What an iron costs to run in each state
The table assumes a 2,200 W steam iron on full power for 20 minutes, twice a week.
| State | Rate | A month | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| TasmaniaAurora Energy | 24.75c | $1.56 | $19 |
| QueenslandEnergex | 27.97c | $1.76 | $21 |
| Victoriaaverage of five networks | 28.2c | $1.78 | $21 |
| Northern TerritoryJacana Energy | 31.68c | $2.00 | $24 |
| New South WalesAusgrid | 33.14c | $2.09 | $25 |
| Western AustraliaSynergy | 33.26c | $2.10 | $25 |
| Australian Capital TerritoryEvoenergy network | 36.95c | $2.33 | $28 |
| South AustraliaSA Power Networks | 41.91c | $2.64 | $32 |
Travel irons, steam irons and steam stations
| Type | Power | Cost an hour | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel iron, 1,000 W | 1,000 W | 33c | $11 |
| Steam iron, 2,200 W | 2,200 W | 73c | $25 |
| Steam station, 2,400 W | 2,400 W | 80c | $27 |
Steam stations have a separate boiler and a higher rating, but they often finish the same pile faster. Garment steamers sit in a similar power range to steam irons.
Ironing for less
Batch your ironing
Each warm-up uses energy before any clothes are pressed.
Start with low-heat fabrics
Iron synthetics first while the iron warms, then cottons and linens at higher heat.
Switch off early
The plate stays hot enough to finish the last few items.
Hang clothes straight from the wash
Shaking out and hanging clothes carefully cuts the ironing pile.
The dryer costs more
Per week, a clothes dryer usually uses far more energy than an iron.
Questions about iron running costs
Up to about 73c for a 2,200 W steam iron on the Ausgrid reference rate. The thermostat cycles the element once hot, so a real hour usually costs less.
Most steam irons are rated around 2,000 W to 2,400 W. Travel irons are often about 1,000 W.
It draws more power, but it often presses clothes faster, so the cost of a full pile can be similar.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.