Electricity prices for homelab cost estimates
Residential electricity prices vary widely, which is why the same device can cost very different amounts to run. As of 2026-06-01, the US average is about $0.17/kWh, Germany around €0.40/kWh, France about €0.28/kWh, and the UK roughly £0.25/kWh. A 50 W always-on device therefore costs about $74/year in the US but near €175 in Germany. Pick your region below, then drop the rate into the calculator.
Source: U.S. EIA and Eurostat. Data as of 2026-06-01.
| Region | Price / kWh | 50 W device, $/yr* | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (avg residential) | $0.17 | $74.46 | EIA |
| California | $0.32 | $140.16 | EIA |
| Texas | $0.15 | $65.70 | EIA |
| Washington | $0.12 | $52.56 | EIA |
| Germany | €0.40 | €175.20 | Eurostat |
| France | €0.28 | €122.64 | Eurostat |
| Spain | €0.25 | €109.50 | Eurostat |
| Netherlands | €0.30 | €131.40 | Eurostat |
| United Kingdom | £0.25 | £109.50 | Ofgem/Eurostat |
| Canada (avg) | C$0.16 | C$70.08 | Statistics Canada |
| Australia (avg) | A$0.33 | A$144.54 | AER |
Source: U.S. EIA / Eurostat. Data as of 2026-06-01.
* Estimated annual cost of a single 50 W device running 24/7, energy only.
Sources
- U.S. EIA — Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (residential average)
- Eurostat — Electricity prices for household consumers (nrg_pc_204, band DC, incl. taxes)
Prices are rounded reference values for estimation and may differ from your specific tariff. See our methodology for how they are refreshed.
Frequently asked questions
Where do these electricity prices come from?
US figures are residential averages from the EIA Electric Power Monthly (Table 5.6.A); European figures are household consumer prices from Eurostat (nrg_pc_204, including taxes). They are rounded reference values, not your exact tariff — check your bill for the precise rate.
Should I use the price including or excluding tax?
Use the all-in price you actually pay per kWh, including taxes and levies but excluding fixed standing charges. That is what scales with how much your homelab runs.
Why is my bill higher than the per-kWh estimate?
Bills also include fixed standing/connection charges that do not depend on usage. The calculator estimates only the variable energy cost of running a device.
Last updated: 2026-06-13