How much does it cost to run a hot tub?
A hot tub costs about $1.48 a day, $44.97 a month and $540 a year at typical use (3,000 kWh a year) and the U.S. average rate of 17.99¢/kWh. A typical 240 V hot tub has a 4 kW heater plus pumps; with a good cover it averages about 2,000-4,000 kWh a year depending on climate and use.
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Cost to run a hot tub in every state
The same hot tub costs $370 a year in North Dakota and $1,305 in Hawaii, at each state's average residential rate (12 months ending July 2026).
| State | Rate | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 12.32¢ | $30.80 | $370 |
| Idaho | 12.65¢ | $31.62 | $379 |
| Nebraska | 12.86¢ | $32.15 | $386 |
| Louisiana | 12.99¢ | $32.48 | $390 |
| Utah | 13.32¢ | $33.30 | $400 |
| Nevada | 13.36¢ | $33.40 | $401 |
| Arkansas | 13.43¢ | $33.57 | $403 |
| Tennessee | 13.56¢ | $33.90 | $407 |
| Oklahoma | 13.70¢ | $34.25 | $411 |
| Montana | 13.84¢ | $34.60 | $415 |
| Kentucky | 13.92¢ | $34.80 | $418 |
| Missouri | 13.95¢ | $34.87 | $418 |
| Wyoming | 14.01¢ | $35.02 | $420 |
| Washington | 14.12¢ | $35.30 | $424 |
| Iowa | 14.13¢ | $35.32 | $424 |
| South Dakota | 14.20¢ | $35.50 | $426 |
| Mississippi | 14.77¢ | $36.92 | $443 |
| North Carolina | 14.77¢ | $36.92 | $443 |
| Kansas | 15.09¢ | $37.72 | $453 |
| Georgia | 15.12¢ | $37.80 | $454 |
| New Mexico | 15.32¢ | $38.30 | $460 |
| Florida | 15.39¢ | $38.48 | $462 |
| Arizona | 15.40¢ | $38.50 | $462 |
| West Virginia | 15.48¢ | $38.70 | $464 |
| Oregon | 15.50¢ | $38.75 | $465 |
| South Carolina | 15.64¢ | $39.10 | $469 |
| Texas | 15.96¢ | $39.90 | $479 |
| Minnesota | 16.22¢ | $40.55 | $487 |
| Alabama | 16.44¢ | $41.10 | $493 |
| Virginia | 16.48¢ | $41.20 | $494 |
| Colorado | 16.58¢ | $41.45 | $497 |
| Indiana | 16.94¢ | $42.35 | $508 |
| Delaware | 17.79¢ | $44.47 | $534 |
| Ohio | 18.25¢ | $45.62 | $547 |
| Wisconsin | 18.74¢ | $46.85 | $562 |
| Illinois | 18.79¢ | $46.97 | $564 |
| Pennsylvania | 20.70¢ | $51.75 | $621 |
| Maryland | 21.03¢ | $52.57 | $631 |
| Michigan | 21.05¢ | $52.63 | $632 |
| New Jersey | 23.78¢ | $59.45 | $713 |
| Vermont | 23.80¢ | $59.50 | $714 |
| District of Columbia | 24.20¢ | $60.50 | $726 |
| New Hampshire | 26.67¢ | $66.67 | $800 |
| Alaska | 26.85¢ | $67.13 | $805 |
| Connecticut | 27.99¢ | $69.97 | $840 |
| New York | 28.39¢ | $70.97 | $852 |
| Rhode Island | 29.27¢ | $73.17 | $878 |
| Maine | 29.31¢ | $73.27 | $879 |
| Massachusetts | 30.43¢ | $76.07 | $913 |
| California | 32.99¢ | $82.47 | $990 |
| Hawaii | 43.51¢ | $109 | $1,305 |
How to cut the cost
- Replace a waterlogged or damaged cover; a good cover can cut heating energy 30-50%.
- Lower set temperature to 98-100°F when not using it for a few days, and use vacation mode when away.
- Set filtration cycles to off-peak hours on a time-of-use plan.
- Add a floating thermal blanket under the cover.
- Keep water level and filters clean so the heater and pump run less.
Cheaper ways to get the job done
Reduces evaporation and heat loss under the cover.
See options on AmazonA tight, dry cover is the biggest single savings for a hot tub.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot tub | 4,000 | 3,000 kWh a year | $44.97 | $540 |
| Inflatable hot tub | 2,000 | 24 hours a day for 6 months a year | $91.99 | $552 |
| Pool pump (single-speed) | 1,700 | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year | $74.47 | $372 |
| Sauna | 6,000 | 1.5 hours a day, 3 days a week | $14.78 | $177 |
| Pool heat pump | 5,500 | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year | $145 | $723 |
| Variable-speed pool pump | 350 | 12 hours a day for 5 months a year | $23.00 | $115 |
| Robotic pool cleaner | 180 | 2.5 hours a day, 3 days a week for 5 months a year | $1.06 | $5 |
Head-to-head comparisons
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a hot tub per hour?
A hot tub is usually measured per year rather than per hour. It uses about 3,000 kWh a year, which works out to $1.48 a day.
How much does it cost to run a hot tub per month?
At typical use (3,000 kWh a year), a hot tub costs about $44.97 a month and $540 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 hot tub use?
Most hot tubs use 1,500 to 6,000 watts. Starting surge can reach 4,500 W. Check the label on the back or bottom for your model's exact rating.
How many kWh does a hot tub use?
About 8.21 kWh a day and 3,000 kWh a year at typical use (3,000 kWh a year).
Does a hot tub use a lot of electricity?
Yes. At 3,000 kWh a year it's one of the bigger loads in a home, about 29% of the average U.S. home's 10,492 kWh a year.
Is it cheaper to run a hot tub or an inflatable hot tub?
At typical use, a hot tub costs about $540 a year versus $552 for an inflatable hot tub. So the hot tub is cheaper by about $12 a year. Use the comparison table above to compare them at your own settings.
How can I lower the cost of running a hot tub?
- Replace a waterlogged or damaged cover; a good cover can cut heating energy 30-50%.
- Lower set temperature to 98-100°F when not using it for a few days, and use vacation mode when away.
- Set filtration cycles to off-peak hours on a time-of-use plan.
Rates updated 2026-10-21: EIA data through July 2026. Typical wattage and usage reviewed against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer specs. Methodology.