Washing machines use both electricity and water, making them one of the more complex appliances to estimate in terms of cost.
Unlike dryers, washers don’t use heating elements as intensively — but hot water cycles can increase energy use significantly.
So how much does it actually cost to run a washing machine?
Let’s break it down clearly.
Quick Answer
The average washing machine uses:
👉 0.3–0.6 kWh per load
👉 15–25 gallons of water per load
Electricity cost at $0.16 per kWh:
0.5 kWh → $0.08
Water cost per load:
$0.05 – $0.15
Total per load:
👉 $0.15 – $0.30
If you run 20 loads per month:
👉 $3 – $6 per month
Average Electricity Cost per kWh by State (2026 U.S. Data)
Average Water Bill in the U.S. (2026 State-by-State Breakdown)
Washing Machine Cost by Type
| Type | Cost per Load | Monthly Cost (20 loads) |
|---|---|---|
| Top-load (older) | $0.25 – $0.35 | $5 – $7 |
| Front-load | $0.15 – $0.25 | $3 – $5 |
| Energy Star | $0.12 – $0.20 | $2.50 – $4 |
Front-load washers use less water and spin faster, reducing dryer time.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Dryer?
What Increases Washing Machine Costs?
- Hot water cycles
- Overloading
- Extra rinse cycles
- Older machines
- Hard water buildup
Heating water accounts for most electricity use.
Gas vs Electric Water Heater: Which Costs Less to Run?
Annual Cost Estimate
If you run 4 loads per week:
4 × 52 = 208 loads per year
At $0.20 per load:
👉 $42 per year
Compared to dryers, washers are relatively inexpensive.
Washer vs Dryer Cost Comparison
| Appliance | Cost per Load | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Washing Machine | $0.15 – $0.30 | $3 – $6 |
| Dryer | $0.30 – $0.70 | $6 – $14 |
Dryers typically cost 2–3 times more per load.
How to Reduce Washing Machine Energy Cost
- Use cold water settings
- Run full loads
- Choose high spin speed
- Clean filters regularly
- Upgrade to Energy Star model
Switching from hot to cold water can reduce load cost by up to 50%.
FAQ
Does a washing machine use a lot of electricity?
No. Most loads cost less than $0.30.
Is cold water washing cheaper?
Yes. Heating water increases energy use significantly.
How much water does a washing machine use?
Modern models use 15–25 gallons per load.
Are front-load washers cheaper to run?
Yes. They use less water and spin more efficiently.
Final Thoughts
Running a washing machine is relatively inexpensive compared to other major appliances.
For most households, total monthly washer costs remain under $6 — especially when using cold water cycles.
Understanding per-load costs helps you better estimate your total household utility usage.
