Cost to Run a Electric Water Heater in Alabama
Alabama's average residential electricity rate is 16.8¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 28th cheapest in the country, 9% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (2.9 hours/day), a electric water heater here costs $66.65 per month.
Per hour
$0.76
at 3,500–5,500 W
Per day
$2.19
2.9 hours/day
Per month
$66.65
397 kWh
Per year
$800
4,763 kWh
By usage level in Alabama
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (1.45 hrs/day) | $1.10 | $33.32 | $400 |
| Typical (2.9 hrs/day) | $2.19 | $66.65 | $800 |
| Heavy (5.8 hrs/day) | $4.38 | $133 | $1,600 |
Alabama vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a electric water heater in Alabama?
At Alabama's current average residential rate of 16.8¢/kWh (May 2026), a electric water heater with typical usage costs about $2.19 per day, $66.65 per month, or $800 per year.
Is running a electric water heater in Alabama more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Alabama's rate is about 9% below the U.S. average: $66.65 per month here versus $73.00 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Alabama right now?
Alabama residents pay an average of 16.8¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 28th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.