EIA data through August 2026 · updated 2026-10-29

Heating costs in Illinois

The cheapest way to heat a home in Illinois at today's average prices is natural gas ($11.40 per million BTU of heat), then heat pump ($20.72). A heat pump costs 81.8% more to run than a gas furnace.

Propane$1.95/galOct 26, 2026 · +12.7% y/y

Natural gas$10.64/Mcfwinter 2025–26 avg. · Jul 2026: $21.04

Electricity19.3¢/kWhAugust 2026 · +7.2% y/y

Cheapest way to heat a home in Illinois

cost of the same amount of heat

Your home's heating need per winter: 50 million BTU

Heat source	Price used	Per million BTU of heat	Per winter
Natural gas cheapest	$10.64/Mcf · winter 2025–26 avg.	$11.40	$570
Heat pump	17.7¢/kWh ÷ COP 2.5	$20.72	$1,036
Propane	$1.95/gal · Oct 26, 2026	$23.66	$1,183
Electric resistance	17.7¢/kWh · winter 2025–26 avg.	$51.80	$2,590

How we compare: fuel price ÷ (energy content × efficiency). Assumptions — heating oil 138,500 BTU/gal at 85%, propane 91,500 BTU/gal at 90%, natural gas 1,037,000 BTU per Mcf at 90%, electric resistance 100%, heat pump seasonal COP 2.5 (lower in very cold weather). Gas and electricity use last winter's average price; oil and propane the latest weekly survey. Delivery fees, tank rental and fixed charges vary and are not included.

Propane in Illinois, winter by winter

2023–242024–252025–262026–27 (this winter)Weekly survey, Oct–Mar · hover a point for the exact price

U.S. average: $2.73/gal. Source: EIA State Heating Oil and Propane Program (residential, weekly).

Natural gas price in Illinois

Residential natural gas, $ per McfMonthly · summer prices per Mcf run higher because fixed charges are spread over less gas

Average price paid by homes, including delivery charges. Source: EIA Natural Gas Monthly.

Electricity in Illinois

Electric heat and heat pumps run on your utility's rate. See Illinois electricity rates by utility and ZIP code →

Questions

How much is propane in Illinois?

$1.95 per gallon for homes in the EIA survey of Oct 26, 2026 (+12.7% vs. a year earlier).

Is a heat pump cheaper than gas in Illinois?

Not at average prices: a heat pump (seasonal COP 2.5) costs $20.72 per million BTU of heat, 81.8% more than a 90% gas furnace at $11.40. A higher-efficiency heat pump or a lower electricity rate can change this.

What is the cheapest way to heat a home in Illinois?

At current average prices: natural gas $11.40, heat pump $20.72, propane $23.66, electric resistance $51.80 per million BTU of delivered heat (cheapest first).