Appliance Cost Comparison — Compare Any Two Appliances

Compare the running cost of any two appliances

Quick Answer

Compare two entered electricity-use scenarios with the input method that fits each appliance: watts and hours for steady loads, annual kWh from an EnergyGuide label for cycling appliances, or kWh per cycle for laundry and dishwashing. Results are 30-day and annual electricity estimates. Appliances that provide different services are not interchangeable, so a lower estimate is not automatically a savings recommendation.

Electricity rates: U.S. EIA, May 2026

WattItCost is an independent appliance energy-cost calculator project.

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Summary

Formula

Cost = (watts ÷ 1,000) × hours used × electricity rate per kWh.

Data used

Calculator results use user-entered wattage and usage hours, combined with residential electricity rates for the selected U.S. state or the rate entered from a utility bill.

Sources

EIA Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.A residential

EIA data period: May 2026EIA source release date: July 23, 2026WattItCost site update date: July 30, 2026

Limits

These estimates do not reproduce a utility bill. Actual costs depend on your tariff, taxes, appliance cycling, efficiency, and how you use the appliance.

Electricity cost by state

Browse Compare Appliances estimates for every U.S. state and the District of Columbia.

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What appliance costs the most to run?

There is no universal answer without comparable energy use and service. Enter measured or labeled consumption and your usage pattern; high input power alone does not determine annual cost.

Does wattage equal cost?

No. In wattage mode, cost depends on power, runtime, and electricity rate. For cycling and per-cycle appliances, annual kWh or kWh per cycle can be more representative.

How do I find my appliance's wattage?

Check the label on the back or bottom — it lists watts (W) or amps (A). If amps, multiply by 120V for a typical U.S. household circuit to estimate watts. Or search '[appliance model] wattage'.

Is it cheaper to run appliances at night?

Only when your tariff charges different rates by time and the appliance can be shifted safely. Check the actual rate schedule and compare the relevant periods; this calculator does not assume an off-peak percentage.