Cost to Run a Home Server / Homelab in North Carolina
North Carolina's average residential electricity rate is 16.3¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 24th cheapest in the country, 13% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (24 hours/day (always on)), a home server / homelab here costs $11.89 per month.
Per hour
1.6¢
at 40–300 W
Per day
$0.39
24 hours/day (always on)
Per month
$11.89
73 kWh
Per year
$143
876 kWh
By usage level in North Carolina
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (12 hrs/day) | $0.20 | $5.95 | $71.39 |
| Typical (24 hrs/day) | $0.39 | $11.89 | $143 |
| Heavy (24 hrs/day) | $0.78 | $23.78 | $286 |
North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
At North Carolina's current average residential rate of 16.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a home server / homelab with typical usage costs about $0.39 per day, $11.89 per month, or $143 per year.
Is running a home server / homelab in North Carolina more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. North Carolina's rate is about 13% below the U.S. average: $11.89 per month here versus $13.72 nationally.
What does electricity cost in North Carolina right now?
North Carolina residents pay an average of 16.3¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 24th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.