Cost to Run a Laptop 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 (6 hours/day), a laptop here costs $1.78 per month.
Per hour
1.0¢
at 30–100 W
Per day
5.9¢
6 hours/day
Per month
$1.78
11 kWh
Per year
$21.42
131 kWh
By usage level in North Carolina
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (3 hrs/day) | 2.9¢ | $0.89 | $10.71 |
| Typical (6 hrs/day) | 5.9¢ | $1.78 | $21.42 |
| Heavy (12 hrs/day) | $0.12 | $3.57 | $42.84 |
North Carolina vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a laptop in North Carolina?
At North Carolina's current average residential rate of 16.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a laptop with typical usage costs about 5.9¢ per day, $1.78 per month, or $21.42 per year.
Is running a laptop in North Carolina more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. North Carolina's rate is about 13% below the U.S. average: $1.78 per month here versus $2.06 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.