Neon sign vs. LED string lights: running cost
An LED string lights is cheaper to run: about $5 a year versus $8 for a neon sign at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $3 difference.
| Neon sign | LED string lights | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 20 W | 15 W |
| Watt range | 5–150 W | 2–180 W |
| Typical use | 6 hours a day | 5 hours a day |
| Energy per year | 44 kWh | 27 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.4¢ | 0.3¢ |
| Cost per day | 2.2¢ | 1.3¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.66 | $0.41 |
| Cost per year | $8 | $5 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $19 | $12 |
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What drives the difference
- Neon sign: LED flex 'neon' signs draw about 5-30 W; traditional glass neon with a transformer draws roughly 60-150 W.
- LED string lights: LED patio/bistro strings use about 0.5-1 W per bulb; the same string with 11 W incandescent bulbs draws over 150 W.
Ways to cut either cost
Free to run once installed; works for decorative low-brightness use.
See options on AmazonPrevents strings from running all night.
See options on AmazonSimilar look at a fraction of the power and no high-voltage transformer.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a neon sign or an LED string lights?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a neon sign costs about $8 a year versus $5 for an LED string lights. That's $3 more, or 1.6× as much.
How many watts do neon sign and LED string lights use?
A neon sign typically draws 20 W (range 5–150 W). An LED string lights draws 15 W (range 2–180 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.