Cost to Run a Home Server / Homelab in Iowa
Iowa's average residential electricity rate is 14.1¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 8th cheapest in the country, 23% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (24 hours/day (always on)), a home server / homelab here costs $10.29 per month.
Per hour
1.4¢
at 40–300 W
Per day
$0.34
24 hours/day (always on)
Per month
$10.29
73 kWh
Per year
$124
876 kWh
By usage level in Iowa
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (12 hrs/day) | $0.17 | $5.14 | $61.76 |
| Typical (24 hrs/day) | $0.34 | $10.29 | $124 |
| Heavy (24 hrs/day) | $0.68 | $20.57 | $247 |
Iowa vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a home server / homelab in Iowa?
At Iowa's current average residential rate of 14.1¢/kWh (May 2026), a home server / homelab with typical usage costs about $0.34 per day, $10.29 per month, or $124 per year.
Is running a home server / homelab in Iowa more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Iowa's rate is about 23% below the U.S. average: $10.29 per month here versus $13.42 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Iowa right now?
Iowa residents pay an average of 14.1¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 8th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.