How much does it cost to run an iMac / all-in-one computer?
An iMac / all-in-one computer costs about 1.1¢ per hour, 6.8¢ a day, $2.07 a month and $25 a year at typical use (6 hours a day) and the U.S. average rate of 17.99¢/kWh. All-in-ones combine computer and display; Apple-silicon iMacs draw about 30-60 W in normal use, older 27-inch Intel iMacs 100-180 W.
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Cost by setting
| Setting | Watts | Per hour | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iMac 24 in. (Apple silicon) | 45 | 0.8¢ | 5.2¢ | $1.58 | $19 |
| Windows all-in-one | 60 | 1.1¢ | 6.8¢ | $2.07 | $25 |
| Older Intel iMac 27 in. | 130 | 2.3¢ | 14¢ | $4.37 | $52 |
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 | 0.08 | 1.5¢ | $0.45 | $5 |
| 2 hours | 0.14 | 2.6¢ | $0.78 | $9 |
| 4 hours | 0.26 | 4.7¢ | $1.42 | $17 |
| 8 hours | 0.50 | 8.9¢ | $2.72 | $33 |
| 12 hours | 0.73 | 13¢ | $4.01 | $48 |
| 24 hours | 1.44 | 26¢ | $7.89 | $95 |
Cost to run an iMac / all-in-one computer in every state
The same iMac / all-in-one computer costs $17 a year in North Dakota and $60 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¢ | 0.7¢ | $1.42 | $17 |
| Idaho | 12.65¢ | 0.8¢ | $1.46 | $17 |
| Nebraska | 12.86¢ | 0.8¢ | $1.48 | $18 |
| Louisiana | 12.99¢ | 0.8¢ | $1.49 | $18 |
| Utah | 13.32¢ | 0.8¢ | $1.53 | $18 |
| Nevada | 13.36¢ | 0.8¢ | $1.54 | $18 |
| Arkansas | 13.43¢ | 0.8¢ | $1.55 | $19 |
| Tennessee | 13.56¢ | 0.8¢ | $1.56 | $19 |
| Oklahoma | 13.70¢ | 0.8¢ | $1.58 | $19 |
| Montana | 13.84¢ | 0.8¢ | $1.59 | $19 |
| Kentucky | 13.92¢ | 0.8¢ | $1.60 | $19 |
| Missouri | 13.95¢ | 0.8¢ | $1.60 | $19 |
| Wyoming | 14.01¢ | 0.8¢ | $1.61 | $19 |
| Washington | 14.12¢ | 0.8¢ | $1.62 | $19 |
| Iowa | 14.13¢ | 0.8¢ | $1.63 | $20 |
| South Dakota | 14.20¢ | 0.9¢ | $1.63 | $20 |
| Mississippi | 14.77¢ | 0.9¢ | $1.70 | $20 |
| North Carolina | 14.77¢ | 0.9¢ | $1.70 | $20 |
| Kansas | 15.09¢ | 0.9¢ | $1.74 | $21 |
| Georgia | 15.12¢ | 0.9¢ | $1.74 | $21 |
| New Mexico | 15.32¢ | 0.9¢ | $1.76 | $21 |
| Florida | 15.39¢ | 0.9¢ | $1.77 | $21 |
| Arizona | 15.40¢ | 0.9¢ | $1.77 | $21 |
| West Virginia | 15.48¢ | 0.9¢ | $1.78 | $21 |
| Oregon | 15.50¢ | 0.9¢ | $1.78 | $21 |
| South Carolina | 15.64¢ | 0.9¢ | $1.80 | $22 |
| Texas | 15.96¢ | 1.0¢ | $1.84 | $22 |
| Minnesota | 16.22¢ | 1.0¢ | $1.87 | $22 |
| Alabama | 16.44¢ | 1.0¢ | $1.89 | $23 |
| Virginia | 16.48¢ | 1.0¢ | $1.90 | $23 |
| Colorado | 16.58¢ | 1.0¢ | $1.91 | $23 |
| Indiana | 16.94¢ | 1.0¢ | $1.95 | $23 |
| Delaware | 17.79¢ | 1.1¢ | $2.05 | $25 |
| Ohio | 18.25¢ | 1.1¢ | $2.10 | $25 |
| Wisconsin | 18.74¢ | 1.1¢ | $2.16 | $26 |
| Illinois | 18.79¢ | 1.1¢ | $2.16 | $26 |
| Pennsylvania | 20.70¢ | 1.2¢ | $2.38 | $29 |
| Maryland | 21.03¢ | 1.3¢ | $2.42 | $29 |
| Michigan | 21.05¢ | 1.3¢ | $2.42 | $29 |
| New Jersey | 23.78¢ | 1.4¢ | $2.74 | $33 |
| Vermont | 23.80¢ | 1.4¢ | $2.74 | $33 |
| District of Columbia | 24.20¢ | 1.5¢ | $2.78 | $33 |
| New Hampshire | 26.67¢ | 1.6¢ | $3.07 | $37 |
| Alaska | 26.85¢ | 1.6¢ | $3.09 | $37 |
| Connecticut | 27.99¢ | 1.7¢ | $3.22 | $39 |
| New York | 28.39¢ | 1.7¢ | $3.27 | $39 |
| Rhode Island | 29.27¢ | 1.8¢ | $3.37 | $40 |
| Maine | 29.31¢ | 1.8¢ | $3.37 | $40 |
| Massachusetts | 30.43¢ | 1.8¢ | $3.50 | $42 |
| California | 32.99¢ | 2.0¢ | $3.80 | $46 |
| Hawaii | 43.51¢ | 2.6¢ | $5.01 | $60 |
Most efficient iMac / all-in-one computer models
The lowest-energy ENERGY STAR certified models, out of 1,729 certified models. In this class, the best model costs $0 a year to run. The least efficient costs $42. Same size, $42 a year apart.
| Brand | Model | kWh/yr | Cost/yr | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acer | CBV514-1H | 2 | $0 | Amazon |
| MAXHUB | XPG14M | 3 | $0 | Amazon |
| HP | FCW-2402A | 3 | $1 | Amazon |
| Amazon | RL3YT5 | 3 | $1 | Amazon |
| Lenovo | TB351FU | 3 | $1 | Amazon |
| Lenovo | TB305FU | 3 | $1 | Amazon |
| Samsung | SM-X110 | 4 | $1 | Amazon |
| Ceibal | H9190L | 4 | $1 | Amazon |
| MAXHUB | XPT34M | 4 | $1 | Amazon |
| Lenovo | TB310FU | 4 | $1 | Amazon |
Yearly cost from the official annual energy use 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 display sleep after 5-10 minutes and computer sleep after 20 minutes.
- Lower brightness to 50-70%; the built-in screen is about half the power.
- Shut down overnight rather than leaving it awake.
- Use auto-brightness (True Tone/ambient sensor) settings.
Cheaper ways to get the job done
Uses 5-15 W for similar work if you already own an efficient monitor.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iMac / all-in-one computer | 60 | 6 hours a day | $2.07 | $25 |
| Mac mini | 12 | 8 hours a day | $0.61 | $7 |
| Desktop computer | 90 | 6 hours a day | $3.15 | $38 |
| MacBook | 25 | 6 hours a day | $0.85 | $10 |
| Computer monitor | 25 | 6 hours a day | $0.85 | $10 |
| Home server | 80 | 24 hours a day | $10.51 | $126 |
| Laptop | 40 | 6 hours a day | $1.36 | $16 |
Head-to-head comparisons
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run an iMac / all-in-one computer per hour?
An iMac / all-in-one computer drawing 60 watts uses 0.06 kWh per hour. At the U.S. average of 17.99¢/kWh that's 1.1¢ per hour. In North Dakota (12.32¢) it's 0.7¢. In Hawaii (43.51¢) it's 2.6¢.
How much does it cost to run an iMac / all-in-one computer per month?
At typical use (6 hours a day), an iMac / all-in-one computer costs about $2.07 a month and $25 a year, at the U.S. average rate. Enter your ZIP in the calculator above for your utility's rate.
How many watts does an iMac / all-in-one computer use?
Most iMac / all-in-one computers use 30 to 180 watts, depending on the setting (imac 24 in. (apple silicon) 45 W, windows all-in-one 60 W, older intel imac 27 in. 130 W). Plugged in but off, it still draws about 1 W of standby power. Check the label on the back or bottom for your model's exact rating.
How many kWh does an iMac / all-in-one computer use?
About 0.38 kWh a day and 138 kWh a year at typical use (6 hours a day).
Does an iMac / all-in-one computer use a lot of electricity?
No. At about 138 kWh a year it's a small share (1.3%) of the average U.S. home's 10,492 kWh.
Is it cheaper to run an iMac / all-in-one computer or a Mac mini?
At typical use, an iMac / all-in-one computer costs about $25 a year versus $7 for a Mac mini. So the Mac mini is cheaper by about $17 a year. Use the comparison table above to compare them at your own settings.
How can I lower the cost of running an iMac / all-in-one computer?
- Set display sleep after 5-10 minutes and computer sleep after 20 minutes.
- Lower brightness to 50-70%; the built-in screen is about half the power.
- Shut down overnight rather than leaving it awake.
Rates updated 2026-10-21: EIA data through July 2026. Typical wattage and usage reviewed against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer specs. Methodology.