systems (like the city) or private companies (like an internet provider), and they’re typically billed monthly.

If your home stops receiving any of these services, it doesn’t function properly—plain and simple.

So, Which of the Following Are Examples of Utilities?

Let’s look at some common services and whether they do or do not count as utilities.

✅ Examples of Utilities (Yes, These Count)

Electricity
Powers lights, appliances, outlets, and HVAC systems. It’s essential and billed based on usage (measured in kilowatt-hours).
Water and Sewer
Your tap water, showers, and flushes all fall under this. Usually billed together by a city or municipality.
Natural Gas or Heating Oil
Fuels your water heater, furnace, and sometimes kitchen stove. Billed monthly depending on usage or tank refills.
Trash and Recycling Pickup
Yes, this is a utility! Regular waste collection keeps your home safe and sanitary. Some cities include this in property tax; others bill separately.
Internet Service
This one used to be debatable. But in 2024, internet is considered an essential household utility—used for work, school, and daily life.

❌ Not Examples of Utilities (These Don’t Count)

Cell Phone Bill
Important? Sure. But it’s a personal mobile service, not tied to your residence.
Streaming Subscriptions
Netflix, Spotify, HBO—they’re entertainment services, not utilities.
Cable TV
If it’s bundled with internet, fine. But standalone cable? Not a core utility.
Rent or Mortgage
These are housing costs, not service charges.
Home Security Systems
Useful, yes. But these are extras—not considered basic utility services.

What Are Utilities and Its Examples?

You might still wonder: What are utilities and its examples in a real-world setting?

Here’s a practical scenario. Imagine you’re moving into a small house. To make it livable, you’ll need:

Power to run the lights, outlets, and appliances
Water for drinking, cleaning, and bathing
Internet to work remotely or attend school
Gas to heat the house or cook
Trash pickup to keep the space sanitary

These five services are your home’s basic utility framework. They’re usually billed separately, often by different companies or departments. And they’re required to meet most building code standards for habitability.

What Is the Average Utility Cost?

Let’s shift to the next big question: What is the average utility cost?

This number can vary based on:

Region and local rates
Size and type of your home
Number of people living in the house
Energy efficiency of appliances
Time of year (heating and cooling seasons)

But here’s a rough monthly breakdown for a typical U.S. household:

Utility	Avg Monthly Cost
Electricity	$120–$150
Water & Sewer	$50–$80
Natural Gas or Oil	$40–$100
Trash & Recycling	$25–$40
Internet	$60–$90
Total	$295–$460

In winter, your heating bill may spike. In summer, expect higher electric costs from A/C usage. And if you live in an area with higher water rates or drought restrictions, water can also get pricey.

Why It Matters: Knowing What’s a Utility (and What’s Not)

Getting utilities right isn’t just about paying your bills—it’s also about:

Submitting proper documents (for address verification, applications, etc.)
Understanding lease agreements (what’s included vs. not)
Avoiding surprises when setting up service
Budgeting correctly when planning your monthly spending
Knowing your rights in case of disputes or service interruptions

If your landlord says “utilities are included,” make sure you ask: which ones? Don’t assume internet or trash is part of the deal unless it’s spelled out.

How to Manage Utilities When Moving

If you’re moving into a new home or apartment, here’s a quick step-by-step guide to handle utilities:

Ask your landlord or agent which utilities you’re responsible for
Make a list of essential services: electric, water, gas, internet, trash
Contact providers 1–2 weeks before move-in to set up accounts
Schedule connection or activation dates
Take meter readings on move-in day for electric, water, and gas
Set up auto-pay or reminders to avoid missed bills
Review your first bill carefully to check for activation fees or prorated charges

Staying organized up front can save you time—and money—down the road.

Can You Deduct Utility Bills on Taxes?

Only in specific cases.

If you work from home (as a freelancer or small business owner), you may be able to deduct a portion of your utility bills—like electricity and internet—as a business expense. The IRS has strict rules about this, so always double-check your eligibility before writing anything off.

For the average household, though, utilities are considered personal expenses and are not tax-deductible.

Smart Ways to Lower Utility Bills

Whether you’re paying utilities yourself or they’re baked into your rent, reducing usage benefits everyone. Here’s how to cut down:

Switch to LED lighting
Install a smart thermostat to manage heating and cooling more efficiently
Unplug idle electronics (they still draw power in standby mode)
Run full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine
Use cold water for laundry whenever possible
Shut off water while brushing teeth or washing dishes
Request an energy audit from your local power provider

Small changes add up—and your future utility bills will thank you.