Cost to Run a Electric Water Heater 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 (2.9 hours/day), a electric water heater here costs $81.33 per month.
Per hour
$0.92
at 3,500–5,500 W
Per day
$2.68
2.9 hours/day
Per month
$81.33
397 kWh
Per year
$976
4,763 kWh
By usage level in Illinois
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (1.45 hrs/day) | $1.34 | $40.66 | $488 |
| Typical (2.9 hrs/day) | $2.68 | $81.33 | $976 |
| Heavy (5.8 hrs/day) | $5.35 | $163 | $1,953 |
Illinois 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 Illinois?
At Illinois's current average residential rate of 20.5¢/kWh (April 2026), a electric water heater with typical usage costs about $2.68 per day, $81.33 per month, or $976 per year.
Is running a electric water heater in Illinois more expensive than average?
Yes. Illinois's electricity costs about 9% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $81.33 per month here versus $74.58 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.