Cost to Run a Electric Water Heater in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.'s average residential electricity rate is 25.2¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 42nd cheapest in the country, 38% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (2.9 hours/day), a electric water heater here costs $99.97 per month.
Per hour
$1.13
at 3,500–5,500 W
Per day
$3.29
2.9 hours/day
Per month
$99.97
397 kWh
Per year
$1,200
4,763 kWh
By usage level in Washington, D.C.
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (1.45 hrs/day) | $1.64 | $49.99 | $600 |
| Typical (2.9 hrs/day) | $3.29 | $99.97 | $1,200 |
| Heavy (5.8 hrs/day) | $6.58 | $200 | $2,401 |
Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C.?
At Washington, D.C.'s current average residential rate of 25.2¢/kWh (July 2026), a electric water heater with typical usage costs about $3.29 per day, $99.97 per month, or $1,200 per year.
Is running a electric water heater in Washington, D.C. more expensive than average?
Yes. Washington, D.C.'s electricity costs about 38% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $99.97 per month here versus $72.60 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Washington, D.C. right now?
Washington, D.C. residents pay an average of 25.2¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 42nd cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.