Refrigerator in Boston — $365/yr to Run (27.8¢/kWh)
Your refrigerator in Boston costs about $30/month at 27.8¢/kWh. See daily, monthly, and yearly costs, plus tips to cut your bill.
Boston, MA Electricity Rate
27.8¢/kWh
Utility: Eversource Energy
+114% vs national avg
National avg: 13.0¢/kWh
Daily Cost
$1.00
3.6 kWh/day
Monthly Cost
$30.42
109 kWh/mo
Annual Cost
$365
1,314 kWh/yr
Lifetime (14yr)
$5,110
energy only
Monthly Cost Breakdown in Boston
| Period | kWh | Boston Cost | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | 3.6 | $1.00 | $0.47 | +$0.53 |
| Weekly | 25.2 | $7.00 | $3.28 | +$3.72 |
| Monthly | 109.5 | $30.42 | $14.23 | +$16.18 |
| Quarterly | 328.5 | $91.26 | $42.70 | +$48.55 |
| Annual | 1314.0 | $365.03 | $170.82 | +$194.21 |
Customize Your Refrigerator Cost
Adjust usage hours and electricity rate to calculate your exact cost in Boston.
Daily
$1.00
Monthly
$30.42
Annual
$365
14-Year
$5,110
Energy Saving Tips for Refrigerator in Boston
- ✓Boston electricity rates are 114% above the national average — energy efficiency matters more here.
- ✓An ENERGY STAR Refrigerator in Boston saves ~$55/year compared to standard models.
- ✓A smart Refrigerator with scheduling optimization can save ~$37/year at Boston rates.
- ✓Set temperature to 37F fridge, 0F freezer
- ✓Clean condenser coils yearly
- ✓Keep it full for efficiency
ENERGY STAR Savings: Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR Refrigerator in Boston saves approximately $55/year at local rates — $767 over the appliance lifetime.
Highest-Cost Appliances in Boston, MA
See which appliances cost the most to run at Boston's 27.8¢/kWh electricity rate.
Level 2 EV Charger (240V)
Transportation · 7,200W
$3,600/yr
$300.02/mo
Electric Furnace
HVAC · 10,000W
$2,500/yr
$208.35/mo
Electric Tankless Water Heater
Water Heating · 18,000W
$1,825/yr
$152.10/mo
EV Charger (Level 2)
Garage · 7,200W
$1,800/yr
$150.01/mo
Boiler (Electric)
HVAC · 6,000W
$1,500/yr
$125.01/mo
Electric Water Heater (Tank)
Water Heating · 4,500W
$1,369/yr
$114.07/mo
Water Heater (Tank Electric)
Water Heating · 4,500W
$1,369/yr
$114.07/mo
Heat Pump
HVAC · 2,400W
$1,067/yr
$88.90/mo
Refrigerator Cost in Other Massachusetts Cities
| City | Rate | Annual Cost | vs Boston |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston (current) | 27.8¢ | $365 | — |
| Worcester | 29.6¢ | $389 | +$24 |
| Springfield | 29.2¢ | $383 | +$18 |
| Cambridge | 26.9¢ | $354 | $-11 |
| Lowell | 30.3¢ | $398 | +$33 |
| Brockton | 21.0¢ | $276 | $-89 |
| Quincy | 21.4¢ | $282 | $-83 |
| New Bedford | 23.4¢ | $308 | $-57 |
| Lynn | 21.5¢ | $283 | $-82 |
Methodology & Energy Data Sources for Boston
How we calculate refrigerator energy costs in Boston, MA: 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.
- Appliance wattage sourced from ENERGY STAR product database, manufacturer spec sheets, and DOE residential appliance test data.
- Local kWh rate for Boston reflects Massachusetts averages from EIA Form 861 (utility sales data). Rates vary by season (typically 10-20% summer premium) and time-of-use in many Massachusetts utilities.
- Usage patterns derived from RECS (Residential Energy Consumption Survey), EIA's official survey of US household energy use.
- Carbon footprint calculated using EPA eGRID emissions factors specific to your regional grid mix in Massachusetts.
Authoritative US energy data sources:
- EIA Electric Power Monthly — official US electricity rate data by state
- EIA Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) — household appliance usage patterns
- ENERGY STAR Product Finder — efficiency ratings for refrigerators
- DOE Energy Saver — Electricity — official tips and appliance comparison
- EPA eGRID — Regional Emissions — carbon intensity by grid region
- EIA State Energy Profiles — Massachusetts — generation mix, prices, and consumption
Disclaimer: Energy costs are estimates based on average appliance usage and Massachusetts 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 Boston
The Massachusetts 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:
Each utility has its own rate plans (flat, TOU, demand):
- • EIA — Find Your Utility (by ZIP)
- • EIA Massachusetts State Profile
- • Time-of-use can save 20-40% if you shift heavy use to off-peak
Inflation Reduction Act provides ongoing credits:
- • ENERGY STAR Federal Tax Credits
- • 30% on solar/battery storage through 2032
- • Up to $2,000 heat pump credit annually
- • DOE — Federal Rebate Programs
State + utility-specific rebates stack with federal:
- • DSIRE — Massachusetts Incentive Database
- • DOE State Energy Program
- • Many utilities offer $50-500 rebates on ENERGY STAR appliances
Replace efficient = save 25-50% kWh:
NABCEP-certified installers for solar/battery: NABCEP Certified Professionals Directory. Required for many state incentives.
Refrigerator Energy Cost FAQ — Boston, MA
Understanding Refrigerator Energy Costs in Boston, MA
In a major metro like Boston, electricity demand is high and rates reflect the cost of maintaining infrastructure for 0.7 million residents. Running a low-draw appliance like the Refrigerator (150W) at Boston's rate of 27.8¢/kWh costs approximately $365 per year — $194 more than the national average of $171.
Electricity in Boston is significantly more expensive than the national average — 114% higher. For a Refrigerator used 24 hours per day, this rate premium adds up to $194 in extra annual costs. Energy-efficient models and usage habits have an outsized impact in high-rate markets like this.
Boston has a high cost of living (index: 141), which means electricity is just one of many above-average expenses. Reducing appliance energy costs — even by small amounts — contributes to meaningful household savings in this market. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR Refrigerator can cut energy use by up to 15%, saving approximately $55 per year at Boston rates.
Boston's moderate climate (avg 44°F) helps keep seasonal energy cost swings manageable for most appliances. A Refrigerator produces approximately 0.36 tons of CO2 annually at typical usage. Boston 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 Boston.
Compare All Energy Costs in Boston
See energy costs for 178+ household appliances at Boston's local electricity rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to run a Refrigerator in Boston, MA?
At Boston's average electricity rate of 27.8¢/kWh, a Refrigerator costs approximately $365 per year to run. That's about $30.42 per month with typical usage of 24 hours per day.
What is the electricity rate in Boston, MA?
The average residential electricity rate in Boston, MA is 27.8¢/kWh, which is 114% above the national average of 13.0¢/kWh. The primary utility provider is Eversource Energy.
How much electricity does a Refrigerator use per year?
A Refrigerator uses approximately 150 watts and consumes about 1,314 kWh per year with typical usage of 24 hours/day for 365 days/year.
Is a Refrigerator expensive to run in Boston?
Compared to the national average cost of $171/year, running a Refrigerator in Boston costs $194 more per year due to higher local electricity rates.
How can I reduce my Refrigerator energy cost in Boston?
To reduce Refrigerator costs in Boston: Set temperature to 37F fridge, 0F freezer. Clean condenser coils yearly. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR model saves up to 15% on energy costs. Also check with Eversource Energy for local energy efficiency rebates and programs.