The short answer depends on your timeframe: gas stoves cost about $123 less per year to run, but electric stoves typically cost less upfront when you account for gas line installation fees.
Choosing between gas and electric often feels like picking between cooking tradition and modern convenience. But the real decider is usually your wallet — both what you pay at the store and what you pay each month. One wrong tap can mean hundreds in surprise installation costs, while the operating savings add up quietly over years. Here’s how the two actually compare in 2026.
Upfront Costs: Why Electric Usually Wins the First Purchase
The appliance price tags are nearly identical at entry level. The difference that catches most buyers is installation: gas stoves require a gas line, and if your kitchen doesn’t have one, . That gap makes electric clearly cheaper out the door for most households. If you’re already shopping for a budget-friendly model, our tested roundup of affordable gas stoves covers the best options under $700.
Operating Costs: Gas Saves $123 Per Year on Average
The advantage grows in regions with high electricity rates like New York, Hawaii, and California, where gas can be 3.3 times cheaper per cooking session than electric coil models.
| Cost Category | Gas Stove | Electric Stove (Coil/Smoothtop) |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Appliance Price (2026) | $629 – $1,599 | $628 – $1,549 |
| Entry-Level Model | Frigidaire: $698 | Frigidaire: $628 |
| Hourly Operating Cost | $0.17 – $0.20 | $0.46 |
| Annual Operating Cost | ~$113 | ~$236 |
| Annual Savings vs. Electric | Saves ~$123/year | Reference |
| Installation (with existing line) | $550 – $2,800 | $100 – $350 |
The Hidden Costs Most People Miss
Three factors often flip the math. First, ignoring installation costs is the most common mistake — buyers compare $629 versus $698 and assume gas is close, then face a $550+ gas line fee. Second, , though standard electric models typically avoid this. Third, efficiency matters beyond the dollar: gas transfers only about 40% of its energy to the pan (the rest heats the room), while electric coil models hit roughly 70%, and induction reaches 84–90%. That means gas wastes more energy even while saving money on the utility bill. Performance also differs —
Which Stove Is Actually Cheaper For You?
For the typical US household, electric is cheaper if you don’t already have a gas line, because you skip $550–$2,800 in installation costs. Gas becomes cheaper after about two to five years of use thanks to the $123 annual operating savings. Induction is the outlier: its upfront cost runs $898–$4,149, but , which can make it the most cost-effective long-term option for efficient cooking. If you’re in a high-electricity state and have existing gas infrastructure, gas remains the clear economic winner for both purchase and monthly bills.
FAQs
Do electric stoves cause higher electric bills?
Yes, typically. The difference is most noticeable in states with high electricity prices.
Is a gas stove more dangerous than an electric one?
Gas stoves emit nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which has been linked to childhood asthma — proper ventilation is essential. They also lack the automatic shut-off found on many electric models. Electric stoves carry burn risks from hot surfaces, but don’t produce combustion emissions inside the home.
Does the $840 induction rebate apply in 2026?
Yes, the Inflation Reduction Act Home Energy Rebate (HEAR) offers up to $840 toward an induction stove purchase. This rebate can reduce an induction stove’s effective cost below that of a comparable gas or electric model, making it the most affordable option long term for eligible households.
References & Sources
- CNET. “The Difference Between Gas, Electric and Induction and Why It Matters.” Provides 2026 cost comparisons and efficiency data.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.