Cost to Run a Microwave 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 (0.25 hours/day), a microwave here costs $2.12 per month.
Per hour
$0.28
at 600–1,500 W
Per day
7.0¢
0.25 hours/day
Per month
$2.12
8.4 kWh
Per year
$25.50
100 kWh
By usage level in Washington, D.C.
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (0.5 hrs/day) | 3.5¢ | $1.06 | $12.75 |
| Typical (0.25 hrs/day) | 7.0¢ | $2.12 | $25.50 |
| Heavy (0.5 hrs/day) | $0.14 | $4.25 | $50.99 |
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 microwave in Washington, D.C.?
At Washington, D.C.'s current average residential rate of 25.4¢/kWh (April 2026), a microwave with typical usage costs about 7.0¢ per day, $2.12 per month, or $25.50 per year.
Is running a microwave 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 $2.12 per month here versus $1.57 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.