Cost to Run a Desktop Computer in Illinois
Illinois's average residential electricity rate is 23.9¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 40th cheapest in the country, 30% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (6 hours/day), a desktop computer here costs $8.98 per month.
Per hour
4.8¢
at 100–400 W
Per day
$0.30
6 hours/day
Per month
$8.98
38 kWh
Per year
$108
451 kWh
By usage level in Illinois
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (3 hrs/day) | $0.15 | $4.49 | $53.91 |
| Typical (6 hrs/day) | $0.30 | $8.98 | $108 |
| Heavy (12 hrs/day) | $0.59 | $17.96 | $216 |
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 23.9¢/kWh (May 2026), a desktop computer with typical usage costs about $0.30 per day, $8.98 per month, or $108 per year.
Is running a desktop computer in Illinois more expensive than average?
Yes. Illinois's electricity costs about 30% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $8.98 per month here versus $6.91 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Illinois right now?
Illinois residents pay an average of 23.9¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 40th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.