A typical U.S. household may spend about $4-$12 per month to operate an electric stove and $3-$8 for a gas stove, depending on cooking habits and local utility rates. The gas vs. electric stove monthly cost also depends on range efficiency, fuel prices, and whether the comparison includes fixed utility fees or just the energy used for cooking.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric stove energy | $4/month | $8/month | $12/month | About 300-950 kWh per year at varied 2022 electricity rates |
| Gas stove energy | $3/month | $5/month | $8/month | About 30-75 therms per year, excluding fixed gas charges |
| Electric range purchase | $500 | $900 | $2,000 | Basic coil through premium glass-top models |
| Gas range purchase | $600 | $1,000 | $2,500 | Price varies by burner configuration and features |
Assumptions: 2022 U.S. residential energy prices, a standard household range, and ordinary daily cooking. Regional rates and appliance use can shift these estimates.
Typical monthly energy bills for gas and electric ranges
For a standard range, a practical planning estimate is $4-$12 per month for electric cooking and $3-$8 for gas. The average household often falls near $8 monthly for electric or $5 for gas, but that difference is small compared with the cost of the appliance and installation. These figures cover the energy attributed to cooking, not the entire home utility bill.
In 2022, U.S. residential electricity averaged roughly 15 cents per kWh over the year, with state and utility prices varying widely. Gas prices also varied by region and billing structure. A gas range using 30-75 therms annually at an illustrative $1.00-$1.40 per therm would use about $30-$105 of fuel each year. Electric use of 300-950 kWh at 12-20 cents per kWh would cost about $36-$190 annually.
At ordinary usage, the monthly fuel-cost gap is usually only a few dollars. A household cooking frequently, using several burners and the oven, is more likely to land near the high end. A person who cooks occasionally may pay less than the low-end estimate, although minimum utility charges can still apply.
Assumptions: Range energy only, excluding utility service fees, taxes, and any gas connection charge that would remain even if the range were unused.
What gas line, wiring, and labor add to the stove quote
The purchase price is only part of the initial cost. A replacement that fits an existing connection may require little work, while switching fuel types can involve a new gas line, a dedicated electrical circuit, permits, or changes to the kitchen opening. Ask installers to separate equipment, labor, materials, and code work in the written quote.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes the charge | Scope note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard range delivery | $50-$150 | Distance, stairs, and retailer terms | Old-unit removal may cost extra |
| Basic range installation | $100-$250 | Connection type and access | Assumes compatible existing hookups |
| New 240-volt circuit | $300-$1,000 | Panel capacity and wire route | May cost more if the panel needs work |
| Gas line extension | $250-$800 | Length, material, and access | Permit or pressure test may be additional |
| Permit or inspection | $50-$300 | Local rules and project scope | Check city or county requirements |
Electric ranges generally need a 240-volt outlet and circuit, while gas ranges need a suitable gas shutoff and connection. A gas range may also use a standard electrical outlet for ignition and controls. Changing from one fuel type to another can cost several hundred dollars more than a like-for-like swap, particularly if the electrical panel or gas route needs alteration.
Labor often runs about $75-$150 per hour, but many installers charge a flat rate for a straightforward hookup. Confirm whether the quote includes haul-away, connection parts, testing, and disposal before comparing totals.
How burner use and oven hours change monthly consumption
Cooking frequency is one of the most direct drivers of the bill. A household that uses the oven several times a week and runs multiple burners daily will use more energy than one that reheats food or cooks a few meals at home. The exact difference depends on burner output, cookware fit, preheating time, and how long the oven stays on.
For a rough household estimate, an electric range using 500 kWh per year costs about $6.25 monthly at 15 cents per kWh. At a higher rate of 20 cents, the same usage is about $8.33. A gas range using 45 therms per year costs about $4.50 monthly at $1.20 per therm. These examples exclude fixed fees and use illustrative fuel prices rather than a guaranteed local rate.
Oven use can matter more than a burner’s advertised power rating. A long bake, repeated preheating, or frequent broiling adds runtime. Electric ovens cycle heating elements to maintain temperature; gas ovens cycle a burner. Comparing only burner BTUs or element watts does not determine the annual bill without knowing actual use.
Track one or two months of cooking habits before treating a small estimated difference as a guaranteed saving. Utility bills may not identify stove consumption separately, so an estimate based on annual appliance usage is often more useful than a whole-home bill comparison.
Regional electricity and natural gas rates shift the result
The cheapest fuel depends on local prices, not simply on whether a stove is gas or electric. In 2022, electricity rates were often higher in parts of the Northeast, California, and Hawaii than in many central states. Gas availability and prices also vary, and some locations have high delivery charges or limited residential gas service.
For a quick comparison, divide annual electric use by 12 and multiply by the local price per kWh. For gas, divide annual therm use by 12 and multiply by the local price per therm. Use the variable energy charge when comparing stove consumption, then separately consider any fixed monthly fee that a household would pay only because it keeps gas service.
Regional differences can change the result by 20%-50% or more compared with a national-average estimate. A stove’s contribution to the bill is small, however, so even a large percentage difference may translate to only a few dollars monthly. Gas service retained for a furnace or water heater should not be charged entirely to the range.
Use the rate shown on the household’s actual utility bill, including delivery charges that rise with usage. A quoted supply rate alone may understate the marginal cost of electricity or gas.
Induction, smooth-top, and gas burners have different costs
Basic coil electric ranges commonly cost $500-$900, while smooth-top electric models often cost $700-$1,500. Gas ranges generally start around $600-$1,200 for common models, with premium units reaching $2,500 or more. Induction ranges often cost $1,000-$2,500, and compatible cookware may add to the upfront expense.
Induction transfers energy directly to compatible cookware and can reduce cooking time, but its purchase price is typically higher. It uses electricity, so its operating cost depends on the local kWh rate and cooking volume. A smooth-top resistance range may be less expensive to buy, while a gas range can be attractive where gas is already available and reasonably priced.
A switch to induction or another electric model may require a 240-volt circuit if the kitchen does not already have one. A gas-to-electric change is therefore not a fair price comparison based only on appliance sticker prices. Include electrical work and any gas-line changes in the total project estimate.
Compare installed cost over the expected ownership period, not just the monthly fuel bill. A $500 purchase-price difference can outweigh several years of modest energy savings.
Three household examples show the installed price difference
These examples use ordinary U.S. retail and installation ranges, not promotional prices. They assume a standard 30-inch range and no major kitchen renovation. Local labor, delivery distance, and site conditions can move the totals.
| Scenario | Appliance | Installation and extras | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Like-for-like electric swap | $700-$1,000 | $150-$300 delivery and hookup | $850-$1,300 |
| Like-for-like gas swap | $800-$1,200 | $150-$350 connection and removal | $950-$1,550 |
| Gas to electric conversion | $900-$1,800 | $500-$1,500 circuit, gas work, and permit | $1,400-$3,300 |
A straightforward replacement usually gives the clearest budget: keep the existing fuel type and use compatible connections. A conversion may still make sense for other reasons, but its upfront expense is difficult to recover through a small monthly energy difference alone.
Assumptions: Midrange appliance, standard delivery, accessible connections, and no panel replacement or extensive wall opening.
Repairing a range can cost less than replacing it
Common stove repairs may cost $100-$350 for a service visit and a relatively simple part, while control boards, oven elements, igniters, or labor-intensive repairs can bring the bill to $300-$600 or more. Diagnostic fees often run $75-$150 and may be credited toward the repair. Ask whether the estimate includes parts, labor, and a return visit.
Repair is often worth pricing when the range is in good condition and the fault is limited to one component. Replacement becomes more compelling when several parts are failing, the unit is near the end of its useful life, or the repair approaches half the cost of a comparable new range. A 10-15-year-old appliance is not automatically uneconomical, but parts availability and safety matter.
For a monthly-cost comparison, a repair does not lower fuel use unless it corrects a malfunction such as a door that will not close or a burner that does not regulate properly. Ordinary wear does not justify replacing a working range solely to save a few dollars in energy.
Get a repair estimate before replacing a range with a single repairable fault. If the appliance is unsafe, including a suspected gas leak or damaged electrical connection, stop using it and contact a qualified professional.
Control installation scope to reduce the final stove price
Keeping the same fuel type and selecting a standard-size model can avoid costly utility changes and cabinet modifications. Compare several written quotes for the same appliance and clearly state whether removal, delivery, connection parts, permits, and testing are required. A lower installation price may exclude one or more of these items.
Choose features based on actual use. Convection, Wi-Fi controls, premium finishes, and specialized burner configurations can raise the purchase price without reducing the household’s energy bill enough to repay the difference. Check cookware compatibility before choosing induction, and verify circuit requirements before ordering an electric model.
Scheduling a nonurgent replacement may provide more time to compare appliance and installer prices. Avoid buying a range before confirming its width, depth, door clearance, and connection location. If a technician finds a code issue, request the specific repair and permit requirements rather than accepting an unexplained allowance.
The most reliable savings usually come from avoiding unnecessary conversion work and comparing complete installed quotes. For a like-for-like replacement, request an itemized total and compare the same appliance, service scope, and disposal terms.