How much does it cost to run an LED light bulb?

By Juan Molina · Updated October 3, 2026 · How we calculate

Short answer: An LED light bulb drawing 10 watts costs about 0.2¢ per hour at the U.S. average residential price of 18.31¢ per kWh. Used 5 hours a day, 30 days a month, that is about $0.27 per month and $3.30 per year. In Louisiana, the cheapest state, the same use costs $0.19 a month; in Hawaii, the most expensive, $0.72.

An LED bulb that gives the same light as an old 60-watt incandescent uses about 10 watts. Left on five hours every evening, it costs well under a dollar a month, roughly a sixth of what the bulb it replaced did.

Cost by size and setting

Costs below use the U.S. average price and 5 hours a day, 30 days a month.

Watts are not brightness

Brightness is measured in lumens. A 60-watt incandescent bulb produced about 800 lumens; an LED produces the same 800 lumens with 8 to 10 watts. When buying, compare lumens for brightness and watts for running cost. The "60-watt equivalent" on the box refers to the light, not the power.

What a whole house of lights costs

A home with 30 LED bulbs, each used an average of three hours a day, uses about 27 kWh a month for lighting. The same home with incandescent bulbs would use about 160 kWh. Lighting used to be a large part of an electric bill; with LEDs it is one of the smallest.

How to lower the cost

• Replace any remaining incandescent or halogen bulbs, starting with the ones used most.
• Turn lights off in empty rooms; with LEDs the saving is small, but it is free.
• Use dimmers and motion sensors where lights tend to be left on, such as outdoors, hallways and garages.
• Look for the ENERGY STAR mark, which requires tested brightness and lifetime.

How an LED light bulb compares with other appliances

Typical power and use for each appliance, at the U.S. average price of 18.31¢ per kWh. Follow a link for that appliance's own calculator, or compare two side by side.

The math behind the numbers

10 watts ÷ 1,000 = 0.01 kW. 0.01 kW × 5 hours = 0.05 kWh per day. 0.05 kWh × $0.1831 = $0.01 per day. Over 30 days that is 1.5 kWh and $0.27 a month.

Your own figure will differ if your appliance has a different wattage, if you use it more or less, or if your price per kWh is not the national average. Change any of those in the calculator at the top of this page. Our step-by-step guide explains where to find each number.

Cost to run an LED light bulb in every state

Based on 10 watts for 5 hours a day, 30 days a month, at each state's average residential electricity price for July 2026.

Sources

• ENERGY STAR: Light Bulbs
• U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly (state electricity prices)
• U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Saver: Appliances and Electronics

Electricity prices are the EIA figures for July 2026. Wattages are typical values; check the label on your own appliance.