Light Cost Calculator: How Much Does a Light Cost a Year?
Illuminate your annual electricity budget
The average cost of one LED bulb is $1.24 per year.
Standard incandescent bulbs cost $7.45 per year on average.
Find your utility company’s electricity rate on your bill (cents per kWh).
Swap for energy-efficient light bulbs to save the most money.
Whether you want to budget for a new light fixture or understand your current energy use, this calculator will show you how to calculate the annual price of a light fixture. Learn how much a light costs per year, depending on the type of bulb, number of bulbs, and average usage.
How Much a Light Costs Per Year
Refer to the table below to estimate how much your light costs per year, using your light bulb’s wattage and the electricity rate set by your utility company. For each type of bulb, the wattage varies based on the lumens, or brightness of the bulb.
The chart is for a single light bulb and assumes two hours of usage per day, the average daily use in U.S. households. Electricity rates differ significantly across the United States, ranging from 7.18 cents per kilowatts per hour (kWh) to 42.34 cents per kWh. The average cost per kWh is 17 cents.
| Type of Bulb | Light Bulb Wattage | Electricity Rate (Cents Per kWh) | Cost Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED | 5–24 | 7.18–42.34 | $0.26–7.42 |
| CFL | 13–23 | 7.18–42.34 | $0.68–$7.10 |
| Halogen | 8–60 | 7.18–42.34 | $0.42–$30.91 |
| Incandescent (Standard) | 25–100 | 7.18–42.34 | $1.31–$30.90 |
| Fluorescent Tube | 28–96 | 7.18–42.34 | $1.47–$29.67 |
How to Calculate the Annual Price for Light Fixtures
Using your wattage, daily usage, and electricity rate, apply the following formula to determine how much your light costs per year:
Cost of Light for a Year = (Bulb Wattage x Number of Bulbs x Daily Hours x 365 Days / 1,000) x Electricity Rate
Example: $3.72 per year = (10W x 2 bulbs x 3 hours x 365 days / 1,000) x 0.17 per kWh
Factors That Impact the Cost of a Light
There are a few main factors that impact the cost of a light and help you calculate how much your light costs per year.
Wattage
The wattage is the power consumption of the light bulb, such as 14W or 60W. It’s listed on the base of the bulb or the light bulb box. The higher the wattage, the more energy it uses and the more expensive it is. To determine the kilowatts per hour, which is how utility companies charge you, divide the number by 1,000 to convert watts to kilowatts (for kWh).
Electricity Rate
Your utility company’s price per kWh is determined based on regional factors. Look at a recent energy bill to see your current rate, often shown as “cents per kWh.”
Number of Bulbs
If the light fixture has four bulbs, the total wattage and energy use is higher compared to a single bulb.
Daily Hours of Use
The more hours the light is on, the more energy is used.
Who to Hire to Install a Light Fixture
Whether you want recessed lighting or a new fixture with a dimmer, a licensed electrician near you can install a fixture and ensure it’s wired correctly. If you have fixtures high on the wall or ceiling, an electrician can safely change the light bulbs or swap out your fixture. The cost of hiring an electrician ranges from $160 to $540, depending on your project and local labor costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average cost to leave an LED light on for an entire year, 24 hours a day, is $15. The average cost to leave a standard incandescent bulb on for a year is $89.50. Lowering your daily usage reduces the cost, but the biggest saver is switching your light bulbs to a lower wattage, such as with an LED or CFL light bulb.
Leaving lights on raises the electric bill, but not as much as having high-wattage light bulbs. The best way to save on electric costs is to swap your light bulbs to LED or CFL bulbs that use far fewer watts. You can also use smart lights and light switches to control usage via a smartphone or voice-controlled device.
Your heating and cooling systems cost you the most on your electric bill and make up 50% of your bill on average. Your washing machine, dryer, oven, and stove contribute significantly to your electric bill as well. Lights, fans, and smaller electronics add up, but aren’t the biggest energy consumers. You can reduce your power usage by setting optimal temperatures on your thermostat and investing in energy-efficient appliances.
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