How much does it cost to run a toaster?

Typical wattage

800–1,400 W

Cost per hour

$0.15–$0.25

at 18.16¢/kWh (US avg)

Energy per hour

0.80–1.40 kWh

A toaster typically draws 800–1,400 W. At the US average residential rate of 18.16¢ per kWh (12-month average to August 2026), that is about $0.15–$0.25 for every hour it runs at full power.

Runs only for a few minutes per use.

Cost per day and per month

Use per day	kWh per day	Cost per day	Cost per month
1 hour	0.80–1.40	$0.15–$0.25	$4.42–$7.73
2 hours	1.60–2.80	$0.29–$0.51	$8.84–$15.47
4 hours	3.20–5.60	$0.58–$1.02	$17.68–$30.94
8 hours	6.40–11.20	$1.16–$2.03	$35.36–$61.87

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

State	Rate (12-mo)	Cost per hour
Alabama	16.44¢	$0.13–$0.23
Alaska	26.94¢	$0.22–$0.38
Arizona	15.39¢	$0.12–$0.22
Arkansas	13.57¢	$0.11–$0.19
California	32.34¢	$0.26–$0.45
Colorado	17.17¢	$0.14–$0.24
Connecticut	27.42¢	$0.22–$0.38
Delaware	17.98¢	$0.14–$0.25
District of Columbia	24.48¢	$0.20–$0.34
Florida	15.41¢	$0.12–$0.22
Georgia	15.17¢	$0.12–$0.21
Hawaii	44.27¢	$0.35–$0.62
Idaho	12.77¢	$0.10–$0.18
Illinois	18.91¢	$0.15–$0.26
Indiana	16.90¢	$0.14–$0.24
Iowa	14.20¢	$0.11–$0.20
Kansas	15.13¢	$0.12–$0.21
Kentucky	13.94¢	$0.11–$0.20
Louisiana	13.02¢	$0.10–$0.18
Maine	29.60¢	$0.24–$0.41
Maryland	21.18¢	$0.17–$0.30
Massachusetts	30.39¢	$0.24–$0.43
Michigan	21.28¢	$0.17–$0.30
Minnesota	16.28¢	$0.13–$0.23
Mississippi	14.85¢	$0.12–$0.21
Missouri	13.97¢	$0.11–$0.20
Montana	13.94¢	$0.11–$0.20
Nebraska	12.74¢	$0.10–$0.18
Nevada	13.45¢	$0.11–$0.19
New Hampshire	26.95¢	$0.22–$0.38
New Jersey	23.74¢	$0.19–$0.33
New Mexico	16.51¢	$0.13–$0.23
New York	28.60¢	$0.23–$0.40
North Carolina	14.79¢	$0.12–$0.21
North Dakota	12.35¢	$0.10–$0.17
Ohio	18.41¢	$0.15–$0.26
Oklahoma	13.81¢	$0.11–$0.19
Oregon	15.53¢	$0.12–$0.22
Pennsylvania	20.86¢	$0.17–$0.29
Rhode Island	29.44¢	$0.24–$0.41
South Carolina	15.77¢	$0.13–$0.22
South Dakota	14.28¢	$0.11–$0.20
Tennessee	13.61¢	$0.11–$0.19
Texas	15.98¢	$0.13–$0.22
Utah	13.26¢	$0.11–$0.19
Vermont	23.90¢	$0.19–$0.33
Virginia	16.64¢	$0.13–$0.23
Washington	14.20¢	$0.11–$0.20
West Virginia	15.53¢	$0.12–$0.22
Wisconsin	18.79¢	$0.15–$0.26
Wyoming	14.01¢	$0.11–$0.20

Calculate with your own numbers

Frequently asked questions

How many watts does a toaster use?

A typical toaster uses 800–1,400 W, according to Virginia Cooperative Extension. Check the label on your model.

How much does it cost to run a toaster per hour?

About $0.15–$0.25 per hour at full power, at the US average rate of 18.16¢ per kWh.

How much does it cost to run a toaster for a month?

Running it 1 hour a day at full power costs about $4.42–$7.73 a month at the US average rate. Your cost depends on your hours and your state's rate.

How many kWh does a toaster use?

About 0.80–1.40 kWh per hour at full power (watts ÷ 1,000).

How can I find my toaster'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

Save on electricity

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