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utility · 400W typical

Running a elliptical trainer costs about $1.49/month.

That's the typical elliptical trainer at 400W, run 0.75 hours a day at the US-average rate of 16.5¢/kWh. Change any of those and the number moves — use the calculator below to see yours.

Estimated cost

$1.49/month
$0.05 per day$18.07 per year9.00 kWh monthly
W

Full-power draw for 0.75 hours at 16.5¢/kWh.

How you use it

Cost shifts with how long it's on.

The same elliptical trainer can cost very different amounts depending on usage patterns. Three common scenarios, at the US-average rate.

daily workout

$1.49

per month

45 min session

0.75 hrs/day·$18.07/yr

standby console

$47.52

per month

3-10W continuous on smart models

24 hrs/day·$578.16/yr

Where you live

$2.69 spread between the cheapest and priciest states.

Same appliance, same hours of use, different zip code — the monthly cost varies this much.

StateRateMonthlyYearly
Hawaii41.2¢$3.71$45.11
California31.4¢$2.83$34.38
Massachusetts30.8¢$2.77$33.73
Connecticut28.7¢$2.58$31.43
Rhode Island27.9¢$2.51$30.55
New Hampshire24.6¢$2.21$26.94
Alaska24.3¢$2.19$26.61
New York22.3¢$2.01$24.42
Maine22.1¢$1.99$24.20
Vermont21.5¢$1.94$23.54
Michigan19.3¢$1.74$21.13
New Jersey19.1¢$1.72$20.91
Maryland18.4¢$1.66$20.15
Pennsylvania18.1¢$1.63$19.82
District of Columbia17.8¢$1.60$19.49
Wisconsin17.4¢$1.57$19.05
Delaware17.2¢$1.55$18.83
Illinois16.9¢$1.52$18.51
Ohio16.6¢$1.49$18.18
Nevada16.3¢$1.47$17.85
Indiana15.8¢$1.42$17.30
Virginia15.7¢$1.41$17.19
Minnesota15.6¢$1.40$17.08
Colorado15.4¢$1.39$16.86
Alabama15.2¢$1.37$16.64
West Virginia15.2¢$1.37$16.64
Florida15.1¢$1.36$16.53
New Mexico14.8¢$1.33$16.21
Texas14.8¢$1.33$16.21
Arizona14.7¢$1.32$16.10
South Carolina14.7¢$1.32$16.10
Kansas14.6¢$1.31$15.99
Georgia14.2¢$1.28$15.55
Iowa14.1¢$1.27$15.44
North Carolina13.9¢$1.25$15.22
Missouri13.6¢$1.22$14.89
Oregon13.4¢$1.21$14.67
Tennessee13.3¢$1.20$14.56
Kentucky13.2¢$1.19$14.45
Mississippi13.1¢$1.18$14.34
Oklahoma13.1¢$1.18$14.34
South Dakota12.7¢$1.14$13.91
Montana12.4¢$1.12$13.58
Nebraska12.2¢$1.10$13.36
Arkansas12.1¢$1.09$13.25
Washington12.1¢$1.09$13.25
Louisiana11.9¢$1.07$13.03
Wyoming11.6¢$1.04$12.70
North Dakota11.5¢$1.04$12.59
Utah11.4¢$1.03$12.48
Idaho11.3¢$1.02$12.37

Efficient vs. inefficient

A $31.62/year difference across the wattage range.

Swapping a high-draw model for an efficient one pays for itself. Here's what that looks like annually at typical usage.

Most efficient

200W

$0.74 per month

$9.03 per year

Typical

400W

$1.49 per month

$18.07 per year

High draw

900W

$3.34 per month

$40.65 per year

When it hits hardest

winter peak

January indoor-exercise peak.

Ways to cut the cost

  • 1

    Unplug after use — consoles draw 3-10W standby

    Saves 25-90 kWh/year

  • 2

    Lubricate pivot joints every 6 months

    Cuts motor watts 10-15%

  • 3

    Use self-generating (no-plug) models

    Zero electricity use

Real-world wattages

Pulled from actual spec sheets.

BrandModelWatts
NordicTrackFS10i800W
Sole FitnessE35400W
ProFormHIIT Trainer500W

Picks that actually move the needle

Three products worth comparing if you're thinking about upgrading or supplementing what you have.

Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy, we may earn a small commission — it never changes the price you pay, and we only recommend picks we would stand behind.

Smart Plug with Energy Monitor

Kill console standby draw

$18-25
Silicone Lubricant Spray (elliptical)

Smooth joints reduce motor drag

$15-25
Fitness Floor Mat

Level base keeps motor aligned

$40-60

See also

Related appliances

Sources: www.energy.gov · www.energystar.gov

Last updated: 2026-04-13