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How much does it cost to run a electric water heater?

Typical wattage
4,500–5,500 W
Cost per hour
$0.82–$1.00
at 18.16¢/kWh (US avg)
Energy per hour
4.50–5.50 kWh

A electric water heater typically draws 4,500–5,500 W. At the US average residential rate of 18.16¢ per kWh (12-month average to August 2026), that is about $0.82–$1.00 for every hour it runs at full power.

Typical range for a 40-gallon tank. The elements cycle, so hours of actual heating are fewer than hours of hot-water availability.

Cost per day and per month

Use per daykWh per dayCost per dayCost per month
1 hour4.50–5.50$0.82–$1.00$24.86–$30.38
2 hours9.00–11.00$1.63–$2.00$49.72–$60.77
4 hours18.00–22.00$3.27–$4.00$99.44–$121.53
8 hours36.00–44.00$6.54–$7.99$198.87–$243.07

Scenarios show full-power hours. Appliances with thermostats or cycling compressors draw full power for only part of the time they are switched on.

Cost per hour by state

StateRate (12-mo)Cost per hour
Alabama16.44¢$0.74–$0.90
Alaska26.94¢$1.21–$1.48
Arizona15.39¢$0.69–$0.85
Arkansas13.57¢$0.61–$0.75
California32.34¢$1.46–$1.78
Colorado17.17¢$0.77–$0.94
Connecticut27.42¢$1.23–$1.51
Delaware17.98¢$0.81–$0.99
District of Columbia24.48¢$1.10–$1.35
Florida15.41¢$0.69–$0.85
Georgia15.17¢$0.68–$0.83
Hawaii44.27¢$1.99–$2.43
Idaho12.77¢$0.57–$0.70
Illinois18.91¢$0.85–$1.04
Indiana16.90¢$0.76–$0.93
Iowa14.20¢$0.64–$0.78
Kansas15.13¢$0.68–$0.83
Kentucky13.94¢$0.63–$0.77
Louisiana13.02¢$0.59–$0.72
Maine29.60¢$1.33–$1.63
Maryland21.18¢$0.95–$1.16
Massachusetts30.39¢$1.37–$1.67
Michigan21.28¢$0.96–$1.17
Minnesota16.28¢$0.73–$0.90
Mississippi14.85¢$0.67–$0.82
Missouri13.97¢$0.63–$0.77
Montana13.94¢$0.63–$0.77
Nebraska12.74¢$0.57–$0.70
Nevada13.45¢$0.61–$0.74
New Hampshire26.95¢$1.21–$1.48
New Jersey23.74¢$1.07–$1.31
New Mexico16.51¢$0.74–$0.91
New York28.60¢$1.29–$1.57
North Carolina14.79¢$0.67–$0.81
North Dakota12.35¢$0.56–$0.68
Ohio18.41¢$0.83–$1.01
Oklahoma13.81¢$0.62–$0.76
Oregon15.53¢$0.70–$0.85
Pennsylvania20.86¢$0.94–$1.15
Rhode Island29.44¢$1.32–$1.62
South Carolina15.77¢$0.71–$0.87
South Dakota14.28¢$0.64–$0.79
Tennessee13.61¢$0.61–$0.75
Texas15.98¢$0.72–$0.88
Utah13.26¢$0.60–$0.73
Vermont23.90¢$1.08–$1.31
Virginia16.64¢$0.75–$0.92
Washington14.20¢$0.64–$0.78
West Virginia15.53¢$0.70–$0.85
Wisconsin18.79¢$0.85–$1.03
Wyoming14.01¢$0.63–$0.77

Calculate with your own numbers

Frequently asked questions

How many watts does a electric water heater use?

A typical electric water heater uses 4,500–5,500 W, according to Virginia Cooperative Extension. Check the label on your model.

How much does it cost to run a electric water heater per hour?

About $0.82–$1.00 per hour at full power, at the US average rate of 18.16¢ per kWh.

How much does it cost to run a electric water heater for a month?

Running it 1 hour a day at full power costs about $24.86–$30.38 a month at the US average rate. Your cost depends on your hours and your state's rate.

How many kWh does a electric water heater use?

About 4.50–5.50 kWh per hour at full power (watts ÷ 1,000).

How can I find my electric water heater's exact wattage?

Check the rating label or manual, or measure it with a plug-in electricity usage meter, which shows real watts and kWh.

Rates: EIA, 12-month residential average. Cost = watts × hours ÷ 1,000 × rate (US Department of Energy method).

Sources

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