How much does it cost to run a washing machine?
A washing machine costs about 16¢ a day, $4.82 a month and $58 a year at typical use (6 loads a week) and the U.S. average rate of 17.99¢/kWh. A top-load washer's motor uses only about 0.1-0.3 kWh per load; the rest of the roughly 1 kWh per load is the electric water heater warming the wash water. Cold-water loads cost a fraction as much.
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Cost to run a washing machine in every state
The same washing machine costs $40 a year in North Dakota and $140 in Hawaii, at each state's average residential rate (12 months ending July 2026).
| State | Rate | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 12.32¢ | $3.30 | $40 |
| Idaho | 12.65¢ | $3.39 | $41 |
| Nebraska | 12.86¢ | $3.45 | $41 |
| Louisiana | 12.99¢ | $3.48 | $42 |
| Utah | 13.32¢ | $3.57 | $43 |
| Nevada | 13.36¢ | $3.58 | $43 |
| Arkansas | 13.43¢ | $3.60 | $43 |
| Tennessee | 13.56¢ | $3.64 | $44 |
| Oklahoma | 13.70¢ | $3.67 | $44 |
| Montana | 13.84¢ | $3.71 | $45 |
| Kentucky | 13.92¢ | $3.73 | $45 |
| Missouri | 13.95¢ | $3.74 | $45 |
| Wyoming | 14.01¢ | $3.76 | $45 |
| Washington | 14.12¢ | $3.79 | $45 |
| Iowa | 14.13¢ | $3.79 | $45 |
| South Dakota | 14.20¢ | $3.81 | $46 |
| Mississippi | 14.77¢ | $3.96 | $48 |
| North Carolina | 14.77¢ | $3.96 | $48 |
| Kansas | 15.09¢ | $4.05 | $49 |
| Georgia | 15.12¢ | $4.06 | $49 |
| New Mexico | 15.32¢ | $4.11 | $49 |
| Florida | 15.39¢ | $4.13 | $50 |
| Arizona | 15.40¢ | $4.13 | $50 |
| West Virginia | 15.48¢ | $4.15 | $50 |
| Oregon | 15.50¢ | $4.16 | $50 |
| South Carolina | 15.64¢ | $4.19 | $50 |
| Texas | 15.96¢ | $4.28 | $51 |
| Minnesota | 16.22¢ | $4.35 | $52 |
| Alabama | 16.44¢ | $4.41 | $53 |
| Virginia | 16.48¢ | $4.42 | $53 |
| Colorado | 16.58¢ | $4.45 | $53 |
| Indiana | 16.94¢ | $4.54 | $55 |
| Delaware | 17.79¢ | $4.77 | $57 |
| Ohio | 18.25¢ | $4.89 | $59 |
| Wisconsin | 18.74¢ | $5.03 | $60 |
| Illinois | 18.79¢ | $5.04 | $60 |
| Pennsylvania | 20.70¢ | $5.55 | $67 |
| Maryland | 21.03¢ | $5.64 | $68 |
| Michigan | 21.05¢ | $5.65 | $68 |
| New Jersey | 23.78¢ | $6.38 | $77 |
| Vermont | 23.80¢ | $6.38 | $77 |
| District of Columbia | 24.20¢ | $6.49 | $78 |
| New Hampshire | 26.67¢ | $7.15 | $86 |
| Alaska | 26.85¢ | $7.20 | $86 |
| Connecticut | 27.99¢ | $7.51 | $90 |
| New York | 28.39¢ | $7.61 | $91 |
| Rhode Island | 29.27¢ | $7.85 | $94 |
| Maine | 29.31¢ | $7.86 | $94 |
| Massachusetts | 30.43¢ | $8.16 | $98 |
| California | 32.99¢ | $8.85 | $106 |
| Hawaii | 43.51¢ | $11.67 | $140 |
Most efficient washing machine models
The lowest-energy ENERGY STAR certified models in the most common size (3.8–5.2 cu ft), out of 357 certified models. In this class, the best model costs $9 a year to run. The least efficient costs $40. Same size, $31 a year apart.
| Brand | Model | Capacity | kWh/yr | Cost/yr | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrolux | ELFW7337*** +2 variants | 4.4 | 50 | $9 | Amazon |
| Frigidaire | FWFX22D4EW | 4.4 | 50 | $9 | Amazon |
| Electrolux | ELFW7738*** Most Efficient | 4.5 | 74 | $13 | Amazon |
| Hisense | WFU34633B* +5 variants | 4.6 | 75 | $13 | Amazon |
| Maytag | MHW8150E** | 4.5 | 79 | $14 | Amazon |
| LG | WM3420C* Most Efficient | 4.5 | 80 | $14 | Amazon |
| Electrolux | ELFW7437*** +4 variants | 4.5 | 85 | $15 | Amazon |
| Electrolux | ELFW7626*** | 4.4 | 85 | $15 | Amazon |
| Maytag | MHW5630M** | 4.5 | 86 | $15 | Amazon |
| Maytag | MHW3500F** | 4.5 | 87 | $16 | 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
- Wash in cold water; it cuts per-load energy by roughly 75-90% when you have an electric water heater.
- Run full loads; a half load uses nearly as much energy and water as a full one.
- Use the highest spin speed to remove more water, which shortens dryer time by 10-20 minutes.
- Use HE detergent at the recommended dose to avoid extra rinse cycles.
Cheaper ways to get the job done
Uses about 25% less energy and 33% less water and spins more water out before drying.
See options on AmazonCleans well at tap-cold temperatures so no water heating is needed.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washing machine | 500 | 6 loads a week | $4.82 | $58 |
| Front-load washer | 300 | 6 loads a week | $2.37 | $28 |
| Electric clothes dryer | 5,000 | 6 loads a week | $12.33 | $148 |
| Electric water heater | 4,500 | 4,500 kWh a year | $67.46 | $810 |
| Washer dryer combo | 1,800 | 5 loads a week | $12.00 | $144 |
| Heat pump dryer | 800 | 6 loads a week | $5.76 | $69 |
| Portable washing machine | 300 | 5 loads a week | $0.59 | $7 |
Head-to-head comparisons
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a washing machine per hour?
A washing machine is usually measured per load rather than per hour. Each load uses about 1 kWh, or 18¢ at 17.99¢/kWh.
How much does it cost to run a washing machine per month?
At typical use (6 loads a week), a washing machine costs about $4.82 a month and $58 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 washing machine use?
Most washing machines use 300 to 1,000 watts. 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 a washing machine use?
About 0.88 kWh a day and 322 kWh a year at typical use (6 loads a week).
Does a washing machine use a lot of electricity?
It's a moderate load: 322 kWh a year is about 3% of the average U.S. home's yearly use.
Is it cheaper to run a washing machine or a front-load washer?
At typical use, a washing machine costs about $58 a year versus $28 for a front-load washer. So the front-load washer is cheaper by about $29 a year. Use the comparison table above to compare them at your own settings.
How can I lower the cost of running a washing machine?
- Wash in cold water; it cuts per-load energy by roughly 75-90% when you have an electric water heater.
- Run full loads; a half load uses nearly as much energy and water as a full one.
- Use the highest spin speed to remove more water, which shortens dryer time by 10-20 minutes.
Rates updated 2026-10-21: EIA data through July 2026. Typical wattage and usage reviewed against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer specs. Methodology.