Cost to Run a Aquarium in Illinois
Illinois's average residential electricity rate is 20.5¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 36th cheapest in the country, 9% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (24 hours/day (always on)), a aquarium here costs $14.96 per month.
Per hour
2.1¢
at 50–300 W
Per day
$0.49
24 hours/day (always on)
Per month
$14.96
73 kWh
Per year
$180
876 kWh
By usage level in Illinois
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (12 hrs/day) | $0.25 | $7.48 | $89.79 |
| Typical (24 hrs/day) | $0.49 | $14.96 | $180 |
| Heavy (24 hrs/day) | $0.98 | $29.91 | $359 |
Illinois vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a aquarium in Illinois?
At Illinois's current average residential rate of 20.5¢/kWh (April 2026), a aquarium with typical usage costs about $0.49 per day, $14.96 per month, or $180 per year.
Is running a aquarium in Illinois more expensive than average?
Yes. Illinois's electricity costs about 9% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $14.96 per month here versus $13.72 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Illinois right now?
Illinois residents pay an average of 20.5¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 36th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.