Cost to Run a Wi-Fi Router in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.'s average residential electricity rate is 25.2¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 42nd cheapest in the country, 38% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (24 hours/day (always on)), a wi-fi router here costs $2.21 per month.
Per hour
0.3¢
at 6–20 W
Per day
7.3¢
24 hours/day (always on)
Per month
$2.21
8.8 kWh
Per year
$26.49
105 kWh
By usage level in Washington, D.C.
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (12 hrs/day) | 3.6¢ | $1.10 | $13.25 |
| Typical (24 hrs/day) | 7.3¢ | $2.21 | $26.49 |
| Heavy (24 hrs/day) | $0.15 | $4.41 | $52.98 |
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 wi-fi router in Washington, D.C.?
At Washington, D.C.'s current average residential rate of 25.2¢/kWh (July 2026), a wi-fi router with typical usage costs about 7.3¢ per day, $2.21 per month, or $26.49 per year.
Is running a wi-fi router in Washington, D.C. more expensive than average?
Yes. Washington, D.C.'s electricity costs about 38% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $2.21 per month here versus $1.60 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Washington, D.C. right now?
Washington, D.C. residents pay an average of 25.2¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 42nd cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.