Cost to Run a Microwave in Illinois
Illinois's average residential electricity rate is 20.5¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 36th cheapest in the country, 9% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (0.25 hours/day), a microwave here costs $1.71 per month.
Per hour
$0.23
at 600–1,500 W
Per day
5.6¢
0.25 hours/day
Per month
$1.71
8.4 kWh
Per year
$20.58
100 kWh
By usage level in Illinois
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (0.5 hrs/day) | 2.8¢ | $0.86 | $10.29 |
| Typical (0.25 hrs/day) | 5.6¢ | $1.71 | $20.58 |
| Heavy (0.5 hrs/day) | $0.11 | $3.43 | $41.15 |
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 20.5¢/kWh (April 2026), a microwave with typical usage costs about 5.6¢ per day, $1.71 per month, or $20.58 per year.
Is running a microwave in Illinois more expensive than average?
Yes. Illinois's electricity costs about 9% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $1.71 per month here versus $1.57 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Illinois right now?
Illinois residents pay an average of 20.5¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 36th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.