Mac mini vs. desktop computer: running cost
A Mac mini is cheaper to run: about $7 a year versus $38 for a desktop computer at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $30 difference.
| Mac mini | Desktop computer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 12 W | 90 W |
| Watt range | 4–65 W | 40–250 W |
| Typical use | 8 hours a day | 6 hours a day |
| Energy per year | 41 kWh | 210 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.2¢ | 1.6¢ |
| Cost per day | 2.0¢ | 10¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.61 | $3.15 |
| Cost per year | $7 | $38 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $18 | $92 |
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What drives the difference
- Mac mini: Apple-silicon Mac minis idle at 4-7 W and average around 10-15 W in normal use, making them one of the lowest-power desktops. Monitor not included.
- Desktop computer: A typical desktop tower without a discrete gaming GPU draws 50-120 W in use; sleep mode draws 1-3 W. Monitor not included.
Ways to cut either cost
ENERGY STAR monitor
Pairs the efficient Mac with an efficient display.
See options on Amazon Mini PC
Small PCs do office work at 10-25 W instead of 60-120 W.
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 Mac mini or a desktop computer?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a desktop computer costs about $38 a year versus $7 for a Mac mini. That's $30 more, or 5.1× as much.
How many watts do Mac mini and desktop computer use?
A Mac mini typically draws 12 W (range 4–65 W). A desktop computer draws 90 W (range 40–250 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.