HomeCost Radar
State electricity cost

How much does electricity cost in Iowa?

The average residential electricity rate in Iowa is 14.20¢ per kilowatt-hour (2026-07-ytd), the 13th-cheapest state average in the U.S. That is 25% below the unweighted average of the 51 state averages (18.88¢/kWh).

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.B (2026-09-24). This aggregate rate does not reproduce your utility's fixed charges, tax treatment, tiers or time-of-use schedule.

Example monthly bills at the Iowa average rate

Engine-generated energy-portion estimates for three usage levels. Enter your own kWh in the bill estimator for a personalized range.

Monthly usageEstimated rangeMost likely
500 kWh$58.79–$87.47$71.00
1,000 kWh$117.58–$174.94$142.00
1,500 kWh$176.36–$262.42$213.00

What appliances cost to run in Iowa

Each row prices that appliance's reference scenario at the Iowa state-average rate through the appliance-energy engine. Open a guide to adjust watts, hours, and usage.

ApplianceReference scenariokWh/monthEstimated/month
Central air conditioner8 hours a day with moderate cycling504.00$71.57
Space heater6 hours a day on 20 days in a month144.00$20.45
Electric water heaterElements active about 3 hours a day405.00$57.51
Refrigerator150 watts with a 35% compressor duty cycle37.80$5.37
EV home charging (Level 2)About 2.5 charging hours a day (~50 miles)468.00$66.46
Pool pump8 hours a day at full draw264.00$37.49
Electric dryer45-minute cycles, twelve times per month22.95$3.26
Television5 hours a day of mixed viewing16.50$2.34

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.B. Data vintage 2026-07-ytd.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average electricity rate in Iowa?
The published state-average residential rate for Iowa is 14.20 cents per kilowatt-hour (2026-07-ytd, EIA). Your utility's tariff can differ meaningfully once fixed charges, taxes, and rate tiers are applied.
Is electricity in Iowa cheap or expensive compared with other states?
Iowa has the 13th-cheapest state-average rate of the 51 averages we track, sitting 25% below the unweighted average of the 51 state averages (18.88¢/kWh).
Why is my actual Iowa bill different from these estimates?
These examples apply one state-average rate to assumed usage. Real bills add fixed monthly charges, taxes and fees, tiered or time-of-use pricing, and your household’s actual kilowatt-hours, which vary with weather and behavior.

Keep comparing

  • Missouri — next-cheapest state average (13.96¢/kWh)
  • Kentucky — next state average up (14.27¢/kWh)

All states, ranked · Appliance cost guides · Bill methodology · Data sources