Cost to Run a Electric Water Heater 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 (2.9 hours/day), a electric water heater here costs $76.17 per month.
Per hour
$0.86
at 3,500–5,500 W
Per day
$2.51
2.9 hours/day
Per month
$76.17
397 kWh
Per year
$915
4,763 kWh
By usage level in Illinois
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (1.45 hrs/day) | $1.25 | $38.09 | $457 |
| Typical (2.9 hrs/day) | $2.51 | $76.17 | $915 |
| Heavy (5.8 hrs/day) | $5.01 | $152 | $1,829 |
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 19.2¢/kWh (July 2026), a electric water heater with typical usage costs about $2.51 per day, $76.17 per month, or $915 per year.
Is running a electric water heater in Illinois more expensive than average?
Yes. Illinois's electricity costs about 5% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $76.17 per month here versus $72.60 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.