Cost to Run a Laptop 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 (6 hours/day), a laptop here costs $2.78 per month.
Per hour
1.5¢
at 30–100 W
Per day
9.1¢
6 hours/day
Per month
$2.78
11 kWh
Per year
$33.38
131 kWh
By usage level in Washington, D.C.
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (3 hrs/day) | 4.6¢ | $1.39 | $16.69 |
| Typical (6 hrs/day) | 9.1¢ | $2.78 | $33.38 |
| Heavy (12 hrs/day) | $0.18 | $5.56 | $66.75 |
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 laptop in Washington, D.C.?
At Washington, D.C.'s current average residential rate of 25.4¢/kWh (April 2026), a laptop with typical usage costs about 9.1¢ per day, $2.78 per month, or $33.38 per year.
Is running a laptop 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 $2.78 per month here versus $2.06 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.