Vacuum cleaner vs. robot vacuum: running cost
A robot vacuum is cheaper to run: about $8 a year versus $11 for a vacuum cleaner at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $3 difference.
| Vacuum cleaner | Robot vacuum | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,200 W | 30 W |
| Watt range | 500–1,500 W | 15–60 W |
| Typical use | 30 minutes a day, 2 days a week | 2 hours a day |
| Energy per year | 63 kWh | 46 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 22¢ | 0.5¢ |
| Cost per day | 3.1¢ | 2.3¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.94 | $0.69 |
| Cost per year | $11 | $8 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $27 | $20 |
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What drives the difference
- Vacuum cleaner: Corded upright vacuums draw about 1,000-1,400 W; an hour of vacuuming a week is roughly 60-75 kWh a year.
- Robot vacuum: Robot vacuum batteries hold about 30-80 Wh; the dock charges at 20-50 W, then idles at 2-5 W. Self-emptying docks briefly draw about 1,000 W for 10-15 seconds per empty.
Ways to cut either cost
Systematic navigation finishes faster than random-bounce models, using less battery per clean.
See options on AmazonUses about 0.05-0.1 kWh per charge, a fraction of a corded upright for quick cleanups.
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 vacuum cleaner or a robot vacuum?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a vacuum cleaner costs about $11 a year versus $8 for a robot vacuum. That's $3 more, or 1.4× as much.
How many watts do vacuum cleaner and robot vacuum use?
A vacuum cleaner typically draws 1,200 W (range 500–1,500 W). A robot vacuum draws 30 W (range 15–60 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.