Across the country, 47 of the 50 statesare facing drought conditions, impacting over 153 million Americans.
Online lawn care journal Lawn Love compared the 500 largest U.S. cities to find out where lawn watering is the biggest drain on homeowners’ budgets.
The company ranked the locations based on four main themes: climate vulnerability, cost, watering needs and rainwater harvesting restrictions.
The scores for each city determine its rank overall. They are ranked from “most expensive” (Scottsdale, Arizona) to “most affordable” (Columbus, Ohio).
How pricey is Florida lawn watering?
As of this month, the U.S. Drought Monitor reported 99% of the southeastern U.S. is facing moderate to exceptional drought conditions.
Tampa Bay residents are expected to follow tighter rules for their watering schedule.
The water restrictions are in effect for Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, Hernando, Polk and Manatee counties, among other district counties and cities. It will run through July 1.
Here’s where lawn watering costs typically hit hardest in the Sunshine State, based on Lawn Love’s national ranking (the lower the number the more expensive the city for watering):Across the country
Water and sewer bills across the U.S. increased by 5.1% in 2025, according to Bluefield Research, which tracks global water market data. That increase outpaced inflation. Households spend an average of 1.15% of their yearly income on water bills, according to Lawn Love.
2026’s most expensive cities for lawn watering
But it’s not all bad news, especially if you live in Ohio. Here are the least expensive cities in the U.S. for watering your lawn:
Columbus, Ohio (appears at the bottom at #498 on Lawn Love’s list)
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The Tampa Bay Times launched the Environment Hub in 2025 to focus on some of Florida‘s most urgent and enduring challenges. You can contribute through our journalism fund by clicking here.