Gas vs Electric Range: Which Is Cheaper to Own?

TL;DR: Gas ranges cost less to operate month to month, roughly $15-$25 a year in fuel versus $30-$45 for electric, but electric ranges cost less to install if you don't already have a gas line and need fewer specialty repairs over a 13-15 year lifespan. Total ownership cost usually favors whichever fuel line is already run to your kitchen.

_Last reviewed: July 2026 · 7 min read_

You're standing in an appliance showroom trying to decide between a gas range and an electric one, and the sticker prices don't tell you what either will actually cost over the next decade. The real answer depends on your utility rates, your existing hookups, and how often each type breaks down.

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How much does each type cost to run per year?

Electric ranges typically cost $30 to $45 a year to operate at average U.S. electricity rates of about 16 cents per kilowatt-hour, based on typical home cooking use of roughly an hour a day. Gas ranges run closer to $15 to $25 a year at national average natural gas prices near $1.20 per therm, because gas burners convert fuel to heat more directly with less standby loss.

That gap sounds small, but over a 15-year appliance life it adds up to $150-$300 in extra electric costs. If you cook frequently, bake often, or run a larger household, the gap widens because electric ovens use more energy to preheat and hold temperature than gas ovens do.

What does it cost to install or convert each type?

Installing an electric range costs $100 to $300 if you already have a 240-volt outlet, but jumps to $500-$1,500 if an electrician needs to run new wiring, similar to the panel work covered in 100 vs 200 amp service: do you have enough power?. Gas range installation runs $150-$400 with an existing gas line, but converting a kitchen that never had one can cost $500-$2,000 depending on how far the line has to travel and whether you need a permit.

If your home still has older wiring, don't assume the outlet is ready for a modern electric range. Homes with knob-and-tube wiring or ungrounded 2-prong outlets often need an electrician's sign-off before a new range can be safely connected, which adds to the upfront bill on the electric side.

Which one needs more repairs over its lifespan?

Gas ranges need slightly more specialized maintenance because igniters, burner ports, and gas valves require a technician familiar with gas lines, and a stuck pilot or clogged burner port is a common $75-$150 service call every few years. Electric ranges have fewer moving parts tied to fuel supply, but heating elements and glass cooktops crack or burn out and typically cost $100-$250 to replace, sometimes more for induction models.

| Factor | Gas Range | Electric Range | |---|---|---| | Annual fuel cost | $15-$25 | $30-$45 | | Typical install cost (existing hookup) | $150-$400 | $100-$300 | | Common repair | Igniter/burner ($75-$150) | Heating element ($100-$250) | | Average lifespan | 13-15 years | 13-15 years |

Both types last about the same number of years with routine care, so the real cost difference comes down to what repairs you're likely to face and how often.

Does the type of hookup you already have matter more than the range itself?

Yes, in most cases the existing hookup decides which option is actually cheaper for your home. If your kitchen already has a gas line and shutoff valve, buying gas keeps installation cheap and ongoing fuel costs low. If your kitchen already runs 240-volt electric with no gas service to the house, converting to gas rarely pencils out once you add trenching, permits, and possibly a new meter from the utility.

Landlords weighing a whole-unit renovation should also factor in tenant preference and resale value, since some renters specifically ask for gas cooking and others avoid it for safety reasons around open flames and indoor air quality.

What should you check before you buy either type?

Before installing a new range, confirm your electrical panel has capacity for a 240-volt circuit or your gas line has enough pressure and hasn't been flagged for corrosion, since older galvanized supply lines can restrict flow the same way old water pipes do, as described in 5 signs your old galvanized pipes are restricting flow. A quick inspection now avoids a mid-installation surprise that adds hundreds to the final bill.

If you're replacing an existing range rather than adding a new hookup, ask your installer to inspect the connection point for wear. A loose gas fitting or a scorched outlet is a sign the old range was drawing more power or fuel than it should have, which is worth fixing before the new unit goes in.

FAQ

Is gas or electric cheaper to own over 10 years?

Gas typically saves $150-$300 in fuel costs over a decade of average use, but electric often has a lower upfront install cost if the wiring is already in place, so the cheaper option depends on your existing hookup.

How much does it cost to switch from electric to gas range?

Expect $500-$2,000 if a gas line needs to be run to the kitchen for the first time, versus $150-$400 if a gas line already exists and only the connection needs updating.

Do gas ranges need more maintenance than electric?

Gas ranges need periodic burner and igniter checks that run $75-$150 per service call, while electric ranges need less routine maintenance but element and cooktop replacements can cost $100-$250.

How long do gas and electric ranges typically last?

Both types average 13 to 15 years with normal use and basic maintenance, though heavy daily cooking can shorten that by a few years for either type.

Does a gas range require special ventilation?

Yes, gas ranges produce combustion byproducts and should be paired with a vented range hood, while electric ranges only need ventilation for smoke and grease, not combustion gases.

This is educational information, not electrical or gas-fitting advice. Call a licensed electrician or gas technician to evaluate your home's wiring and gas line before installing or converting a range.