Updated June 25, 2026
Dishwasher Running Cost Calculator
Estimate dishwasher electricity cost per cycle, month, and year and compare normal and eco programs.
Live calculator
Calculate your actual running cost
Running this dishwasher for 1.5 hours a day, 5 days a week uses about 58.5 kWh each month.
Quick answer
How much does a dishwasher cost to run?
A 1,800 W dishwasher used for 1.5 hours a day, 5 days a week, consumes about 58.5 kWh per month. At $0.30 per kWh, that is approximately $17.55 per month. Replace these example figures with the wattage and electricity rate from your appliance and bill.
What changes the real running cost?
Most dishwasher electricity is used to heat water. The rated wattage is not drawn for every minute of the cycle, so an energy-label kWh-per-cycle figure is often more precise.
To use a kWh-per-cycle label, divide kWh by cycle hours to estimate average watts, or compare the label directly with the calculator's daily kWh.
Example dishwasher costs
These examples use 1,800 W for 1.5 hours a day and 5 days per week.
| Electricity rate | Per hour | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.15 / kWh | $0.27 | $8.78 | $105.30 |
| $0.25 / kWh | $0.45 | $14.63 | $175.50 |
| $0.35 / kWh | $0.63 | $20.47 | $245.70 |
Ways to reduce the cost
Start with changes that reduce active runtime without compromising safety or the job the appliance needs to do.
- Run full loads.
- Use the eco program when time allows.
- Skip heated drying if air drying works for you.
Estimate only. Actual consumption varies by model, setting, condition, temperature, duty cycle, and tariff. Use a plug-in meter or energy-label figure when accuracy matters.