Cost to Run a Desktop Computer in Illinois
Illinois's average residential electricity rate is 19.2¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 35th cheapest in the country, 5% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (6 hours/day), a desktop computer here costs $7.21 per month.
Per hour
3.8¢
at 100–400 W
Per day
$0.24
6 hours/day
Per month
$7.21
38 kWh
Per year
$86.62
451 kWh
By usage level in Illinois
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (3 hrs/day) | $0.12 | $3.61 | $43.31 |
| Typical (6 hrs/day) | $0.24 | $7.21 | $86.62 |
| Heavy (12 hrs/day) | $0.47 | $14.43 | $173 |
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 19.2¢/kWh (July 2026), a desktop computer with typical usage costs about $0.24 per day, $7.21 per month, or $86.62 per year.
Is running a desktop computer in Illinois more expensive than average?
Yes. Illinois's electricity costs about 5% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $7.21 per month here versus $6.88 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Illinois right now?
Illinois residents pay an average of 19.2¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 35th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.