California households are shouldering the second-highest recurring bill expenses in the United States, with an average annual cost of $34,056. This figure translates to approximately $2,838 per month, according to a 2024 analysis of household bill-paying data.
The state trails only Hawaii, where households face average monthly bills of $3,091, totaling $37,092 annually. California's monthly expenses are $712 above the national benchmark of $2,126, resulting in an annual difference of $8,544 for Golden State residents.
The report, from doxoINSIGHTS's 2024 U.S. Household Bill Pay Market Size and Category Breakout, examined ten common recurring expenses. These include mortgage and rent payments, car loans, utilities, insurance, cable, internet, mobile phone bills, and home security services.
Massachusetts ranks third nationally, with average monthly bills of $2,685, or $32,220 annually. This places California's monthly expenses $153 higher than those in Massachusetts.
Other states with high household bill averages include New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire, and Colorado, all of which exceed the national benchmark by at least 16.3%.
The $34,056 annual figure represents recurring bills and does not encompass all living expenses such as groceries, gasoline, or discretionary spending. The distribution of these costs can vary within California, with coastal areas experiencing high housing costs and inland regions facing increased expenses related to longer commutes and auto payments.