Cost to Run a Incandescent Bulb in New York
New York's average residential electricity rate is 29.9¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 49th cheapest in the country, 63% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (5 hours/day), a incandescent bulb here costs $2.73 per month.
Per hour
1.8¢
at 40–100 W
Per day
9.0¢
5 hours/day
Per month
$2.73
9.1 kWh
Per year
$32.74
110 kWh
By usage level in New York
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (2.5 hrs/day) | 4.5¢ | $1.36 | $16.37 |
| Typical (5 hrs/day) | 9.0¢ | $2.73 | $32.74 |
| Heavy (10 hrs/day) | $0.18 | $5.45 | $65.48 |
New York vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a incandescent bulb in New York?
At New York's current average residential rate of 29.9¢/kWh (May 2026), a incandescent bulb with typical usage costs about 9.0¢ per day, $2.73 per month, or $32.74 per year.
Is running a incandescent bulb in New York more expensive than average?
Yes. New York's electricity costs about 63% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $2.73 per month here versus $1.68 nationally.
What does electricity cost in New York right now?
New York residents pay an average of 29.9¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 49th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.