Average Monthly Bills for a UK Household
Understanding your monthly bills is the first step to getting control of your money. While costs vary by location, household size, and usage, most UK households face a similar mix of regular bills every month.
Below is a clear breakdown of average monthly household bills in the UK, plus tips on how to track them properly.
Average Monthly Household Bills (UK)
For a typical UK household (2 adults), average monthly bills usually fall in this range:
| Bill Type | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent / Mortgage | £700–£1,100 |
| Gas & Electricity | £120–£180 |
| Council Tax | £130–£200 |
| Water | £35–£45 |
| Broadband | £25–£35 |
| Mobile Phones | £30–£60 |
| TV Licence | £13 |
| Groceries | £250–£350 |
| Transport | £100–£200 |
| Subscriptions | £20–£60 |
Total average monthly bills:
£1,400–£2,200 per month
These figures are averages — many households spend more without realising where the extra money is going.
What Counts as a “Household Bill”?
Household bills usually fall into three categories:
1. Fixed Bills
These stay the same each month:
- Rent or mortgage
- Council tax
- Broadband
- TV licence
2. Variable Bills
These change depending on usage:
- Gas and electricity
- Water
- Groceries
- Transport
3. Lifestyle Costs
Often overlooked:
- Streaming services
- Gym memberships
- Subscriptions
- App fees
These small amounts can quietly add up.
Why Monthly Bills Feel Higher Than Expected
Many people underestimate bills because:
- Payments go out on different days
- Some bills are quarterly or annual
- Small subscriptions are forgotten
- Price increases happen quietly
Without tracking everything in one place, it’s easy to lose control.
How to Track Your Monthly Bills Properly
The simplest way to manage bills is to:
- List every bill
- Record the monthly cost
- Compare it to what you actually spend
- Review changes each month
You don’t need an app or a subscription — a simple spreadsheet works just as well.
Download the free UK Monthly Bill Tracker to see all your household costs in one place.
How Much Should You Spend on Bills?
A common guideline is:
- 50% or less of your income on needs (including bills)
- 30% on wants
- 20% on savings
If bills alone are taking most of your income, tracking them is the fastest way to spot problems.
Reduce Bills Before Cutting Lifestyle
Before cutting treats or entertainment:
- Check energy tariffs
- Review subscriptions
- Compare broadband and mobile contracts
- Track grocery spend for a month
Small improvements across several bills usually make the biggest difference.
Simple Way to Stay in Control
Most households don’t need complex budgeting — just clarity.
Tracking your bills monthly helps you:
- See where money actually goes
- Spot increases early
- Plan ahead
- Feel calmer about money
Get the UK Money Tracker spreadsheet and manage all your bills in one simple file.
FAQs
How much are average monthly bills in the UK?
Most households spend between £1,400 and £2,200 per month, depending on housing and lifestyle.
What’s the biggest household bill?
Rent or mortgage is usually the largest cost, followed by energy and council tax.
Is it better to track bills monthly or yearly?
Monthly tracking is best — it highlights changes quickly and keeps spending visible.
Take Control of Your Money
Start with the free tracker or upgrade to the complete system for full control of your finances. Both are simple, private, and designed for UK households.
Free UK Money Tracker
A simple spreadsheet to track income, spending, and savings. Perfect if you’re just getting started.
- ✔ Monthly income & expenses
- ✔ Simple & beginner friendly
- ✔ No apps or sign-ups
Complete Budget System (£12)
The full budgeting system to manage bills, savings, and your entire year.
- ✔ Monthly budget tracker
- ✔ Bills & savings trackers
- ✔ Yearly financial overview