How much does it cost to run a portable washing machine?
A portable washing machine costs about 1.9¢ a day, $0.59 a month and $7 a year at typical use (5 loads a week) and the U.S. average rate of 17.99¢/kWh. Portable and twin-tub washers draw 100-500 W and fill from a faucet; energy per load is low unless filled with hot water from an electric water heater.
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Cost to run a portable washing machine in every state
The same portable washing machine costs $5 a year in North Dakota and $17 in Hawaii, at each state's average residential rate (12 months ending July 2026).
| State | Rate | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 12.32¢ | $0.40 | $5 |
| Idaho | 12.65¢ | $0.41 | $5 |
| Nebraska | 12.86¢ | $0.42 | $5 |
| Louisiana | 12.99¢ | $0.42 | $5 |
| Utah | 13.32¢ | $0.43 | $5 |
| Nevada | 13.36¢ | $0.44 | $5 |
| Arkansas | 13.43¢ | $0.44 | $5 |
| Tennessee | 13.56¢ | $0.44 | $5 |
| Oklahoma | 13.70¢ | $0.45 | $5 |
| Montana | 13.84¢ | $0.45 | $5 |
| Kentucky | 13.92¢ | $0.45 | $5 |
| Missouri | 13.95¢ | $0.45 | $5 |
| Wyoming | 14.01¢ | $0.46 | $5 |
| Washington | 14.12¢ | $0.46 | $6 |
| Iowa | 14.13¢ | $0.46 | $6 |
| South Dakota | 14.20¢ | $0.46 | $6 |
| Mississippi | 14.77¢ | $0.48 | $6 |
| North Carolina | 14.77¢ | $0.48 | $6 |
| Kansas | 15.09¢ | $0.49 | $6 |
| Georgia | 15.12¢ | $0.49 | $6 |
| New Mexico | 15.32¢ | $0.50 | $6 |
| Florida | 15.39¢ | $0.50 | $6 |
| Arizona | 15.40¢ | $0.50 | $6 |
| West Virginia | 15.48¢ | $0.50 | $6 |
| Oregon | 15.50¢ | $0.51 | $6 |
| South Carolina | 15.64¢ | $0.51 | $6 |
| Texas | 15.96¢ | $0.52 | $6 |
| Minnesota | 16.22¢ | $0.53 | $6 |
| Alabama | 16.44¢ | $0.54 | $6 |
| Virginia | 16.48¢ | $0.54 | $6 |
| Colorado | 16.58¢ | $0.54 | $6 |
| Indiana | 16.94¢ | $0.55 | $7 |
| Delaware | 17.79¢ | $0.58 | $7 |
| Ohio | 18.25¢ | $0.60 | $7 |
| Wisconsin | 18.74¢ | $0.61 | $7 |
| Illinois | 18.79¢ | $0.61 | $7 |
| Pennsylvania | 20.70¢ | $0.68 | $8 |
| Maryland | 21.03¢ | $0.69 | $8 |
| Michigan | 21.05¢ | $0.69 | $8 |
| New Jersey | 23.78¢ | $0.78 | $9 |
| Vermont | 23.80¢ | $0.78 | $9 |
| District of Columbia | 24.20¢ | $0.79 | $9 |
| New Hampshire | 26.67¢ | $0.87 | $10 |
| Alaska | 26.85¢ | $0.88 | $11 |
| Connecticut | 27.99¢ | $0.91 | $11 |
| New York | 28.39¢ | $0.93 | $11 |
| Rhode Island | 29.27¢ | $0.95 | $11 |
| Maine | 29.31¢ | $0.96 | $11 |
| Massachusetts | 30.43¢ | $0.99 | $12 |
| California | 32.99¢ | $1.08 | $13 |
| Hawaii | 43.51¢ | $1.42 | $17 |
How to cut the cost
- Use cold water from the tap.
- Use the spin tub fully; well-spun clothes air dry in hours.
- Run full loads within the small drum capacity.
Cheaper ways to get the job done
Pairs with a portable washer to avoid using a dryer.
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Compare with similar appliances
| Appliance | Watts | Typical use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portable washing machine | 300 | 5 loads a week | $0.59 | $7 |
| Washing machine | 500 | 6 loads a week | $4.82 | $58 |
| Compact dryer | 1,800 | 5 loads a week | $7.95 | $95 |
| Heated drying rack | 230 | 4 hours a day, 3 days a week | $2.16 | $26 |
| Front-load washer | 300 | 6 loads a week | $2.37 | $28 |
| Heat pump dryer | 800 | 6 loads a week | $5.76 | $69 |
| Clothes iron | 1,200 | 30 minutes a day, 2 days a week | $0.47 | $6 |
Head-to-head comparisons
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a portable washing machine per hour?
A portable washing machine is usually measured per load rather than per hour. Each load uses about 0.15 kWh, or 2.7¢ at 17.99¢/kWh.
How much does it cost to run a portable washing machine per month?
At typical use (5 loads a week), a portable washing machine costs about $0.59 a month and $7 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 portable washing machine use?
Most portable washing machines use 100 to 500 watts. Check the label on the back or bottom for your model's exact rating.
How many kWh does a portable washing machine use?
About 0.11 kWh a day and 39 kWh a year at typical use (5 loads a week).
Does a portable washing machine use a lot of electricity?
No. At about 39 kWh a year it's a small share (0.4%) of the average U.S. home's 10,492 kWh.
Is it cheaper to run a portable washing machine or a washing machine?
At typical use, a portable washing machine costs about $7 a year versus $58 for a washing machine. So the portable washing machine is cheaper by about $51 a year. Use the comparison table above to compare them at your own settings.
How can I lower the cost of running a portable washing machine?
- Use cold water from the tap.
- Use the spin tub fully; well-spun clothes air dry in hours.
- Run full loads within the small drum capacity.
Rates updated 2026-10-21: EIA data through July 2026. Typical wattage and usage reviewed against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer specs. Methodology.