Cost to Run a Electric Water Heater 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 (2.9 hours/day), a electric water heater here costs $94.82 per month.
Per hour
$1.08
at 3,500–5,500 W
Per day
$3.12
2.9 hours/day
Per month
$94.82
397 kWh
Per year
$1,138
4,763 kWh
By usage level in Illinois
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (1.45 hrs/day) | $1.56 | $47.41 | $569 |
| Typical (2.9 hrs/day) | $3.12 | $94.82 | $1,138 |
| Heavy (5.8 hrs/day) | $6.24 | $190 | $2,277 |
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 23.9¢/kWh (May 2026), a electric water heater with typical usage costs about $3.12 per day, $94.82 per month, or $1,138 per year.
Is running a electric water heater in Illinois more expensive than average?
Yes. Illinois's electricity costs about 30% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $94.82 per month here versus $73.00 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.