Propane vs Electric Heat Cost Calculator
See exactly which heating system costs less — side by side, instantly.
At the US average electricity rate of $0.13/kWh, the breakeven propane price is about $2.75/gallon. Above that — where most US propane customers are today — electric resistance heat is cheaper per BTU. A heat pump at COP 3.0 is cheaper than both in almost every scenario.
Propane: 91,500 BTU/gal at 80% AFUE. Electric: 3,412 BTU/kWh at 100% efficiency. Enter your local prices in the calculator below for an exact comparison.
Compare Your Heating Costs Side by Side
Propane vs Electric — Average Monthly Cost (US 2026)
At US average rates — propane at $2.80/gal and electricity at $0.13/kWh — electric resistance heating is cheaper than propane for most home scenarios. A medium home heating system running 8 hours a day costs roughly $49/month on electric vs $87/month on propane. Propane only wins in off-grid locations with no grid access.
| Scenario | Propane | Electric | Cheaper Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (20,000 BTU, 6 hrs) | ~$28/mo | ~$23/mo | Electric |
| Medium (50,000 BTU, 8 hrs) | ~$87/mo | ~$49/mo | Electric |
| Large (100,000 BTU, 10 hrs) | ~$218/mo | ~$98/mo | Electric |
| Off-grid (propane only) | ~$87/mo | N/A | Propane |
Propane $2.80/gal 85% efficiency. Electric $0.13/kWh 100% efficiency.
Which Is Right for You?
- ✓Grid electricity available
- ✓Rate below $0.15/kWh
- ✓Zero maintenance needed
- ✓Small to medium space
- ✓Off-grid or rural location
- ✓Natural gas unavailable
- ✓High-BTU output needed fast
- ✓Local propane below $2.50/gal
- ✓You want lowest long-term cost
- ✓Mild to moderate US climate
- ✓Need heating and cooling both
For homes with natural gas service, our natural gas vs electric cost guide compares all three fuel types — gas, electric resistance, and heat pump — side by side with real US rate data.
Heaters & Controls — Editor Picks
Affiliate disclosure: we earn from qualifying purchasesDual heating system: infrared + convection. Built-in thermostat, remote control, auto shut-off. Heats up to 1,000 sq ft — ideal replacement for propane space heaters.
View on Amazon →Pre-charged, DIY-install heat pump mini-split. SEER 17, HSPF 9. Eliminates propane dependency for most moderate-climate homes. Works down to 0°F.
View on Amazon →9,000 BTU portable propane heater. Safe for indoor use, auto shut-off on tip-over or oxygen depletion. Best when electricity is unavailable or cost-prohibitive.
View on Amazon →Works with electric and dual-fuel systems. Flexible scheduling, remote control via app, usage reports. Compatible with most HVAC systems including propane furnaces.
View on Amazon →