Cost to Run a Microwave in Illinois
Illinois's average residential electricity rate is 19.2¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 35th cheapest in the country, 5% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (0.25 hours/day), a microwave here costs $1.61 per month.
Per hour
$0.21
at 600–1,500 W
Per day
5.3¢
0.25 hours/day
Per month
$1.61
8.4 kWh
Per year
$19.27
100 kWh
By usage level in Illinois
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (0.5 hrs/day) | 2.6¢ | $0.80 | $9.64 |
| Typical (0.25 hrs/day) | 5.3¢ | $1.61 | $19.27 |
| Heavy (0.5 hrs/day) | $0.11 | $3.21 | $38.54 |
Illinois vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a microwave in Illinois?
At Illinois's current average residential rate of 19.2¢/kWh (July 2026), a microwave with typical usage costs about 5.3¢ per day, $1.61 per month, or $19.27 per year.
Is running a microwave in Illinois more expensive than average?
Yes. Illinois's electricity costs about 5% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $1.61 per month here versus $1.53 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Illinois right now?
Illinois residents pay an average of 19.2¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 35th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.