Electricity Cost Calculator

Calculate the electricity cost of any appliance. Enter wattage, hours used, and your electric rate to see daily, monthly, and yearly costs. Includes common appliance reference table.

Common Appliances (tap to calculate)

Custom Appliance

Custom Appliance running 4h/day

$1.68/month

0.4 kWh per day

Daily Cost

$0.06

Monthly Cost

$1.68

Yearly Cost

$20.44

How to Calculate Appliance Electricity Cost

The formula for calculating appliance electricity cost is simple: cost = (wattage × hours used per day) ÷ 1,000 × electricity rate per kWh. This gives you the daily operating cost. Multiply by 30 for monthly and 365 for yearly estimates. For example, a 1,500-watt space heater running 6 hours per day at $0.14/kWh costs (1,500 × 6) ÷ 1,000 × $0.14 = $1.26 per day, or $37.80 per month.

Average Electricity Rates by State (2025)

StateRate (¢/kWh)Monthly Average
Hawaii42.0¢$210
California28.5¢$160
New York22.5¢$130
Massachusetts28.0¢$155
Texas12.5¢$140
Florida13.5¢$145
Washington10.0¢$95
Louisiana9.0¢$125
US Average14.5¢$135

Tips to Reduce Appliance Energy Costs

  • Unplug idle electronics — devices in standby still draw power (5-10% of your bill)
  • Use cold water for laundry — 90% of washer energy goes to heating water
  • Air dry dishes — skip the heated dry cycle on your dishwasher
  • Clean refrigerator coils — dirty coils make your fridge work 25% harder
  • Use microwave or toaster oven instead of full oven for small meals — uses 75% less energy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to run a 100-watt light bulb for 8 hours?
A 100-watt bulb running for 8 hours uses 0.8 kWh (100 watts × 8 hours = 800 watt-hours = 0.8 kWh). At the US average rate of $0.14/kWh, that costs about $0.11 per day, or $3.36 per month. Switching to an LED bulb (10-15 watts) would reduce the cost to about $0.01 per day.
What are the most energy-hungry appliances in a home?
The biggest energy consumers are HVAC systems (about 45% of home energy), water heaters (12%), refrigerators (8%), washers/dryers (5%), and ovens/ranges (3%). While individual electronics like phone chargers use very little, the cumulation of always-on devices (standby power) can account for 5-10% of your electricity bill.
What is the average electricity rate in the US?
As of 2025, the average US residential electricity rate is approximately $0.14-0.16 per kWh. Rates vary significantly by state — Louisiana averages $0.09/kWh, while Hawaii averages $0.42/kWh. California, New York, and New England states are also above the national average at $0.20-0.30/kWh. Use your actual rate from your electric bill for the most accurate calculation.
How can I reduce my electricity bill?
The most effective ways to reduce electricity costs are: replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs (save 75-80%), use smart power strips to eliminate standby power (save 5-10%), adjust thermostat by 7-10°F when away (save 10%), use cold water for laundry (save 5%), air-dry dishes instead of heated dry, and seal air leaks around windows and doors. A home energy audit can identify the biggest savings opportunities.
How much electricity does a TV use in standby mode?
Modern TVs consume about 1-3 watts in standby mode, which translates to 8-26 kWh per year, costing $1-4 annually. While this seems small, the cumulative standby power of all devices (TVs, cable boxes, game consoles, smart speakers) can add up to 5-10% of your total electricity bill — typically $100-200 per year for an average home.

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