How is the running cost calculated?

Watts ÷ 1,000 × the electricity rate gives cost per hour; the yearly figure uses 0.15 h/day, 365 days a year at 1,800 W.

Does a higher star rating cut the cost?

Yes — efficiency ratings reduce the draw or energy per use, which scales the cost directly; the low–high wattage band spans efficient to inefficient models.

Why does the state matter?

Each state's usage rate differs, so the same hour costs $0.49–$0.75 depending on the state.

How much does it cost to run a hair dryer? (2026–27)

Name: Hair dryer running costs Australia 2026–27
Creator: EcoFlow AU — hair dryer wattage (cross-checked Canstar Blue)
License: https://www.ecoflow.com/au/blog/hair-dryer-wattage-in-australia

At typical draw · official state tariffs

$0.49–$0.75 per hour at 1,800 W

Typical household use — 0.15 h/day, 365 days a year at 1,800 W — runs $27–$41 a year depending on your state's tariff.

Wattage basis: Rated watts on high: travel 800–1,200 W, standard home 1,400–1,800 W, professional 1,800–2,400 W.

Hair dryer running cost by state at typical draw (2026–27 reference tariffs)
State	Tariff c/kWh	Per hour	Typical year
New South Wales	33.1c	$0.60	$33
Victoria	27.5c	$0.49	$27
Queensland	28.0c	$0.50	$28
South Australia	41.9c	$0.75	$41
Western Australia	33.3c	$0.60	$33
Tasmania	28.0c	$0.50	$28
Australian Capital Territory	37.0c	$0.67	$36
Northern Territory	31.7c	$0.57	$31

Appliance running-cost calculator

NSW

State

Power draw (watts)

Hair dryer: 1,000–2,400 W typical range.

Hours per day

Days per year

5–10 minutes per session on high heat.

$0.60 per hour · $33/year at your settings

Per day (0.15 h): $0.09
Per month: $2.72
Per year (365 days): $32.66

Tariff: 33.1c/kWh — AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8) for the Ausgrid network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: EcoFlow AU — hair dryer wattage (cross-checked Canstar Blue). Full hair dryer costs in NSW →

Cutting the cost

A hair dryer hits hard for its size, but it only runs briefly, so the whole game is cutting the minutes. Towel-dry first, work on a lower heat setting, and stop once your hair is nearly dry instead of styling it bone-dry. The hottest setting pulls the most power, so save it for the mornings you're genuinely in a rush.

Frequently asked questions

How is the running cost calculated?: Watts ÷ 1,000 × your electricity rate = cost per hour. A hair dryer drawing 1,800 W on a 33.1c/kWh tariff costs $0.60 an hour — the calculator above lets you change every input.
Does a higher star rating cut the cost?: Yes — the star rating compresses the power draw or energy per use, which scales this page's figures directly. The low–high band in the table (1,000–2,400 W) roughly spans efficient to inefficient models.
Why does the state matter?: The appliance draws the same power everywhere — but each state's reference usage rate differs, so the same hour of running costs $0.49 in the cheapest state and $0.75 in the dearest. Pick your state above for exact figures.

Sources — figures current as at 17 July 2026.

Costs use each state's representative-zone reference usage rate, effective 1 July 2026. 5–10 minutes per session on high heat.

How much does it cost to run a hair dryer? (2026–27)

Appliance running-cost calculator

Cutting the cost

Frequently asked questions

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