Cost to Run a Incandescent Bulb 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 (5 hours/day), a incandescent bulb here costs $1.49 per month.
Per hour
1.0¢
at 40–100 W
Per day
4.9¢
5 hours/day
Per month
$1.49
9.1 kWh
Per year
$17.85
110 kWh
By usage level in North Carolina
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (2.5 hrs/day) | 2.4¢ | $0.74 | $8.92 |
| Typical (5 hrs/day) | 4.9¢ | $1.49 | $17.85 |
| Heavy (10 hrs/day) | $0.10 | $2.97 | $35.70 |
North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
At North Carolina's current average residential rate of 16.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a incandescent bulb with typical usage costs about 4.9¢ per day, $1.49 per month, or $17.85 per year.
Is running a incandescent bulb in North Carolina more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. North Carolina's rate is about 13% below the U.S. average: $1.49 per month here versus $1.71 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.