Dishwasher in Chicago — $90/yr to Run (16.6¢/kWh)

Your dishwasher in Chicago costs about $7/month at 16.6¢/kWh. See daily, monthly, and yearly costs, plus tips to cut your bill.

Chicago, IL Electricity Rate

16.6¢/kWh

Utility: ComEd (Commonwealth Edison)

+28% vs national avg

National avg: 13.0¢/kWh

Daily Cost

$0.30

1.8 kWh/day

Monthly Cost

$7.49

45 kWh/mo

Annual Cost

$90

540 kWh/yr

Lifetime (12yr)

$1,078

energy only

Monthly Cost Breakdown in Chicago

PeriodkWhChicago CostNational AvgDifference
Daily1.8$0.30$0.23+$0.07
Weekly12.6$2.10$1.64+$0.46
Monthly45.0$7.49$5.85+$1.64
Quarterly135.0$22.46$17.55+$4.91
Annual540.0$89.86$70.20+$19.66

Customize Your Dishwasher Cost

Adjust usage hours and electricity rate to calculate your exact cost in Chicago.

0.5h12h24h
25¢50¢

Daily

$0.30

Monthly

$7.49

Annual

$90

12-Year

$1,078

Energy Saving Tips for Dishwasher in Chicago

  • Chicago electricity rates are 28% above the national average — energy efficiency matters more here.
  • An ENERGY STAR Dishwasher in Chicago saves ~$11/year compared to standard models.
  • A smart Dishwasher with scheduling optimization can save ~$13/year at Chicago rates.
  • Run only full loads
  • Use eco or air-dry cycle
  • Scrape dishes instead of pre-rinsing

ENERGY STAR Savings: Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR Dishwasher in Chicago saves approximately $11/year at local rates — $129 over the appliance lifetime.

Dishwasher Cost in Other Illinois Cities

CityRateAnnual Costvs Chicago
Chicago (current)16.6¢$90
Aurora15.0¢$81$-9
Joliet14.4¢$78$-12
Naperville14.6¢$79$-11
Rockford17.0¢$92+$2
Elgin13.6¢$73$-17
Springfield15.9¢$86$-4
Peoria16.9¢$91+$1
Waukegan14.3¢$77$-13

Methodology & Energy Data Sources for Chicago

How we calculate dishwasher energy costs in Chicago, IL: Cost estimates use the standard formula: Annual Cost = (Wattage ÷ 1000) × Hours per Day × Days per Year × Local kWh Rate. We model regional electricity rate variation using EIA monthly data, which captures rate differences between investor-owned utilities, municipal providers, and rural electric cooperatives.

  1. Appliance wattage sourced from ENERGY STAR product database, manufacturer spec sheets, and DOE residential appliance test data.
  2. Local kWh rate for Chicago reflects Illinois averages from EIA Form 861 (utility sales data). Rates vary by season (typically 10-20% summer premium) and time-of-use in many Illinois utilities.
  3. Usage patterns derived from RECS (Residential Energy Consumption Survey), EIA's official survey of US household energy use.
  4. Carbon footprint calculated using EPA eGRID emissions factors specific to your regional grid mix in Illinois.

Authoritative US energy data sources:

Disclaimer: Energy costs are estimates based on average appliance usage and Illinois state-level kWh rates. Your actual costs depend on your specific utility provider, rate plan (flat, time-of-use, demand), local fees, taxes, and renewable energy credits. Check your utility bill for exact rates. For energy efficiency upgrades, consult your local utility's rebate programs and federal tax credits via ENERGY STAR Federal Tax Credits.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · EIA data current as of latest monthly release

Find Your Utility, Rate Plan & Incentives in Chicago

The Illinois state-average kWh rate shown above is a baseline — your actual cost depends on your specific utility provider, rate plan, and time-of-use schedule. Plus you may be missing rebates that pay for ENERGY STAR replacements:

⚡ Look up Your Utility

Each utility has its own rate plans (flat, TOU, demand):

💰 Federal Tax Credits

Inflation Reduction Act provides ongoing credits:

🏛️ Illinois Incentives

State + utility-specific rebates stack with federal:

⚙️ Compare ENERGY STAR Models

Replace efficient = save 25-50% kWh:

NABCEP-certified installers for solar/battery: NABCEP Certified Professionals Directory. Required for many state incentives.

Dishwasher Energy Cost FAQ — Chicago, IL

Understanding Dishwasher Energy Costs in Chicago, IL

In a major metro like Chicago, electricity demand is high and rates reflect the cost of maintaining infrastructure for 2.7 million residents. Running a high-draw appliance like the Dishwasher (1,800W) at Chicago's rate of 16.6¢/kWh costs approximately $90 per year — $20 more than the national average of $70.

Electricity in Chicago is significantly more expensive than the national average — 28% higher. For a Dishwasher used 1 hours per day, this rate premium adds up to $20 in extra annual costs. Energy-efficient models and usage habits have an outsized impact in high-rate markets like this.

Chicago's cost of living index of 87 is below the national average, and electricity costs reflect that affordability. The Dishwasher adds $7.49/month to a typical bill of $141. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR Dishwasher can cut energy use by up to 12%, saving approximately $11 per year at Chicago rates.

Chicago's moderate climate (avg 45°F) helps keep seasonal energy cost swings manageable for most appliances. A Dishwasher produces approximately 0.19 tons of CO2 annually at typical usage. Chicago residents can reduce this footprint by choosing an ENERGY STAR certified unit, optimizing usage patterns, or investing in solar — see our solar savings calculator for Chicago.

Compare All Energy Costs in Chicago

See energy costs for 178+ household appliances at Chicago's local electricity rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to run a Dishwasher in Chicago, IL?

At Chicago's average electricity rate of 16.6¢/kWh, a Dishwasher costs approximately $90 per year to run. That's about $7.49 per month with typical usage of 1 hours per day.

What is the electricity rate in Chicago, IL?

The average residential electricity rate in Chicago, IL is 16.6¢/kWh, which is 28% above the national average of 13.0¢/kWh. The primary utility provider is ComEd (Commonwealth Edison).

How much electricity does a Dishwasher use per year?

A Dishwasher uses approximately 1,800 watts and consumes about 540 kWh per year with typical usage of 1 hours/day for 300 days/year.

Is a Dishwasher expensive to run in Chicago?

Compared to the national average cost of $70/year, running a Dishwasher in Chicago costs $20 more per year due to higher local electricity rates.

How can I reduce my Dishwasher energy cost in Chicago?

To reduce Dishwasher costs in Chicago: Run only full loads. Use eco or air-dry cycle. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR model saves up to 12% on energy costs. Also check with ComEd (Commonwealth Edison) for local energy efficiency rebates and programs.

Related Calculators