Lava lamp vs. incandescent bulb: running cost
A lava lamp is cheaper to run: about $10 a year versus $12 for an incandescent bulb at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $2 difference.
| Lava lamp | Incandescent bulb | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 25 W | 60 W |
| Watt range | 15–100 W | 25–150 W |
| Typical use | 6 hours a day | 3 hours a day |
| Energy per year | 55 kWh | 66 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.4¢ | 1.1¢ |
| Cost per day | 2.7¢ | 3.2¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.82 | $0.99 |
| Cost per year | $10 | $12 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $24 | $29 |
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What drives the difference
- Lava lamp: Lava lamps use an incandescent bulb as both light and heater (25-40 W for standard sizes); they need 1-3 hours to warm up and should not run more than about 8-10 hours at a time.
- Incandescent bulb: Incandescent bulbs draw their labeled wattage; about 90% becomes heat. A 60 W bulb used 3 hours a day uses about 66 kWh a year.
Ways to cut either cost
Plug-in timer
Automates warm-up and shutoff so it doesn't run all day.
See options on Amazon LED filament bulb
Keeps the vintage look at about 85% less power.
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, a lava lamp or an incandescent bulb?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), an incandescent bulb costs about $12 a year versus $10 for a lava lamp. That's $2 more, or 1.2× as much.
How many watts do lava lamp and incandescent bulb use?
A lava lamp typically draws 25 W (range 15–100 W). An incandescent bulb draws 60 W (range 25–150 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.