LED uses 85% less power than incandescent for the same brightness and lasts 30 times longer, so it costs roughly $2 per year to run versus $14 for incandescent, and $11 for halogen. Here is every light bulb type by true cost per year, LED versus legacy bulbs, with the ten-year saving spelled out. For most households, the math is clear.
Prices reviewed 31 July 2026 . Cost per year per bulb (electricity plus replacement), in USD. Not an energy audit.
We costed light bulbs by annual electricity and replacement cost per bulb at 3 hours per day. An LED bulb costs roughly $2 a year (9 watts, 40,000 hour lifespan). Incandescent costs $14 a year (60 watts, 1,200 hour lifespan), and halogen around $11 (45 watts, 2,000 hours). Over a decade that is roughly $20 for LED versus $140 for incandescent per bulb. Incandescent and halogen are being phased out due to inefficiency, but the cost difference is the real story.
Method: annual cost per bulb based on electricity consumption at US average $0.1883/kWh plus prorated bulb replacement cost over rated lifespan. Assumes 3 hours of daily use, 800 lumens brightness equivalent. Lifespan: LED 40,000 hours, halogen 2,000 hours, incandescent 1,200 hours, CFL 8,000 hours. Individual cost varies with actual usage patterns and local electricity rates. Cite this: "usefulHQ Light Bulb Running Cost Study 2026", usefulhq.com/light-bulb-running-cost/. Not an energy audit.
Costs are per bulb. Total household cost depends on the number of fixtures you have.
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| Light bulb type | Category | Cost / year | Over term | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEDBest value 9 watts, 40,000 hour lifespan, $5 bulb. Uses 85% less power than incandescent. |
Modern | $2 | $20 | Cheapest by far, longest lasting | Check price |
| CFL (compact fluorescent) 18 watts, 8,000 hour lifespan, $2.50 bulb. Older alternative to LED, still available. |
Modern | $4 | $40 | Cheaper than old bulbs, obsolete | Check price |
| Halogen 45 watts, 2,000 hour lifespan, $4 bulb. Being phased out, but still found in some fixtures. |
Legacy | $11 | $110 | Bright, warm light, replaces often | Check price |
| Incandescent 60 watts, 1,200 hour lifespan, $1.50 bulb. Phased out in most regions, but cheapest upfront. |
Legacy | $14 | $140 | Most expensive over time | Check price |
Roughly $2 per year per bulb at typical US electricity rates and 3 hours of daily use. This includes both electricity (9 watts at $0.19/kWh) and the prorated cost of the bulb spread over its 40,000 hour lifespan. An incandescent costs about $14 per year by comparison.
LED uses 85% less power (9 watts versus 60 watts for the same brightness) and lasts 30 to 40 times longer (40,000 hours versus 1,200 hours). The savings come from both lower electricity bills and far fewer replacements. Over ten years, one LED costs roughly $20 while one incandescent costs $140.
Incandescent bulbs are being phased out in the US and many other countries due to energy efficiency regulations. However, some specialty bulbs may still be available for specific applications like decorative fixtures or appliances. For general household lighting, LED is now the only practical choice.
LED bulbs are rated for 40,000 to 50,000 hours of operation by manufacturers. At 3 hours per day, that's about 36 years, though in practice most homeowners replace LED bulbs earlier due to preference changes or fixture upgrades. Incandescent bulbs last only about 1,200 hours, or roughly 1 year at the same usage.