Cost to Run a Hair Dryer in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.'s average residential electricity rate is 25.4¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 42nd cheapest in the country, 35% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (7 uses/week at 0.2 kWh each), a hair dryer here costs $1.54 per month.
Per use
5.1¢
0.2 kWh per use
Per day
5.1¢
7 uses/week at 0.2 kWh each
Per month
$1.54
6.1 kWh
Per year
$18.54
73 kWh
By usage level in Washington, D.C.
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4×/week) | 2.5¢ | $0.77 | $9.27 |
| Typical (7×/week) | 5.1¢ | $1.54 | $18.54 |
| Heavy (14×/week) | $0.10 | $3.09 | $37.08 |
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 hair dryer in Washington, D.C.?
At Washington, D.C.'s current average residential rate of 25.4¢/kWh (April 2026), a hair dryer with typical usage costs about 5.1¢ per day, $1.54 per month, or $18.54 per year.
Is running a hair dryer in Washington, D.C. more expensive than average?
Yes. Washington, D.C.'s electricity costs about 35% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $1.54 per month here versus $1.14 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Washington, D.C. right now?
Washington, D.C. residents pay an average of 25.4¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 42nd cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.