Is a Wi-Fi router expensive to run?

Always-on cost is watts × 8,760 hours a year — small loads stay small, so focus savings efforts elsewhere. At typical use it adds about $2.41 to a monthly electric bill at the US-average rate, but that swings from $1.68 in the cheapest states to $6.26 in the most expensive.

How many watts does a Wi-Fi router use?

Wi-Fi Router typically draws about 20 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 a Wi-Fi router?

Always-on cost is watts × 8,760 hours a year — small loads stay small, so focus savings efforts elsewhere. 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 Wi-Fi Router?

A router and modem run 24/7, but at about 20 watts combined they're one of the cheapest always-on devices in the house. At the US-average rate of 16.5¢/kWh, running a Wi-Fi router costs about $2.41/month ($28.87/year) at typical use. Adjust the watts, hours, and your rate below for your exact number.

Power (watts)

Hours per day: 24

Days per week: 7

Your state (sets the rate)

Electricity rate ($/kWh)

Cost to run a Wi-Fi router

$29/yr

Per day: $0.08
Per month: $2.41
Energy per year: 175 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 Wi-Fi router by electricity rate

Same 20 W appliance, 24 h/day — the bill changes with where you live.

Scenario	Rate	Per month	Per year
Cheapest states (North Dakota)	11.5¢	$1.68	$20.17
US average	16.5¢	$2.41	$28.87
Most expensive (Hawaii)	42.9¢	$6.26	$75.09

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 Wi-Fi router drawing 20 watts for about 24 hours a day costs roughly $0.08 per day, $2.41 per month, and $28.87 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 Wi-Fi Router?

Cost to run a Wi-Fi router by electricity rate

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to run a Wi-Fi router?

Is a Wi-Fi router expensive to run?

How many watts does a Wi-Fi router use?

How can I lower the cost of running a Wi-Fi router?

Cost to run other appliances