What does a microwave cost to run?
In New Zealand, a typical microwave used for its typical minutes per day costs around $2/month at the current national average rate of 40.6c/kWh.
Monthly cost
$2
national average
Annual cost
$30
12 months at current rate
Cost per hour of use
$0.49
nameplate wattage × rate
| Region | Rate | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Queenstown | 40.3c/kWh | $2 |
| Dunedin | 39.6c/kWh | $2 |
| Christchurch | 36.6c/kWh | $2 |
Frequently asked
How much does a microwave cost to run in NZ?
At the national average electricity rate of 40.6c/kWh, a typical microwave costs about $2 per month, or $30 per year. Actual costs vary by region and how heavily you use it.
Which NZ region has the cheapest microwave running cost?
Of the five centres shown on this page, Christchurch is the cheapest at $2/month, and Queenstown is the most expensive at $2/month. The 30% spread reflects regional MBIE retail rates.