Illinois vs South Carolina Electricity Rates (2026)
South Carolina has 11.3% cheaper electricity than Illinois. South Carolina residents pay 14.43¢/kWh compared to 16.27¢/kWh in Illinois, saving about $40.00/month on average.
Illinois
16.27¢
per kWh
$115/mo
South Carolina
14.43¢
per kWh
$155/mo
Detailed Rate Comparison
| Metric | Illinois | South Carolina | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Rate | 16.27¢/kWh | 14.43¢/kWh | 17.22¢/kWh |
| Commercial Rate | 11.38¢/kWh | 11.69¢/kWh | - |
| Industrial Rate | 8.14¢/kWh | 6.77¢/kWh | - |
| Avg Monthly Bill | $115 | $155 | $134 |
| Renewable Energy | 13.0% | 9.0% | ~22% |
| Primary Source | Nuclear | Nuclear | - |
Appliance Running Costs: Illinois vs South Carolina
Monthly cost to run common household appliances in each state.
| Appliance | IL | SC | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Purifier | $5.86 | $5.19 | SC saves $0.66 |
| Blender | $0.20 | $0.17 | SC saves $0.02 |
| CFL Bulb (13W) | $0.51 | $0.45 | SC saves $0.06 |
| Cable / Satellite Box | $4.10 | $3.64 | SC saves $0.46 |
| Ceiling Fan | $4.39 | $3.90 | SC saves $0.50 |
| Central Air Conditioner | $136.67 | $121.21 | SC saves $15.46 |
| Chest Freezer | $9.37 | $8.31 | SC saves $1.06 |
| Clothes Dryer (Electric) | $14.64 | $12.99 | SC saves $1.66 |
| Coffee Maker | $1.10 | $0.97 | SC saves $0.12 |
| Crypto Mining Rig | $175.72 | $155.84 | SC saves $19.87 |
| Dehumidifier | $17.57 | $15.58 | SC saves $1.99 |
| Desktop Computer | $7.81 | $6.93 | SC saves $0.88 |
| Dishwasher | $8.79 | $7.79 | SC saves $0.99 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | $48.81 | $43.29 | SC saves $5.52 |
| Electric Fireplace | $27.33 | $24.24 | SC saves $3.09 |
Bottom Line: Illinois vs South Carolina
South Carolina is the more affordable state for electricity, with rates 11.3% lower than Illinois. An average household would save about $480.00/year by living in South Carolina.
Illinois gets its electricity primarily from Nuclear with 13.0% renewable, while South Carolina relies on Nuclear with 9.0% renewable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is electricity cheaper in Illinois or South Carolina?
Electricity is cheaper in South Carolina at 14.43¢/kWh compared to Illinois at 16.27¢/kWh. That's a 11.3% difference, saving about $40.00/month on an average residential bill.
What is the average electricity bill in Illinois vs South Carolina?
The average monthly electricity bill is $115 in Illinois and $155 in South Carolina. The national average is $134.
Which state uses more renewable energy, Illinois or South Carolina?
Illinois has a higher renewable energy percentage at 13.0%, compared to 9.0% in South Carolina.
What are the main energy sources in Illinois and South Carolina?
Illinois primarily uses Nuclear, while South Carolina relies on Nuclear.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)