Cost to Run a Microwave 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 (0.25 hours/day), a microwave here costs $1.36 per month.
Per hour
$0.18
at 600–1,500 W
Per day
4.5¢
0.25 hours/day
Per month
$1.36
8.4 kWh
Per year
$16.36
100 kWh
By usage level in North Carolina
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (0.5 hrs/day) | 2.2¢ | $0.68 | $8.18 |
| Typical (0.25 hrs/day) | 4.5¢ | $1.36 | $16.36 |
| Heavy (0.5 hrs/day) | 9.0¢ | $2.73 | $32.72 |
North Carolina vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a microwave in North Carolina?
At North Carolina's current average residential rate of 16.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a microwave with typical usage costs about 4.5¢ per day, $1.36 per month, or $16.36 per year.
Is running a microwave in North Carolina more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. North Carolina's rate is about 13% below the U.S. average: $1.36 per month here versus $1.57 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.