Propane vs Electric Heat Cost Calculator
See exactly which heating system costs less — side by side, instantly.
At the US average electricity rate of 18.44¢/kWh, the break-even propane price is about $3.96/gallon. Propane has been running near $2.55, comfortably below that, so propane is currently about 36% cheaper per delivered BTU than electric resistance heat. A heat pump changes the picture entirely: at a seasonal COP of 2.8 it undercuts propane at any price above roughly $1.41/gallon.
Propane: 91,500 BTU/gallon at 80% AFUE, $2.55/gal (EIA heating-season average, October 2025 - March 2026; that weekly series pauses April–September). Electric: 3,412.14 BTU/kWh at 100% efficiency, 18.44¢/kWh (EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A, May 2026). Enter your local prices below for an exact comparison.
Compare Your Heating Costs Side by Side
Propane vs Electric — Average Monthly Cost
At US average rates — propane at $2.55/gal and electricity at 18.44¢/kWh — propane is about 36% cheaper per delivered BTU than electric resistance heating. A medium system running 8 hours a day costs roughly ~$418/mo on propane against ~$649/mo on electric resistance. Swap the resistance heater for a heat pump, though, and electricity wins outright — the last row below.
| Scenario | Propane | Electric | Cheaper Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (20,000 BTU/hr, 6 hrs) | ~$125/mo | ~$195/mo | Propane |
| Medium (50,000 BTU/hr, 8 hrs) | ~$418/mo | ~$649/mo | Propane |
| Large (100,000 BTU/hr, 10 hrs) | ~$1,045/mo | ~$1,621/mo | Propane |
| Medium load, but with a heat pump (COP 2.8) | ~$418/mo | ~$232/mo | Electric |
Both columns deliver the same heat in each row. Propane $2.55/gal at 80% efficiency and 91,500 BTU/gallon (EIA heating-season average, October 2025 - March 2026); electricity 18.44¢/kWh at 100% efficiency (EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A, May 2026). The final row prices the electric column as a heat pump at seasonal COP 2.8 rather than a resistance heater.
Which Is Right for You?
- ✓A heat pump is not an option for the space
- ✓Local propane is above about $3.96/gal
- ✓You want zero maintenance and no fuel deliveries
- ✓You are heating one small room, not a house
- ✓Off-grid or rural location
- ✓Natural gas unavailable
- ✓High-BTU output needed fast
- ✓Local propane is below about $3.96/gal (currently ~$2.55)
- ✓You want the lowest cost per delivered BTU
- ✓Mild to moderate US climate (ENERGY STAR rates to 5°F)
- ✓Need heating and cooling from one system
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, with a built-in thermostat, remote and auto shut-off. Dr Infrared advertises 1,000 sq ft; at 1,500W the 10 W/sq ft rule puts realistic coverage nearer 150 sq ft. Note that resistance heat costs more per BTU than propane at current prices — this is a convenience pick, not a cost saving.
View on Amazon →Pre-charged, DIY-install heat pump mini-split. At a seasonal COP of 2.8 it delivers heat for roughly 45% less per BTU than propane at current prices. Efficiency falls as it gets colder, so size for your design temperature and expect backup heat on the coldest nights.
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 and usage reports. Compatible with most HVAC systems including propane furnaces. What it saves depends entirely on how far your current schedule is from optimal.
View on Amazon →