Cost to Run a Electric Water Heater in South Carolina
South Carolina's average residential electricity rate is 17.1¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 29th cheapest in the country, 9% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (2.9 hours/day), a electric water heater here costs $67.84 per month.
Per hour
$0.77
at 3,500–5,500 W
Per day
$2.23
2.9 hours/day
Per month
$67.84
397 kWh
Per year
$815
4,763 kWh
By usage level in South Carolina
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (1.45 hrs/day) | $1.12 | $33.92 | $407 |
| Typical (2.9 hrs/day) | $2.23 | $67.84 | $815 |
| Heavy (5.8 hrs/day) | $4.46 | $136 | $1,629 |
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 17.1¢/kWh (April 2026), a electric water heater with typical usage costs about $2.23 per day, $67.84 per month, or $815 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 9% below the U.S. average: $67.84 per month here versus $74.58 nationally.
What does electricity cost in South Carolina right now?
South Carolina residents pay an average of 17.1¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 29th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.