How much does it cost to run a dishwasher?

Typical wattage

1,200–2,400 W

Cost per hour

$0.22–$0.44

at 18.16¢/kWh (US avg)

Energy per hour

1.20–2.40 kWh

A dishwasher typically draws 1,200–2,400 W. At the US average residential rate of 18.16¢ per kWh (12-month average to August 2026), that is about $0.22–$0.44 for every hour it runs at full power.

Heated-dry cycles use the most power.

Cost per day and per month

Use per day	kWh per day	Cost per day	Cost per month
1 hour	1.20–2.40	$0.22–$0.44	$6.63–$13.26
2 hours	2.40–4.80	$0.44–$0.87	$13.26–$26.52
4 hours	4.80–9.60	$0.87–$1.74	$26.52–$53.03
8 hours	9.60–19.20	$1.74–$3.49	$53.03–$106.07

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

State	Rate (12-mo)	Cost per hour
Alabama	16.44¢	$0.20–$0.39
Alaska	26.94¢	$0.32–$0.65
Arizona	15.39¢	$0.18–$0.37
Arkansas	13.57¢	$0.16–$0.33
California	32.34¢	$0.39–$0.78
Colorado	17.17¢	$0.21–$0.41
Connecticut	27.42¢	$0.33–$0.66
Delaware	17.98¢	$0.22–$0.43
District of Columbia	24.48¢	$0.29–$0.59
Florida	15.41¢	$0.18–$0.37
Georgia	15.17¢	$0.18–$0.36
Hawaii	44.27¢	$0.53–$1.06
Idaho	12.77¢	$0.15–$0.31
Illinois	18.91¢	$0.23–$0.45
Indiana	16.90¢	$0.20–$0.41
Iowa	14.20¢	$0.17–$0.34
Kansas	15.13¢	$0.18–$0.36
Kentucky	13.94¢	$0.17–$0.33
Louisiana	13.02¢	$0.16–$0.31
Maine	29.60¢	$0.36–$0.71
Maryland	21.18¢	$0.25–$0.51
Massachusetts	30.39¢	$0.36–$0.73
Michigan	21.28¢	$0.26–$0.51
Minnesota	16.28¢	$0.20–$0.39
Mississippi	14.85¢	$0.18–$0.36
Missouri	13.97¢	$0.17–$0.34
Montana	13.94¢	$0.17–$0.33
Nebraska	12.74¢	$0.15–$0.31
Nevada	13.45¢	$0.16–$0.32
New Hampshire	26.95¢	$0.32–$0.65
New Jersey	23.74¢	$0.28–$0.57
New Mexico	16.51¢	$0.20–$0.40
New York	28.60¢	$0.34–$0.69
North Carolina	14.79¢	$0.18–$0.35
North Dakota	12.35¢	$0.15–$0.30
Ohio	18.41¢	$0.22–$0.44
Oklahoma	13.81¢	$0.17–$0.33
Oregon	15.53¢	$0.19–$0.37
Pennsylvania	20.86¢	$0.25–$0.50
Rhode Island	29.44¢	$0.35–$0.71
South Carolina	15.77¢	$0.19–$0.38
South Dakota	14.28¢	$0.17–$0.34
Tennessee	13.61¢	$0.16–$0.33
Texas	15.98¢	$0.19–$0.38
Utah	13.26¢	$0.16–$0.32
Vermont	23.90¢	$0.29–$0.57
Virginia	16.64¢	$0.20–$0.40
Washington	14.20¢	$0.17–$0.34
West Virginia	15.53¢	$0.19–$0.37
Wisconsin	18.79¢	$0.23–$0.45
Wyoming	14.01¢	$0.17–$0.34

Calculate with your own numbers

Frequently asked questions

How many watts does a dishwasher use?

A typical dishwasher uses 1,200–2,400 W, according to Virginia Cooperative Extension. Check the label on your model.

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

About $0.22–$0.44 per hour at full power, at the US average rate of 18.16¢ per kWh.

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

Running it 1 hour a day at full power costs about $6.63–$13.26 a month at the US average rate. Your cost depends on your hours and your state's rate.

How many kWh does a dishwasher use?

About 1.20–2.40 kWh per hour at full power (watts ÷ 1,000).

How can I find my dishwasher'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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