Electric blanket vs. heated mattress pad: running cost
An electric blanket is cheaper to run: about $11 a year versus $15 for a heated mattress pad at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $4 difference.
| Electric blanket | Heated mattress pad | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 100 W | 150 W |
| Watt range | 60–200 W | 60–250 W |
| Typical use | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year |
| Energy per year | 62 kWh | 83 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.9¢ | 1.2¢ |
| Cost per day | 7.3¢ | 9.9¢ |
| Cost per month | $2.23 | $3.00 |
| Cost per year | $11 | $15 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $27 | $36 |
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What drives the difference
- Electric blanket: Electric blankets draw 60-200 W depending on size; controllers pulse the heating wire so average draw on a mid setting is about half the rated watts.
- Heated mattress pad: Heated mattress pads use 60-250 W at full power, but their controllers cycle the heat so a mid setting averages roughly 40-50% of that.
Ways to cut either cost
Heat rises from beneath you so lower settings feel warmer.
See options on AmazonAdds insulation for zero running cost.
See options on AmazonSimilar cost; useful if you prefer heat from above.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, an electric blanket or a heated mattress pad?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a heated mattress pad costs about $15 a year versus $11 for an electric blanket. That's $4 more, or 1.3× as much.
How many watts do electric blanket and heated mattress pad use?
An electric blanket typically draws 100 W (range 60–200 W). A heated mattress pad draws 150 W (range 60–250 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.