How Much Does It Cost to Run a Steam Iron?
A typical Steam Iron uses 1200W and runs about 0.25 hours/day. At the national average rate of 16.72¢/kWh, that costs approximately $1.5/month.
Calculate Your Cost
What Affects the Cost of Running a Steam Iron
Ironing Sessions Are Short Enough to Keep Costs Low
A steam iron draws 1,200-1,800W but typical ironing sessions last 10-20 minutes. A 15-minute session at 1,200W uses 0.3 kWh, costing about 5 cents. Ironing a week's worth of shirts in one session costs 5-10 cents. Monthly cost for weekly ironing is $0.20-$0.40. Electricity is not a significant factor in your ironing costs.
Steam Iron vs. Alternatives
How the monthly cost of a Steam Iron compares to other options:
| Alternative | Est. Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Iron (this page) | $1.5 | At national average rate, 0.25hrs/day |
| Garment steamer | ~$0.25-0.50 | Similar wattage but often used for fewer items. Good for touch-ups and delicates. |
| Dryer wrinkle-release cycle | ~$0.15-0.30 | Uses dryer heat and tumbling. Works for light wrinkles but not creased dress shirts. |
| Wrinkle-release spray + hanging | $0 electricity | No electricity cost. Spray costs $3-5/bottle. Works for casual clothing. |
Steam Iron Cost by State
What a Steam Iron costs to run at 1200W for 0.25 hours/day in every state:
| State | Rate | Monthly Cost | Yearly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 14.82¢ | $1.33 | $16.01 |
| Alaska | 25.34¢ | $2.28 | $27.37 |
| Arizona | 13.81¢ | $1.24 | $14.91 |
| Arkansas | 12.63¢ | $1.14 | $13.64 |
| California | 31.41¢ | $2.83 | $33.92 |
| Colorado | 15.24¢ | $1.37 | $16.46 |
| Connecticut | 29.35¢ | $2.64 | $31.7 |
| Delaware | 15.24¢ | $1.37 | $16.46 |
| District of Columbia | 15.87¢ | $1.43 | $17.14 |
| Florida | 15.63¢ | $1.41 | $16.88 |
| Georgia | 14.12¢ | $1.27 | $15.25 |
| Hawaii | 43.21¢ | $3.89 | $46.67 |
| Idaho | 10.87¢ | $0.98 | $11.74 |
| Illinois | 16.37¢ | $1.47 | $17.68 |
| Indiana | 15.12¢ | $1.36 | $16.33 |
| Iowa | 14.23¢ | $1.28 | $15.37 |
| Kansas | 14.98¢ | $1.35 | $16.18 |
| Kentucky | 12.87¢ | $1.16 | $13.9 |
| Louisiana | 11.98¢ | $1.08 | $12.94 |
| Maine | 22.87¢ | $2.06 | $24.7 |
| Maryland | 16.12¢ | $1.45 | $17.41 |
| Massachusetts | 28.76¢ | $2.59 | $31.06 |
| Michigan | 18.76¢ | $1.69 | $20.26 |
| Minnesota | 15.34¢ | $1.38 | $16.57 |
| Mississippi | 13.76¢ | $1.24 | $14.86 |
| Missouri | 13.12¢ | $1.18 | $14.17 |
| Montana | 12.45¢ | $1.12 | $13.45 |
| Nebraska | 11.98¢ | $1.08 | $12.94 |
| Nevada | 15.03¢ | $1.35 | $16.23 |
| New Hampshire | 25.34¢ | $2.28 | $27.37 |
| New Jersey | 18.76¢ | $1.69 | $20.26 |
| New Mexico | 14.87¢ | $1.34 | $16.06 |
| New York | 22.87¢ | $2.06 | $24.7 |
| North Carolina | 13.98¢ | $1.26 | $15.1 |
| North Dakota | 11.87¢ | $1.07 | $12.82 |
| Ohio | 15.34¢ | $1.38 | $16.57 |
| Oklahoma | 11.98¢ | $1.08 | $12.94 |
| Oregon | 13.12¢ | $1.18 | $14.17 |
| Pennsylvania | 16.87¢ | $1.52 | $18.22 |
| Rhode Island | 27.12¢ | $2.44 | $29.29 |
| South Carolina | 14.98¢ | $1.35 | $16.18 |
| South Dakota | 13.76¢ | $1.24 | $14.86 |
| Tennessee | 12.87¢ | $1.16 | $13.9 |
| Texas | 14.98¢ | $1.35 | $16.18 |
| Utah | 10.87¢ | $0.98 | $11.74 |
| Vermont | 21.34¢ | $1.92 | $23.05 |
| Virginia | 15.34¢ | $1.38 | $16.57 |
| Washington | 10.76¢ | $0.97 | $11.62 |
| West Virginia | 13.12¢ | $1.18 | $14.17 |
| Wisconsin | 16.98¢ | $1.53 | $18.34 |
| Wyoming | 11.23¢ | $1.01 | $12.13 |
Energy-Saving Tips for Your Steam Iron
- Iron in batches to take advantage of the preheat energy
- Start with fabrics that need the lowest temperature and work up
- Use distilled water to prevent mineral buildup and maintain steam efficiency
- A garment steamer may use less energy for light touch-ups
Frequently Asked Questions
A 15-minute ironing session costs about $0.04-$0.06 at the national average rate. Weekly ironing costs $0.20-$0.25/month. Even daily ironing stays under $2/month. The iron's wattage is high but usage time is so short that the total electricity cost is minimal.
They draw similar wattage (1,200-1,800W). The cost difference depends on how long each session takes. A steamer typically handles a garment in 1-2 minutes, while an iron takes 3-5 minutes per garment but produces crisper results. For the same number of garments, the steamer is slightly cheaper because it finishes faster. The difference is measured in pennies.
Related Appliances
Clothes Washer
500W typical
Clothes Dryer
5000W typical
Vacuum Cleaner
1400W typical
Robot Vacuum
70W typical
Sewing Machine
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.