Garage Heater Cost Calculator
Find out exactly what it costs to heat your garage — electric, gas, or propane. Instant results.
Calculate Your Garage Heater Running Cost
Garage Heater Monthly Cost by Type (US 2024)
| Heater Type | 1-Car | 2-Car | 3-Car |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | ~$18 | ~$35 | ~$53 |
| Natural Gas | ~$11 | ~$22 | ~$33 |
| Propane | ~$19 | ~$38 | ~$57 |
| Infrared Electric | ~$18 | ~$35 | ~$53 |
4 hrs/day, 30 days. Electric $0.13/kWh. Gas $1.20/therm. Propane $2.80/gal.
Which Garage Heater Is Cheapest to Run?
Natural gas is the cheapest option where gas is available, costing roughly 40% less per month than electric or propane. A 2-car garage runs about $22/month at 4 hrs/day — compared to ~$35/month for electric at the US average rate.
Propane suits off-grid detached garages without gas lines. At current US prices (~$2.80/gal), propane costs slightly more than electric per month for equal heat output, running about $38/month for a 2-car garage. See the full propane vs electric cost comparison for a detailed breakdown.
Infrared heaters cost the same to run as standard electric heaters of equal wattage but heat objects directly, making them feel effective faster for intermittent use. For broader home heating context, see our heating cost calculator.