Is an incandescent light bulb expensive to run?

Each incandescent swapped for an LED saves several dollars a year, per bulb, forever. At typical use it adds about $1.50 to a monthly electric bill at the US-average rate, but that swings from $1.05 in the cheapest states to $3.91 in the most expensive.

How many watts does an incandescent light bulb use?

Incandescent Light Bulb typically draws about 60 running watts. It's a resistive load, so its startup and running wattage are the same. Check the nameplate or label on your specific unit for its exact rating.

How can I lower the cost of running an incandescent light bulb?

Each incandescent swapped for an LED saves several dollars a year, per bulb, forever. You can also cut the cost by lowering your electricity rate — many utilities offer cheaper off-peak hours — or simply by running it fewer hours. Use the calculator above to see how changing hours per day or your rate moves the number.

How Much Does It Cost to Run Incandescent Light Bulb?

About 90% of an incandescent bulb's 60 watts becomes heat, not light — you're paying to warm the fixture. At the US-average rate of 16.5¢/kWh, running an incandescent light bulb costs about $1.50/month ($18.05/year) at typical use. Adjust the watts, hours, and your rate below for your exact number.

Power (watts)

Hours per day: 5

Days per week: 7

Your state (sets the rate)

Electricity rate ($/kWh)

Cost to run an incandescent light bulb

$18/yr

Per day: $0.05
Per month: $1.50
Energy per year: 110 kWh

Cost = power (kW) × hours × days × your rate. Defaults are typical values — enter your appliance's actual watts (often on a label) and your real rate for a precise figure.

Cost to run an incandescent light bulb by electricity rate

Same 60 W appliance, 5 h/day — the bill changes with where you live.

Scenario	Rate	Per month	Per year
Cheapest states (North Dakota)	11.5¢	$1.05	$12.60
US average	16.5¢	$1.50	$18.05
Most expensive (Hawaii)	42.9¢	$3.91	$46.93

Find your state's rate on the electricity rates by state page, or see the appliance wattage chart for more devices.

Frequently asked questions

At the US-average residential rate of 16.5¢/kWh, an incandescent light bulb drawing 60 watts for about 5 hours a day costs roughly $0.05 per day, $1.50 per month, and $18.05 per year. Your actual cost depends on your electricity rate and how much you use it — adjust both in the calculator above.

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How Much Does It Cost to Run Incandescent Light Bulb?

Cost to run an incandescent light bulb by electricity rate

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to run an incandescent light bulb?

Is an incandescent light bulb expensive to run?

How many watts does an incandescent light bulb use?

How can I lower the cost of running an incandescent light bulb?

Cost to run other appliances