Electricity Cost Calculator
Calculate your electric bill based on kWh usage and rate. See how different electricity rates affect your monthly and annual costs.
Electricity Cost Formula
Your kWh usage is listed on your utility bill. Your rate may be shown per kWh, or divide your total bill by kWh used.
Electricity Cost Calculator
Calculate your electricity bill based on usage and rate
Average US home uses ~900 kWh/month. Check your utility bill for exact usage.
Common Appliance Wattages
Typical Electricity Costs by Home Type
Average monthly costs based on typical usage patterns (at 12-20¢/kWh)
Studio apartment
1-bedroom apartment
Small house (1,200 sq ft)
Average house (2,000 sq ft)
Large house (3,000+ sq ft)
Actual costs depend on your specific rate. Rates vary from 10¢/kWh in competitive markets to 25¢+ in high-cost states.
Average Electricity Rates by State
How much 1,000 kWh costs in different states
| State | Avg Rate | 1,000 kWh Cost | Market Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 14.0¢ | $140 | Deregulated |
| Florida | 13.8¢ | $138 | Regulated |
| Ohio | 14.5¢ | $145 | Deregulated |
| US Average | 16.4¢ | $164 | — |
| Pennsylvania | 17.2¢ | $172 | Deregulated |
| New York | 22.0¢ | $220 | Deregulated |
| California | 26.5¢ | $265 | Regulated |
| Massachusetts | 28.5¢ | $285 | Deregulated |
Why Deregulated States Matter
In deregulated states (Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts), you can shop for competitive electricity rates from different providers. This often means rates 10-30% below the state average. In regulated states, you're locked into your utility's rate with no choice.
How to Calculate Your Electricity Cost
Step-by-step guide to understanding your electric bill
Find your kWh usage
Look at your utility bill for "kWh used" or "energy used." This shows how much electricity you consumed during the billing period. Average home: 900-1,200 kWh/month.
Find your rate per kWh
Your bill may show "price per kWh" or "energy charge." If not, divide your total energy charges by kWh used. Watch for tiered rates that charge more after a certain usage threshold.
Calculate your cost
Multiply kWh by rate: Cost = kWh × Rate
Example: 1,100 kWh × $0.14/kWh = $154/month
Don't forget fees
Your total bill also includes delivery charges (from your utility), taxes, and various fees. These typically add $20-50/month on top of your energy charges. In Texas, look for the "all-in" rate on the Electricity Facts Label.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about electricity costs
How do I calculate my electricity cost?
To calculate electricity cost: multiply your kWh usage by your rate per kWh. Formula: Cost = kWh × Rate. For example, if you use 1,000 kWh and pay 15¢/kWh, your cost is 1,000 × $0.15 = $150/month. Your kWh usage is on your utility bill; your rate may be listed per kWh or you can divide your total bill by kWh used.
How much does 1,000 kWh of electricity cost?
At the U.S. average rate of ~16¢/kWh, 1,000 kWh costs about $160/month. However, rates vary significantly by state: in Texas you might pay $120-140, while in California or Massachusetts it could be $250-280. In deregulated states, shopping for a competitive rate can save 20-30% on the same usage.
What is a good electricity rate per kWh?
A 'good' rate depends on your location. Generally: under 10¢/kWh is excellent, 10-12¢/kWh is good, 12-15¢/kWh is average, 15-20¢/kWh is above average, and over 20¢/kWh is high. In deregulated states like Texas and Ohio, competitive rates are often 10-13¢/kWh, while regulated states like California average 25¢+ due to infrastructure costs.
How do I calculate electricity cost from watts?
First convert watts to kWh: kWh = (Watts × Hours) ÷ 1,000. Then multiply by your rate. Example: A 1,500W space heater running 4 hours/day = (1,500 × 4) ÷ 1,000 = 6 kWh/day. At 15¢/kWh, that's 6 × $0.15 = $0.90/day or about $27/month.
Why is my electric bill so high?
High bills usually come from: 1) High usage - especially heating/cooling (40-50% of bills), 2) High rates - check if you're on a variable rate that increased, 3) Inefficient appliances - old A/C units or refrigerators use 2-3x more power, 4) Phantom loads - devices drawing power when 'off'. Compare your kWh usage month-over-month to identify if it's usage or rate driving costs.
How much electricity does the average home use?
The average U.S. home uses about 900 kWh per month, but this varies widely. Apartments typically use 400-600 kWh, small homes 700-900 kWh, medium homes 900-1,200 kWh, and large homes 1,500-2,500+ kWh. Hot climates with heavy A/C use (Texas, Florida) average 1,100-1,200 kWh. Climate, home size, and appliances are the biggest factors.
How can I lower my electricity cost?
The two biggest ways to lower costs are: 1) Reduce usage - adjust thermostat (each degree saves 1-3%), use LED bulbs, unplug phantom loads, and maintain your A/C. 2) Lower your rate - in deregulated states, switching providers can save $200-500/year. Also check if your utility offers time-of-use rates where off-peak electricity is cheaper.
What uses the most electricity in a home?
The biggest electricity users are: 1) Heating/Cooling - 40-50% of the average bill, 2) Water heater - 14-18%, 3) Washer/Dryer - 13-15%, 4) Lighting - 9-12%, 5) Refrigerator - 4-8%. In hot climates, air conditioning alone can be 50-70% of summer bills. Targeting these big users yields the biggest savings.
Find a Better Electricity Rate
If you're in a deregulated state, you can shop for competitive rates and potentially save $200-500/year. Enter your ZIP code to compare plans.
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