How Much Does a Microwave Cost to Run? (2026 Calculator)
Typical setup: 1200 W · 0.3 h/day · $0.180/kWh
Daily
$0.06
Monthly
$1.94
Yearly
$23.62
Quick rate
Daily cost
$0.06
Monthly cost
$1.94
+$0.00 vs typical
Yearly cost
$23.62
kWh / month
10.8 kWh
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ad-after-calculator Quick answer
A typical microwave uses about 1200 W and costs about $0.06/day or $1.81/month at the U.S. average rate of $0.17/kWh, assuming 0.3 hours of use per day. At the same rate, costs range from about $0.04/day (800 W) to $0.08/day (1500 W).
State explorer
Quickly spot cheapest, highest, and near-average monthly costs.
Top 10 cheapest
Top 10 highest
- Hawaii $4.30
- Massachusetts $3.37
- Maine $3.32
- California $3.27
- Rhode Island $3.26
- New York $3.06
- Connecticut $3.06
- New Hampshire $2.84
- Alaska $2.76
- District of Columbia $2.56
Cost by state (monthly)
At typical 1200 W and 0.3 h/day. Rates from our dataset (see methodology ). Open a state for a dedicated calculator page.
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ad-after-state-table Wattage range
| Level | Watts | Est. monthly @ avg rate |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 800 W | $1.29 |
| Typical | 1200 W | $1.94 |
| High | 1500 W | $2.43 |
Energy saving tips
- Turn the appliance off as soon as you are done using it.
- Avoid leaving the appliance in high-power standby modes.
- Unplug the appliance if it is rarely used.
FAQ
- Most microwave units fall between 800 W and 1500 W, with 1200 W as a typical operating value for estimates.
- Our estimates use 1200 W as the typical wattage, within a reported range of 800–1500 W.
- At typical use (0.3 hours/day at 1200 W), the estimate is about 0.36 kWh/day and 10.8 kWh/month at the U.S. average rate.
- With 0.3 hours/day and 1200 W, this appliance uses about 0.36 kWh per day.
- At 0.3 hours/day, the monthly estimate is about 10.8 kWh per month.
- Per hour, the typical draw is about 1.200 kWh (at 1200 W).
- At the U.S. average electricity rate of $0.17/kWh, the typical daily cost is about $0.06/day for 0.3 hours/day.
- At the U.S. average electricity rate of $0.17/kWh, the typical monthly cost is about $1.81/month at 0.3 hours/day.
- Running for one hour at 1200 W costs about $0.20/hour (using 0.17 $/kWh as the U.S. average).
- With typical use (0.3 hours/day at 1200 W), the estimate is about $0.06/day or $1.81/month at the U.S. average rate.
- The estimate is about 10.8 kWh per month, which corresponds to roughly $1.81/month at the U.S. average rate. Your real bill depends on your rate and runtime.
- Use energy-saving tips tailored to this appliance. For example: Turn the appliance off as soon as you are done using it. — reducing kWh reduces the bill at your local rate.