Cost to Run a Desktop Computer 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 (6 hours/day), a desktop computer here costs $7.70 per month.
Per hour
4.1¢
at 100–400 W
Per day
$0.25
6 hours/day
Per month
$7.70
38 kWh
Per year
$92.48
451 kWh
By usage level in Illinois
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (3 hrs/day) | $0.13 | $3.85 | $46.24 |
| Typical (6 hrs/day) | $0.25 | $7.70 | $92.48 |
| Heavy (12 hrs/day) | $0.51 | $15.41 | $185 |
Illinois vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a desktop computer in Illinois?
At Illinois's current average residential rate of 20.5¢/kWh (April 2026), a desktop computer with typical usage costs about $0.25 per day, $7.70 per month, or $92.48 per year.
Is running a desktop computer in Illinois more expensive than average?
Yes. Illinois's electricity costs about 9% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $7.70 per month here versus $7.06 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.