Cost to Run a Hair Dryer 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 (7 uses/week at 0.2 kWh each), a hair dryer here costs $1.53 per month.
Per use
5.0¢
0.2 kWh per use
Per day
5.0¢
7 uses/week at 0.2 kWh each
Per month
$1.53
6.1 kWh
Per year
$18.40
73 kWh
By usage level in Washington, D.C.
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4×/week) | 2.5¢ | $0.77 | $9.20 |
| Typical (7×/week) | 5.0¢ | $1.53 | $18.40 |
| Heavy (14×/week) | $0.10 | $3.06 | $36.79 |
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 25.2¢/kWh (July 2026), a hair dryer with typical usage costs about 5.0¢ per day, $1.53 per month, or $18.40 per year.
Is running a hair dryer 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 $1.53 per month here versus $1.11 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.