Electricity Cost in Chicago, Illinois
The average residential electricity rate in Chicago is approximately 21.29 ¢/kWh, which puts a typical 900 kWh monthly bill at around $191.60. Below you'll find how that compares to the Illinois state average and what drives the difference.
Key metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated city rate | 21.29 ¢/kWh |
| Estimated monthly cost (900 kWh) | $191.60 |
| Estimated annual cost | $2299.19 |
| Illinois state rate | 20.47 ¢/kWh |
| Estimated city vs state monthly | +$7.37 |
Methodology and estimate disclosure
City values on this page are modeled estimates for local context and comparison. They are not utility tariff quotes and should not be interpreted as exact billed rates.
How this city estimate is derived
City rate is modeled from the April 2026 EIA state average with a population-based adjustment. See methodology.
This methodology is intended for consistent local context, not utility-plan quoting or bill prediction precision.
Related page types
- State electricity cost page is the statewide benchmark.
- State calculator is best for custom usage and interactive estimates.
- Average bill page uses one standard monthly usage baseline for a simple bill comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Is this Chicago electricity rate a utility quote?
No. This page provides a modeled city estimate for local context and comparison, not a utility tariff quote or enrollment offer.
How is the Chicago estimate calculated?
City rate is modeled from the April 2026 EIA state average with a population-based adjustment. See methodology. The reference household usage assumption is 900 kWh per month.
Where can I compare bill scenarios for Illinois?
See the Illinois bill estimator for household profile scenarios, or the Illinois electricity cost calculator for usage-based scenarios.
Related electricity cost pages for Chicago
- Illinois electricity cost overview — State-level electricity cost overview and benchmarks
- Illinois average electricity bill — Average bill at a fixed kWh benchmark (separate from this city cost page)
- Illinois electricity cost calculator — Interactive calculator for custom usage
- Energy comparison hub — Guide linking city, state, usage, and appliance comparisons
- State-by-state comparisons — Side-by-side state comparison pages
- Electricity cost comparison index — Index of state-to-state electricity cost comparisons
- Refrigerator cost in Illinois — Appliance operating-cost page for this state
- Space Heater cost in Illinois — Appliance operating-cost page for this state
- Window Ac cost in Illinois — Appliance operating-cost page for this state
- Illinois medium-home bill scenario — Representative medium-home bill scenario
Other city pages in Illinois
- Electricity cost in Aurora — City electricity context page
Source & Method
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Retail Sales of Electricity. Updated: April 2026. Estimates use the EIA all-in average residential rate — energy, delivery, fixed charges, and utility fees together, not just the electricity itself. Fees are inside the rate, not an extra on top; how your own bill splits fixed versus per-kWh charges varies by utility. For what's inside the all-in rate, see hidden electricity fees; for how rates and estimates are defined, see the methodology hub.