With the Swiss Electricity Calculator, you can work out your electricity costs and get a better understanding of your electricity consumption: whether for a single appliance or your entire household, using your local council’s electricity tariff.
Have you ever wondered why your electricity bill is so high? The short answer: in 2026, a kilowatt-hour will cost a typical household a median of 27.7 rappen. Based on 4,500 kWh per year, that amounts to CHF 1,247, or around CHF 104 per month, according to ElCom. In 2027, the price will fall to 26.45 rappen.
Key points at a glance
- Formula: Watts × hours ÷ 1,000 = kWh. kWh × electricity price = electricity costs.
- Electricity prices in 2026: A median of 27.7 Rp/kWh for a typical household; by 2027, this will be 26.45 Rp/kWh – around 4 % less.
- Major differences: Depending on your local authority, you’ll pay between around 10 and 44 rappen per kWh in 2026.
- Monthly average: A small flat costs around CHF 37, a typical household around CHF 104, and a detached house with a heat pump around CHF 300.
- 1,000 watts for one hour: cost an average of 27.7 rappen.
Electricity Calculator for Switzerland: Instructions and Example
The electricity calculator, also known as an electricity cost calculator or electricity price calculator, has two modes. Use «One appliance» to identify energy-guzzling appliances, and «Whole household» to estimate your electricity bill.
- Select device: Select a appliance, such as a television or tumble dryer. The power, hours per day and days per week are pre-filled with guide figures. Adjust them to suit your appliance.
- Or select a household: Select a typical household based on the ElCom’s consumption profiles, or enter your consumption as shown on your electricity bill.
- Setting the electricity price: The Swiss median is pre-filled. Search for your local authority, and the calculator will automatically apply your network operator’s price for 2026 or 2027.
The meter shows you your annual consumption in kWh and the annual cost. Below that, you can see the cost per month, per day and for one hour’s use.
Example: A 100-watt television runs for 4 hours a day. That amounts to 146 kWh a year. At the median price in 2026, this costs CHF 40 a year or CHF 3.37 a month.
Electricity cost calculator for Switzerland: how do I work out my electricity costs?
To work out your electricity or energy costs, you need four pieces of information: your electricity consumption in watts, the duration per day, your weekly usage, and the price per kilowatt-hour.
Formula: Watts × hours per day × days per year ÷ 1,000 = kWh per year. Then kWh × electricity price in Swiss francs = annual electricity costs.
One kilowatt-hour (kWh) is 1,000 watts over the course of one hour. An appliance with a power rating of 1,000 watts therefore uses exactly 1 kWh in one hour. An appliance with a power rating of 100 watts takes 10 hours to use the same amount of energy.
Converting watts to kWh: Cost per hour
This is how much it costs to run a device for one hour, calculated using the median price in Switzerland:
| Performance | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 watt | 0.03 Rp | 0.03 Rp |
| 100 watts | 2.8 Rp | 2.6 Rp |
| 500 watts | 13.8 Rp | 13.2 Rp |
| 800 watts | 22.2 Rp | 21.2 Rp |
| 1,000 watts | 27.7 Rp | 26.4 Rp |
| 1,500 watts | 41.5 Rp | 39.7 Rp |
| 2,000 watts | 55.4 Rp | 52.9 Rp |
| 3,000 watts | 83.1 Rp | 79.3 Rp |
A 1-watt appliance running all year round uses 8.76 kWh. That costs around CHF 2.43 a year. You can use this rule of thumb to quickly estimate standby power consumption: 10 watts running round the clock costs around CHF 24 a year.
How do you calculate the electricity costs of an appliance?
You can see your total electricity consumption directly on your electricity bill. What’s more interesting, though, are the costs of individual appliances. Here’s how to identify the biggest energy guzzlers.
- Current meter: The most accurate way to measure this is with a power meter. You plug it in between the socket and the appliance and read the power consumption, even when the appliance is on standby.
- Rating plate and energy label: The rating plate states the power in watts. The energy label states the energy consumption in kWh per year or per 100 cycles.
- Guidelines: You can also search on Google, but the results aren’t very accurate. The type and age of the device make a big difference.
Eric’s technical tip: I am a qualified mechatronics technician and a graduate engineer. That’s why, when it comes to power consumption, I always check the rating plate first and know that the figure shown there is the maximum power consumption, not the average. A fridge with 100 watts on the label only uses a fraction of that on average, because the compressor switches on and off. A tumble dryer heats up to full power at the start and then regulates the heat down.
So don’t just blindly go by the figure on the label, otherwise you’ll easily end up overestimating the cost by double. A better approach is to measure a appliance’s consumption for a week using an electricity meter and divide the figure by seven. That’s your actual daily consumption.
Estimated figures used by the electricity calculator, based on the median price for 2026:
| Device | Per year | Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge | 175 kWh | CHF 49 |
| Television | 146 kWh | CHF 40 |
| Laptop | 78 kWh | CHF 22 |
| Gaming PC | 438 kWh | CHF 121 |
| Washing machine | 156 kWh | CHF 43 |
| Tumbler | 469 kWh | CHF 130 |
| Dishwasher | 261 kWh | CHF 72 |
| Oven | 313 kWh | CHF 87 |
| Standby | 88 kWh | CHF 24 |
| Charging an electric car | 2,581 kWh | CHF 715 |
An electric car with a wallbox, covering around 15,000 km a year, is by far the biggest energy guzzler. Next on the list are tumble dryers, ovens and gaming PCs. It’s particularly worth taking a look at standby mode: routers, TVs and chargers run all year round.
Electricity prices in Switzerland Development
Electricity prices in Switzerland rose sharply following the energy crisis and have been falling again since 2025. The key indicator is the median of the ElCom for a typical household using 4,500 kWh per year, including grid charges, energy and levies:
| Year | Rp/kWh | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 27.20 | CHF 1,224 |
| 2024 | 32.14 | CHF 1,446 |
| 2025 | 29.00 | CHF 1,305 |
| 2026 | 27.70 | CHF 1,247 |
| 2027 | 26.45 | CHF 1,194 |
In 2027, energy prices will fall, whilst grid costs will rise slightly. How much this affects you will depend on your grid operator. Some local authorities will even be paying more in 2027.
What does 1000 kWh of electricity cost in Switzerland?
In 2026, 1,000 kWh will cost a median of CHF 277, and in 2027 CHF 265. Depending on the municipality, the cost in 2026 will range from around CHF 100 to CHF 440. For other quantities:
| Consumption | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 kWh | CHF 277 | CHF 265 |
| 2,000 kWh | CHF 554 | CHF 529 |
| 3,000 kWh | CHF 831 | CHF 794 |
| 4,500 kWh | CHF 1,247 | CHF 1,190 |
| 5,000 kWh | CHF 1,385 | CHF 1,323 |
| 10,000 kWh | CHF 2,770 | CHF 2,645 |
How much does 1 kWh of electricity cost in Switzerland?
In 2026, the median price per kilowatt-hour will be 27.7 rappen, and in 2027 it will be 26.45 rappen. Electricity will be cheapest in Zwischbergen (VS) in 2026 at 9.64 rappen, and most expensive in Kestenholz (SO) at 43.61 rappen. You can find your price using the town search function in the calculator or by contacting the ElCom.
Electricity prices by canton
Typical price per kWh for a household consuming 4,500 kWh, based on the median across the canton’s municipalities. Electricity is cheapest in Zug, Nidwalden and Zurich, and most expensive in Basel-Stadt and Schaffhausen.
| Canton | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Train | 21.9 Rp | 21.1 Rp |
| Nidwalden | 22.1 Rp | 22.0 Rp |
| Zurich | 24.1 Rp | 23.9 Rp |
| Geneva | 24.9 Rp | 24.4 Rp |
| Uri | 25.1 Rp | 24.1 Rp |
| Ticino | 25.1 Rp | 25.9 Rp |
| Lucerne | 25.4 Rp | 24.7 Rp |
| Obwalden | 26.5 Rp | 26.0 Rp |
| Wallis | 26.5 Rp | 26.2 Rp |
| Freiburg | 27.3 Rp | 26.5 Rp |
| Appenzell Innerrhoden. | 27.6 Rp | 25.6 Rp |
| Bern | 27.7 Rp | 25.6 Rp |
| Schwyz | 27.8 Rp | 27.0 Rp |
| Aargau | 27.9 Rp | 27.5 Rp |
| Law | 27.9 Rp | 25.8 Rp |
| Grisons | 28.4 Rp | 28.7 Rp |
| Appenzell A.ÂRh. | 28.7 Rp | 29.1 Rp |
| Neuchâtel | 28.9 Rp | 28.1 Rp |
| Glarus | 29.7 Rp | 26.6 Rp |
| Thurgau | 29.8 Rp | 29.7 Rp |
| Vaud | 30.0 Rp | 28.6 Rp |
| Basel-Landschaft | 30.2 Rp | 27.9 Rp |
| Solothurn | 30.5 Rp | 28.1 Rp |
| St. Gallen | 30.5 Rp | 30.2 Rp |
| Schaffhausen | 32.2 Rp | 30.8 Rp |
| Basel-Stadt | 33.2 Rp | 33.4 Rp |
Source: ElCom, own analysis by municipality, as at October 2026.
What are the average electricity costs in Switzerland per month?
The average electricity consumption of a household in Switzerland ranges from around 1,600 to 7,500 kWh per year, depending on the type of accommodation. How much electricity a household uses depends primarily on its size and on whether electricity is used for heating or hot water. ElCom bases its calculations on the following typical households:
| Budget | kWh | Month |
|---|---|---|
| 2-room flat, electric cooker | 1,600 | CHF 37 |
| 4-room flat, electric cooker | 2,500 | CHF 58 |
| 4-room, electric boiler | 4,500 | CHF 104 |
| 5-room, tumble dryer | 4,500 | CHF 104 |
| House, boiler and tumble dryer | 7,500 | CHF 173 |
| House, heat pump | 13,000 | CHF 300 |
| House, electric heating | 25,000 | CHF 577 |
Based on the median price in 2026. Your actual cost may vary significantly: for 4,500 kWh, you’ll pay around CHF 82 a month in Zug and around CHF 125 in Basel.
Monthly electricity costs for one person
A person living in a small flat uses around 1,500 to 2,000 kWh a year. At the median price, that works out at around CHF 35 to CHF 46 a month.
Monthly electricity costs for a two-person household
A two-person household living in a flat uses around 2,000 to 3,000 kWh a year. That works out at around CHF 46 to CHF 69 a month. For a 3.5-room flat with an electric cooker, you can expect to use around 2,500 kWh, which works out at around CHF 58 a month.
Electricity costs for a detached house in Switzerland
A detached house with an electric boiler and tumble dryer uses around 7,500 kWh, which works out at around CHF 173 per month. With a heat pump, consumption is around 13,000 kWh and CHF 300 per month; with an old electric heating system, it can be up to 25,000 kWh and CHF 577 per month.
Example calculation of electricity costs
Using a tumble dryer as an example, let’s look at how you can work out your electricity costs. One drying cycle uses around 3 kWh, which is 2,000 watts for 1.5 hours. You dry your washing three times a week.
- Power: 2,000 watts
- Hours per day: 1.5
- Days per week: 3
- Electricity price: 27.7 Rp/kWh (median for 2026)
That works out at 469 kWh and around CHF 130 per year. At Bern’s rate (33.26 Rp), that’s CHF 156; at Zurich’s rate (24.76 Rp), it’s CHF 116. Anyone who hangs their washing out to dry in the summer will save several hundred francs over the years.
How can I reduce my electricity costs?
- Identifying energy guzzlers: Measure the power consumption of the large appliances using a power meter and enter the figures into the electricity calculator.
- Turn off standby: A power strip with a switch really does the trick for your TV, games console and speakers.
- Use the tumble dryer less: Hang your washing out to dry wherever possible. If you’re buying a new one, a heat pump tumble dryer is well worth it.
- Eco-programmes: This means that washing machines and dishwashers use significantly less electricity, even when they run for longer.
- Buying energy-efficient appliances: When replacing appliances, check the energy label. This is particularly worthwhile in a detached house, where you buy all the appliances yourself.
- Check the tariff: As a household in Switzerland, you cannot freely choose the cheapest electricity supplier; you are tied to your network operator. However, some network operators offer cheaper off-peak rates at night.
Tip: You can put the money you save on your electricity bill to good use straight away. First, set your emergency fund fixed. You work out how much the car costs using the Petrol cost calculator.
Conclusion on the electricity cost calculator Switzerland
The electricity calculator shows you, in just a few clicks, how much a particular appliance or your entire household costs. It’s most useful for major energy-consuming appliances such as tumble dryers, ovens, electric boilers and electric cars. What’s more, the electricity tariff in your local area often makes a bigger difference than any single appliance.
If you want to invest the money you’ve saved, read our article Investing Money Switzerland. You can find more calculators in the Computer Overview.
Disclaimer
The electricity calculator and the information on this page are provided for guidance only. Appliance figures are approximate. Electricity prices are sourced from ElCom and apply to a typical household on a standard supply tariff. The invoice from your network operator is the definitive source. Information current as at October 2026.
FAQ
How much does 1 kWh of electricity cost in Switzerland?
In 2026, the median price per kilowatt-hour will be 27.7 rappen; in 2027, it will be 26.45 rappen. Depending on the municipality, the price ranges from around 10 to 44 rappen.
How much does 1,000 watts per hour cost in Switzerland?
1,000 watts for one hour equals 1 kWh. In 2026, this costs a median of 27.7 rappen. 2,000 watts therefore cost 55.4 rappen per hour.
How do I work out the electricity costs for an appliance?
Watts × hours ÷ 1,000 equals kWh. You then multiply this by the price per unit of electricity. A 500-watt appliance running for 2 hours uses 1 kWh.
How much does electricity cost per month for one person in Switzerland?
For an annual consumption of 1,500 to 2,000 kWh, this works out at around CHF 35 to CHF 46 per month, based on the median price in 2026.
How much electricity does a two-person household use in Switzerland?
Around 2,000 to 3,000 kWh a year in a flat. That costs around CHF 46 to CHF 69 a month.
How much does 1 watt cost per year?
1 watt running all year round uses 8.76 kWh. That costs around CHF 2.43 a year.
Will electricity be cheaper in 2027?
Yes, by a median of around 4 % to 26.45 rappen per kWh. A typical household will therefore pay around CHF 53 less a year. However, some network operators are still raising their prices.