Cost to Run a Incandescent Bulb in North Carolina
North Carolina's average residential electricity rate is 15.1¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 18th cheapest in the country, 18% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (5 hours/day), a incandescent bulb here costs $1.38 per month.
Per hour
0.9¢
at 40–100 W
Per day
4.5¢
5 hours/day
Per month
$1.38
9.1 kWh
Per year
$16.53
110 kWh
By usage level in North Carolina
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (2.5 hrs/day) | 2.3¢ | $0.69 | $8.27 |
| Typical (5 hrs/day) | 4.5¢ | $1.38 | $16.53 |
| Heavy (10 hrs/day) | 9.1¢ | $2.75 | $33.07 |
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 15.1¢/kWh (May 2026), a incandescent bulb with typical usage costs about 4.5¢ per day, $1.38 per month, or $16.53 per year.
Is running a incandescent bulb in North Carolina more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. North Carolina's rate is about 18% below the U.S. average: $1.38 per month here versus $1.68 nationally.
What does electricity cost in North Carolina right now?
North Carolina residents pay an average of 15.1¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 18th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.