How much does it cost to run a computer monitor?
A computer monitor costs about 0.4¢ per hour, 2.8¢ a day, $0.85 a month and $10 a year at typical use (6 hours a day) and the U.S. average rate of 17.99¢/kWh. Monitors draw 15-60 W at typical brightness; high-refresh gaming and HDR panels sit at the top of the range.
Calculate your cost
Add as many devices as you like to compare them side by side. Search again to add another, or use Duplicate to compare two settings.
Cost by setting
| Setting | Watts | Per hour | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 in. 1080p | 18 | 0.3¢ | 2.0¢ | $0.62 | $7 |
| 27 in. 1440p | 25 | 0.4¢ | 2.8¢ | $0.85 | $10 |
| 32 in. 4K | 40 | 0.7¢ | 4.4¢ | $1.34 | $16 |
| 34-49 in. ultrawide | 60 | 1.1¢ | 6.6¢ | $2.00 | $24 |
At 6 hours a day and 17.99¢/kWh.
Cost by hours of use
| Hours per day | kWh/day | Per day | Per month | Per year (all year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 0.03 | 0.6¢ | $0.17 | $2 |
| 2 hours | 0.06 | 1.0¢ | $0.31 | $4 |
| 4 hours | 0.11 | 1.9¢ | $0.58 | $7 |
| 8 hours | 0.20 | 3.7¢ | $1.12 | $13 |
| 12 hours | 0.30 | 5.5¢ | $1.66 | $20 |
| 24 hours | 0.60 | 11¢ | $3.29 | $39 |
Cost to run a computer monitor in every state
The same computer monitor costs $7 a year in North Dakota and $25 in Hawaii, at each state's average residential rate (12 months ending July 2026).
| State | Rate | Per hour | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 12.32¢ | 0.3¢ | $0.58 | $7 |
| Idaho | 12.65¢ | 0.3¢ | $0.60 | $7 |
| Nebraska | 12.86¢ | 0.3¢ | $0.61 | $7 |
| Louisiana | 12.99¢ | 0.3¢ | $0.61 | $7 |
| Utah | 13.32¢ | 0.3¢ | $0.63 | $8 |
| Nevada | 13.36¢ | 0.3¢ | $0.63 | $8 |
| Arkansas | 13.43¢ | 0.3¢ | $0.64 | $8 |
| Tennessee | 13.56¢ | 0.3¢ | $0.64 | $8 |
| Oklahoma | 13.70¢ | 0.3¢ | $0.65 | $8 |
| Montana | 13.84¢ | 0.3¢ | $0.65 | $8 |
| Kentucky | 13.92¢ | 0.3¢ | $0.66 | $8 |
| Missouri | 13.95¢ | 0.3¢ | $0.66 | $8 |
| Wyoming | 14.01¢ | 0.4¢ | $0.66 | $8 |
| Washington | 14.12¢ | 0.4¢ | $0.67 | $8 |
| Iowa | 14.13¢ | 0.4¢ | $0.67 | $8 |
| South Dakota | 14.20¢ | 0.4¢ | $0.67 | $8 |
| Mississippi | 14.77¢ | 0.4¢ | $0.70 | $8 |
| North Carolina | 14.77¢ | 0.4¢ | $0.70 | $8 |
| Kansas | 15.09¢ | 0.4¢ | $0.71 | $9 |
| Georgia | 15.12¢ | 0.4¢ | $0.72 | $9 |
| New Mexico | 15.32¢ | 0.4¢ | $0.72 | $9 |
| Florida | 15.39¢ | 0.4¢ | $0.73 | $9 |
| Arizona | 15.40¢ | 0.4¢ | $0.73 | $9 |
| West Virginia | 15.48¢ | 0.4¢ | $0.73 | $9 |
| Oregon | 15.50¢ | 0.4¢ | $0.73 | $9 |
| South Carolina | 15.64¢ | 0.4¢ | $0.74 | $9 |
| Texas | 15.96¢ | 0.4¢ | $0.75 | $9 |
| Minnesota | 16.22¢ | 0.4¢ | $0.77 | $9 |
| Alabama | 16.44¢ | 0.4¢ | $0.78 | $9 |
| Virginia | 16.48¢ | 0.4¢ | $0.78 | $9 |
| Colorado | 16.58¢ | 0.4¢ | $0.78 | $9 |
| Indiana | 16.94¢ | 0.4¢ | $0.80 | $10 |
| Delaware | 17.79¢ | 0.4¢ | $0.84 | $10 |
| Ohio | 18.25¢ | 0.5¢ | $0.86 | $10 |
| Wisconsin | 18.74¢ | 0.5¢ | $0.89 | $11 |
| Illinois | 18.79¢ | 0.5¢ | $0.89 | $11 |
| Pennsylvania | 20.70¢ | 0.5¢ | $0.98 | $12 |
| Maryland | 21.03¢ | 0.5¢ | $0.99 | $12 |
| Michigan | 21.05¢ | 0.5¢ | $1.00 | $12 |
| New Jersey | 23.78¢ | 0.6¢ | $1.12 | $13 |
| Vermont | 23.80¢ | 0.6¢ | $1.13 | $14 |
| District of Columbia | 24.20¢ | 0.6¢ | $1.14 | $14 |
| New Hampshire | 26.67¢ | 0.7¢ | $1.26 | $15 |
| Alaska | 26.85¢ | 0.7¢ | $1.27 | $15 |
| Connecticut | 27.99¢ | 0.7¢ | $1.32 | $16 |
| New York | 28.39¢ | 0.7¢ | $1.34 | $16 |
| Rhode Island | 29.27¢ | 0.7¢ | $1.38 | $17 |
| Maine | 29.31¢ | 0.7¢ | $1.39 | $17 |
| Massachusetts | 30.43¢ | 0.8¢ | $1.44 | $17 |
| California | 32.99¢ | 0.8¢ | $1.56 | $19 |
| Hawaii | 43.51¢ | 1.1¢ | $2.06 | $25 |
Most efficient computer monitor models
The lowest-energy ENERGY STAR certified models in the most common size (28.9–39.1 in), out of 2,753 certified models. In this class, the best model costs $5 a year to run. The least efficient costs $32. Same size, $27 a year apart.
| Brand | Model | Screen | Watts | Cost/yr | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acer | CB322Q Most Efficient | 31.5 | 12 | $5 | Amazon |
| LG | 29BF550B-* | 29 | 15 | $6 | Amazon |
| ASUS | VA329QG3 Most Efficient | 31.5 | 15 | $6 | Amazon |
| EIZO | FlexScan EV3451X Most Efficient | 34.1 | 16 | $7 | Amazon |
| HP | HP 532sf Monitor | 31.5 | 17 | $7 | Amazon |
| LG | 34WQ500 | 34.1 | 17 | $7 | Amazon |
| ASUS | VP299 | 29 | 17 | $7 | Amazon |
| ASUS | VA329HE | 31.5 | 18 | $7 | Amazon |
| LG | 34BN670 +2 variants | 34.1 | 18 | $7 | Amazon |
| ViewSonic | VS19151 | 31.5 | 18 | $8 | Amazon |
Yearly cost at 6 hours a day and 17.99¢/kWh. Look up any model in the calculator with “Look up my exact model”. Source: ENERGY STAR, updated 2026-10-21. Amazon links search for the exact model; as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
How to cut the cost
- Set the monitor to sleep after 5-10 minutes of inactivity in your OS settings.
- Turn brightness down to 120-150 nits; factory settings are often at 100%, which can be 30-50% more power.
- Use the monitor's eco or power-saving picture mode.
- Turn the monitor off at the switch overnight or plug it into the PC's smart power strip.
Cheaper ways to get the job done
Certified monitors use about 25% less energy than standard ones.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Compare with similar appliances
| Appliance | Watts | Typical use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer monitor | 25 | 6 hours a day | $0.85 | $10 |
| Desktop computer | 90 | 6 hours a day | $3.15 | $38 |
| Gaming PC | 400 | 3 hours a day | $5.60 | $67 |
| Laptop | 40 | 6 hours a day | $1.36 | $16 |
| Mac mini | 12 | 8 hours a day | $0.61 | $7 |
| MacBook | 25 | 6 hours a day | $0.85 | $10 |
| Tablet charging | 15 | 1.5 hours a day | $0.14 | $2 |
Head-to-head comparisons
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a computer monitor per hour?
A computer monitor drawing 25 watts uses 0.03 kWh per hour. At the U.S. average of 17.99¢/kWh that's 0.4¢ per hour. In North Dakota (12.32¢) it's 0.3¢. In Hawaii (43.51¢) it's 1.1¢.
How much does it cost to run a computer monitor per month?
At typical use (6 hours a day), a computer monitor costs about $0.85 a month and $10 a year, at the U.S. average rate. Enter your ZIP in the calculator above for your utility's rate.
How many watts does a computer monitor use?
Most computer monitors use 12 to 100 watts, depending on the setting (24 in. 1080p 18 W, 27 in. 1440p 25 W, 32 in. 4k 40 W, 34-49 in. ultrawide 60 W). Plugged in but off, it still draws about 0.3 W of standby power. Check the label on the back or bottom for your model's exact rating.
How many kWh does a computer monitor use?
About 0.16 kWh a day and 57 kWh a year at typical use (6 hours a day).
Does a computer monitor use a lot of electricity?
No. At about 57 kWh a year it's a small share (0.5%) of the average U.S. home's 10,492 kWh.
Is it cheaper to run a computer monitor or a desktop computer?
At typical use, a computer monitor costs about $10 a year versus $38 for a desktop computer. So the computer monitor is cheaper by about $28 a year. Use the comparison table above to compare them at your own settings.
How can I lower the cost of running a computer monitor?
- Set the monitor to sleep after 5-10 minutes of inactivity in your OS settings.
- Turn brightness down to 120-150 nits; factory settings are often at 100%, which can be 30-50% more power.
- Use the monitor's eco or power-saving picture mode.
Rates updated 2026-10-21: EIA data through July 2026. Typical wattage and usage reviewed against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer specs. Methodology.