How Much Does It Cost to Run TV?
A modern 55-inch LED TV draws under 100 watts — five hours of nightly viewing costs only a few dollars a month. At the US-average rate of 16.5¢/kWh, running a TV costs about $2.26/month ($27.07/year) at typical use. Adjust the watts, hours, and your rate below for your exact number.
Cost to run a TV
$27/yr
- Per day
- $0.07
- Per month
- $2.26
- Energy per year
- 164 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 a TV by electricity rate
Same 90 W appliance, 5 h/day — the bill changes with where you live.
| Scenario | Rate | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheapest states (North Dakota) | 11.5¢ | $1.58 | $18.91 |
| US average | 16.5¢ | $2.26 | $27.07 |
| Most expensive (Hawaii) | 42.9¢ | $5.87 | $70.40 |
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, a TV drawing 90 watts for about 5 hours a day costs roughly $0.07 per day, $2.26 per month, and $27.07 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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