Cost to Run a Microwave in Iowa
Iowa's average residential electricity rate is 16¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 23rd cheapest in the country, 13% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (0.25 hours/day), a microwave here costs $1.34 per month.
Per hour
$0.18
at 600–1,500 W
Per day
4.4¢
0.25 hours/day
Per month
$1.34
8.4 kWh
Per year
$16.06
100 kWh
By usage level in Iowa
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (0.5 hrs/day) | 2.2¢ | $0.67 | $8.03 |
| Typical (0.25 hrs/day) | 4.4¢ | $1.34 | $16.06 |
| Heavy (0.5 hrs/day) | 8.8¢ | $2.68 | $32.12 |
Iowa vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a microwave in Iowa?
At Iowa's current average residential rate of 16¢/kWh (July 2026), a microwave with typical usage costs about 4.4¢ per day, $1.34 per month, or $16.06 per year.
Is running a microwave in Iowa more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Iowa's rate is about 13% below the U.S. average: $1.34 per month here versus $1.53 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Iowa right now?
Iowa residents pay an average of 16¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 23rd cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.