Gas vs Electric Dryer Cost Calculator

Your details

How many full dryer cycles your household runs in a typical week.
loads
Average run time per drying cycle (most loads take 30-60 minutes).
min
Your electricity cost per kilowatt-hour. US average is about $0.18/kWh (2026).
$/kWh
Your gas cost per therm. US average is about $1.63/therm (2026). One therm = 100 cubic feet.
$/therm
Heating element + motor wattage. Most standard electric dryers run 4,000-6,000 W; heat-pump models use 1,000-2,000 W.
W
Gas heat output listed on the dryer label or spec sheet. Most residential models are 16,000-22,000 BTU/h.
BTU/h
Gas dryers still use electricity for the drum motor and controls. Typically 400-800 W.
W
Upfront cost of the electric dryer including installation. Used to calculate payback period.
$
Upfront cost of the gas dryer including installation and gas line hookup. Used to calculate payback period.
$
Annual savings with gas dryerGas dryer saves money
$113.40

How much cheaper the gas dryer is to run each year (negative means electric is cheaper)

Electric cost per load$0.675
Gas cost per load$0.363
Electric dryer - annual cost$245.70
Gas dryer - annual cost$132.30
Payback period1.3years
Electric energy per load3.75kWh
Gas energy per load0.165therm
Electric Dryer$250.125
Gas Dryer$132.824

Annual savings (gas vs electric): $113.40

  • Cost per load
  • Annual cost
  • kWh per load

Gas dryer saves you about $113 per year at your rates.

  • Per load: electric costs $0.675, gas costs $0.363.
  • Annual running cost: electric $246, gas $132.
  • The gas dryer breaks even on its higher purchase price in about 1.3 years.
  • Gas rates vary widely by region and season. Re-run this calculator with your actual utility bills for the most accurate comparison.

Next stepIf you are buying a new dryer, check whether your home already has a gas line and 240 V outlet before comparing models.

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