What does a clothes dryer (vented) cost to run?
In New Zealand, a typical clothes dryer (vented) run at the default cycles per week costs around $19/month at the current national average rate of 40.6c/kWh.
| Region | Rate | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Queenstown | 40.3c/kWh | $18 |
| Dunedin | 39.6c/kWh | $18 |
| Christchurch | 36.6c/kWh | $17 |
Could swap for a heat pump dryer
a heat pump dryer uses about 30% of the energy, cutting the monthly bill to roughly $6. Over a year, that's $156 back in your pocket. Heat pump dryers cost $1,500-$2,500 and cut drying energy by ~70%.
Frequently asked
How much does a clothes dryer (vented) cost to run in NZ?
At the national average electricity rate of 40.6c/kWh, a typical clothes dryer (vented) costs about $19 per month, or $222 per year. Actual costs vary by region and how heavily you use it.
Which NZ region has the cheapest clothes dryer (vented) running cost?
Of the five centres shown on this page, Christchurch is the cheapest at $17/month, and Queenstown is the most expensive at $18/month. The 30% spread reflects regional MBIE retail rates.
Is there a cheaper alternative to a clothes dryer (vented)?
Yes - swapping to a heat pump dryer would use about 30% of the energy, saving roughly $156 per year. Heat pump dryers cost $1,500-$2,500 and cut drying energy by ~70%.
Any tips for reducing this cost?
A heat pump dryer uses about a third the electricity