Space Heater vs Electric Blanket: Which Costs Less to Run?
Both solve 'I'm cold at night' — one by heating the room, the other by heating the bed. The wattage gap is enormous: 1,500 watts versus about 150.
Space Heater · per month
$68.58
8 hours/day · 750–1,500 W
Electric Blanket · per month
$6.86
8 hours/day · 60–200 W
Verdict
The electric blanket costs roughly a tenth as much for sleeping comfort and is the clear winner at night. The space heater only makes sense when you need the whole room warm — working at a desk, kids playing on the floor. For sleeping, blanket first, heater only if pipes or comfort truly demand a warm room.
Side by side
| Space Heater | Electric Blanket | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical power | 750–1,500 W | 60–200 W |
| Typical usage | 8 hours/day | 8 hours/day |
| Energy per month | 365 kWh | 36 kWh |
| Cost per month (US avg) | $68.58 | $6.86 |
| Cost per year (US avg) | $823 | $82.34 |
| Cost per month in Hawaii | $170 | $17.00 |
Rates as of April 2026. Adjust the assumptions on each appliance's page: Space Heater · Electric Blanket.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper to run: a space heater or a electric blanket?
At typical usage and the current U.S. average rate (18.8¢/kWh), the electric blanket is cheaper: about $6.86/month versus $68.58/month for the space heater — a difference of $61.72 per month.
How much could I save per year by choosing the electric blanket?
About $741 per year at typical usage and average rates. In Hawaii (46.6¢/kWh) the annual gap grows to roughly $1,836.
Do these numbers apply to my state?
The ratio between the two stays the same everywhere, but the dollar gap scales with your rate — from North Dakota at 12.4¢/kWh to Hawaii at 46.6¢/kWh. Open each appliance's page for the exact cost in your state.