Cost to Run a Electric Water Heater in Iowa
Iowa's average residential electricity rate is 14.1¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 8th cheapest in the country, 23% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (2.9 hours/day), a electric water heater here costs $55.94 per month.
Per hour
$0.63
at 3,500–5,500 W
Per day
$1.84
2.9 hours/day
Per month
$55.94
397 kWh
Per year
$672
4,763 kWh
By usage level in Iowa
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (1.45 hrs/day) | $0.92 | $27.97 | $336 |
| Typical (2.9 hrs/day) | $1.84 | $55.94 | $672 |
| Heavy (5.8 hrs/day) | $3.68 | $112 | $1,343 |
Iowa 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 Iowa?
At Iowa's current average residential rate of 14.1¢/kWh (May 2026), a electric water heater with typical usage costs about $1.84 per day, $55.94 per month, or $672 per year.
Is running a electric water heater in Iowa more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Iowa's rate is about 23% below the U.S. average: $55.94 per month here versus $73.00 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Iowa right now?
Iowa residents pay an average of 14.1¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 8th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.