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How much does it cost to run a washing machine?

Typical wattage
350–500 W
Cost per hour
$0.06–$0.09
at 18.16¢/kWh (US avg)
Energy per hour
0.35–0.50 kWh

A washing machine typically draws 350–500 W. At the US average residential rate of 18.16¢ per kWh (12-month average to August 2026), that is about $0.06–$0.09 for every hour it runs at full power.

Covers the washer motor only. Heating the hot water is a separate cost, usually from the water heater.

Cost per day and per month

Use per daykWh per dayCost per dayCost per month
1 hour0.35–0.50$0.06–$0.09$1.93–$2.76
2 hours0.70–1.00$0.13–$0.18$3.87–$5.52
4 hours1.40–2.00$0.25–$0.36$7.73–$11.05
8 hours2.80–4.00$0.51–$0.73$15.47–$22.10

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¢$0.06–$0.08
Alaska26.94¢$0.09–$0.13
Arizona15.39¢$0.05–$0.08
Arkansas13.57¢$0.05–$0.07
California32.34¢$0.11–$0.16
Colorado17.17¢$0.06–$0.09
Connecticut27.42¢$0.10–$0.14
Delaware17.98¢$0.06–$0.09
District of Columbia24.48¢$0.09–$0.12
Florida15.41¢$0.05–$0.08
Georgia15.17¢$0.05–$0.08
Hawaii44.27¢$0.15–$0.22
Idaho12.77¢$0.04–$0.06
Illinois18.91¢$0.07–$0.09
Indiana16.90¢$0.06–$0.08
Iowa14.20¢$0.05–$0.07
Kansas15.13¢$0.05–$0.08
Kentucky13.94¢$0.05–$0.07
Louisiana13.02¢$0.05–$0.07
Maine29.60¢$0.10–$0.15
Maryland21.18¢$0.07–$0.11
Massachusetts30.39¢$0.11–$0.15
Michigan21.28¢$0.07–$0.11
Minnesota16.28¢$0.06–$0.08
Mississippi14.85¢$0.05–$0.07
Missouri13.97¢$0.05–$0.07
Montana13.94¢$0.05–$0.07
Nebraska12.74¢$0.04–$0.06
Nevada13.45¢$0.05–$0.07
New Hampshire26.95¢$0.09–$0.13
New Jersey23.74¢$0.08–$0.12
New Mexico16.51¢$0.06–$0.08
New York28.60¢$0.10–$0.14
North Carolina14.79¢$0.05–$0.07
North Dakota12.35¢$0.04–$0.06
Ohio18.41¢$0.06–$0.09
Oklahoma13.81¢$0.05–$0.07
Oregon15.53¢$0.05–$0.08
Pennsylvania20.86¢$0.07–$0.10
Rhode Island29.44¢$0.10–$0.15
South Carolina15.77¢$0.06–$0.08
South Dakota14.28¢$0.05–$0.07
Tennessee13.61¢$0.05–$0.07
Texas15.98¢$0.06–$0.08
Utah13.26¢$0.05–$0.07
Vermont23.90¢$0.08–$0.12
Virginia16.64¢$0.06–$0.08
Washington14.20¢$0.05–$0.07
West Virginia15.53¢$0.05–$0.08
Wisconsin18.79¢$0.07–$0.09
Wyoming14.01¢$0.05–$0.07

Calculate with your own numbers

Frequently asked questions

How many watts does a washing machine use?

A typical washing machine uses 350–500 W, according to Virginia Cooperative Extension. Check the label on your model.

How much does it cost to run a washing machine per hour?

About $0.06–$0.09 per hour at full power, at the US average rate of 18.16¢ per kWh.

How much does it cost to run a washing machine for a month?

Running it 1 hour a day at full power costs about $1.93–$2.76 a month at the US average rate. Your cost depends on your hours and your state's rate.

How many kWh does a washing machine use?

About 0.35–0.50 kWh per hour at full power (watts ÷ 1,000).

How can I find my washing machine'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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