Cost to Run a Electric Water Heater in South Carolina
South Carolina's average residential electricity rate is 16.2¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 25th cheapest in the country, 12% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (2.9 hours/day), a electric water heater here costs $64.27 per month.
Per hour
$0.73
at 3,500–5,500 W
Per day
$2.11
2.9 hours/day
Per month
$64.27
397 kWh
Per year
$772
4,763 kWh
By usage level in South Carolina
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (1.45 hrs/day) | $1.06 | $32.13 | $386 |
| Typical (2.9 hrs/day) | $2.11 | $64.27 | $772 |
| Heavy (5.8 hrs/day) | $4.23 | $129 | $1,543 |
South Carolina 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 South Carolina?
At South Carolina's current average residential rate of 16.2¢/kWh (May 2026), a electric water heater with typical usage costs about $2.11 per day, $64.27 per month, or $772 per year.
Is running a electric water heater in South Carolina more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. South Carolina's rate is about 12% below the U.S. average: $64.27 per month here versus $73.00 nationally.
What does electricity cost in South Carolina right now?
South Carolina residents pay an average of 16.2¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 25th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.