How Much Does It Cost to Run a Electric Toothbrush Charger?
A typical Electric Toothbrush Charger uses 2W and runs about 24 hours/day. At the national average rate of 16.72¢/kWh, that costs approximately $0.24/month.
Calculate Your Cost
What Affects the Cost of Running a Electric Toothbrush Charger
The Cheapest Appliance to Run in Your Entire Home
An electric toothbrush charger draws 1-2W continuously, using about 0.024-0.048 kWh per day. Annual electricity cost: $1.50-$3.00. Monthly cost: $0.12-$0.25. You literally cannot save meaningful money by unplugging this device. It would take 3-4 years of unplugging the charger to save enough electricity to buy a candy bar.
Electric Toothbrush Charger vs. Alternatives
How the monthly cost of a Electric Toothbrush Charger compares to other options:
| Alternative | Est. Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Toothbrush Charger (this page) | $0.24 | At national average rate, 24hrs/day |
| Manual toothbrush | $0 electricity | No electricity cost. Replace every 3 months ($3-5/brush). |
| Battery-powered toothbrush | ~$0.50-1 in batteries | Battery cost exceeds charger electricity cost. |
Electric Toothbrush Charger Cost by State
What a Electric Toothbrush Charger costs to run at 2W for 24 hours/day in every state:
| State | Rate | Monthly Cost | Yearly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 14.82¢ | $0.21 | $2.56 |
| Alaska | 25.34¢ | $0.36 | $4.38 |
| Arizona | 13.81¢ | $0.2 | $2.39 |
| Arkansas | 12.63¢ | $0.18 | $2.18 |
| California | 31.41¢ | $0.45 | $5.43 |
| Colorado | 15.24¢ | $0.22 | $2.63 |
| Connecticut | 29.35¢ | $0.42 | $5.07 |
| Delaware | 15.24¢ | $0.22 | $2.63 |
| District of Columbia | 15.87¢ | $0.23 | $2.74 |
| Florida | 15.63¢ | $0.23 | $2.7 |
| Georgia | 14.12¢ | $0.2 | $2.44 |
| Hawaii | 43.21¢ | $0.62 | $7.47 |
| Idaho | 10.87¢ | $0.16 | $1.88 |
| Illinois | 16.37¢ | $0.24 | $2.83 |
| Indiana | 15.12¢ | $0.22 | $2.61 |
| Iowa | 14.23¢ | $0.2 | $2.46 |
| Kansas | 14.98¢ | $0.22 | $2.59 |
| Kentucky | 12.87¢ | $0.19 | $2.22 |
| Louisiana | 11.98¢ | $0.17 | $2.07 |
| Maine | 22.87¢ | $0.33 | $3.95 |
| Maryland | 16.12¢ | $0.23 | $2.79 |
| Massachusetts | 28.76¢ | $0.41 | $4.97 |
| Michigan | 18.76¢ | $0.27 | $3.24 |
| Minnesota | 15.34¢ | $0.22 | $2.65 |
| Mississippi | 13.76¢ | $0.2 | $2.38 |
| Missouri | 13.12¢ | $0.19 | $2.27 |
| Montana | 12.45¢ | $0.18 | $2.15 |
| Nebraska | 11.98¢ | $0.17 | $2.07 |
| Nevada | 15.03¢ | $0.22 | $2.6 |
| New Hampshire | 25.34¢ | $0.36 | $4.38 |
| New Jersey | 18.76¢ | $0.27 | $3.24 |
| New Mexico | 14.87¢ | $0.21 | $2.57 |
| New York | 22.87¢ | $0.33 | $3.95 |
| North Carolina | 13.98¢ | $0.2 | $2.42 |
| North Dakota | 11.87¢ | $0.17 | $2.05 |
| Ohio | 15.34¢ | $0.22 | $2.65 |
| Oklahoma | 11.98¢ | $0.17 | $2.07 |
| Oregon | 13.12¢ | $0.19 | $2.27 |
| Pennsylvania | 16.87¢ | $0.24 | $2.92 |
| Rhode Island | 27.12¢ | $0.39 | $4.69 |
| South Carolina | 14.98¢ | $0.22 | $2.59 |
| South Dakota | 13.76¢ | $0.2 | $2.38 |
| Tennessee | 12.87¢ | $0.19 | $2.22 |
| Texas | 14.98¢ | $0.22 | $2.59 |
| Utah | 10.87¢ | $0.16 | $1.88 |
| Vermont | 21.34¢ | $0.31 | $3.69 |
| Virginia | 15.34¢ | $0.22 | $2.65 |
| Washington | 10.76¢ | $0.15 | $1.86 |
| West Virginia | 13.12¢ | $0.19 | $2.27 |
| Wisconsin | 16.98¢ | $0.24 | $2.93 |
| Wyoming | 11.23¢ | $0.16 | $1.94 |
Energy-Saving Tips for Your Electric Toothbrush Charger
- The charging base draws almost no power, even when left plugged in
- Costs less than $1 per year to keep plugged in
- Only charge when the battery is low; most modern brushes hold charge for weeks
- Not worth unplugging to save energy; the draw is negligible
Frequently Asked Questions
The charger draws 1-2W continuously, costing about $0.15-$0.25/month or $1.50-$3.00/year. This is so small it is unmeasurable on your electricity bill. It is not worth unplugging between uses. Focus your energy-saving efforts on high-draw appliances like heating, cooling, and water heating instead.
From an electricity perspective, it does not matter. The charger draws the same 1-2W whether the brush is actively charging or fully charged. From a battery longevity perspective, most modern toothbrushes use lithium-ion batteries that can stay on the charger without degradation. Charge however is most convenient for you.
Related Appliances
Hair Dryer
1800W typical
Curling Iron
80W typical
Electric Shaver
15W typical
Heated Towel Rack
100W typical
Electricity cost estimates are based on typical wattage and average residential rates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Your actual costs may vary based on your appliance's specific wattage, usage patterns, and your utility's rate structure. See our full disclaimer.