Cost to run a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (4GB)
A Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (4GB) (Single-board computer) draws roughly 3 W at idle and up to 7 W under load. Run 24/7 at a typical ~4 W and the US average of $0.17/kWh, it uses about 35 kWh a year and costs roughly $5.96/year ($0.50/month). In higher-priced regions such as Germany (€0.40/kWh) the same device costs about €14.02/year. Adjust the calculator for your own draw and electricity price.
Source: HomelabWatts wattage database. Data as of 2026-06-13.
Popular ARM single-board computer for lightweight self-hosting, Pi-hole and small Docker workloads.
Idle vs load running cost
| Scenario | Power | Energy / year | Cost / year (US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idle | 3 W | 26 kWh | $4.47 |
| Typical 24/7 | 4 W | 35 kWh | $5.96 |
| Full load | 7 W | 61 kWh | $10.42 |
Whole-board draw including the board's USB and Ethernet. Add ~2-3 W per powered USB SSD. Figures exclude attached peripherals. Source: HomelabWatts wattage database, data as of 2026-06-13.
Cost by region (typical 24/7 draw)
| Region | Price/kWh | Cost / month | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (avg residential) | $0.17 | $0.50 | $5.96 |
| Germany | €0.40 | €1.17 | €14.02 |
| France | €0.28 | €0.82 | €9.81 |
| United Kingdom | £0.25 | £0.73 | £8.76 |
| Spain | €0.25 | €0.73 | €8.76 |
Prices from electricity price presets (EIA / Eurostat), data as of 2026-06-01. Excludes standing charges and taxes.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (4GB) per year?
At a typical 24/7 draw of about 4 W and the US average of $0.17/kWh, roughly $5.96 per year ($0.50/month). At €0.40/kWh in Germany it is about €14.02. Use the calculator above for your own price.
How many watts does a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (4GB) use?
Approximately 3 W at idle and up to 7 W under load. Whole-board draw including the board's USB and Ethernet. Add ~2-3 W per powered USB SSD. Figures exclude attached peripherals.
Are these figures measured or estimated?
Estimated. They are compiled from manufacturer specifications and community wall-meter measurements; your exact draw depends on configuration, firmware and attached storage. Measure at the wall for a precise figure.
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Last updated: 2026-06-13