Cost to Run a Incandescent Bulb in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.'s average residential electricity rate is 25.4¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 42nd cheapest in the country, 35% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (5 hours/day), a incandescent bulb here costs $2.32 per month.
Per hour
1.5¢
at 40–100 W
Per day
7.6¢
5 hours/day
Per month
$2.32
9.1 kWh
Per year
$27.81
110 kWh
By usage level in Washington, D.C.
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (2.5 hrs/day) | 3.8¢ | $1.16 | $13.91 |
| Typical (5 hrs/day) | 7.6¢ | $2.32 | $27.81 |
| Heavy (10 hrs/day) | $0.15 | $4.63 | $55.63 |
Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C.?
At Washington, D.C.'s current average residential rate of 25.4¢/kWh (April 2026), a incandescent bulb with typical usage costs about 7.6¢ per day, $2.32 per month, or $27.81 per year.
Is running a incandescent bulb in Washington, D.C. more expensive than average?
Yes. Washington, D.C.'s electricity costs about 35% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $2.32 per month here versus $1.71 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Washington, D.C. right now?
Washington, D.C. residents pay an average of 25.4¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 42nd cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.