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The sticker price gets the attention, but the monthly cost decides whether the habit lasts. New York electricity is among the most expensive in the country, so the math here looks different than in most online reviews.
Option 1: Ice only
A common estimate is two $4 bags of ice per session, about $8 each time.
| How often | Ice per month |
|---|---|
| 3 times a week | about $100 |
| Every day | about $240 |
Ice is the cheapest way to start, but it gets expensive quickly, and someone has to buy and carry it home.
Option 2: A chiller
Con Edison’s all-in residential rate in 2026 runs about $0.33 to $0.38 per kWh. Once the water is cold and the tub is covered, a typical chiller averages roughly 150 to 250 watts.
| Average draw | kWh per month | Cost per month at Con Ed rates |
|---|---|---|
| 150 W | about 108 | about $36–$41 |
| 250 W | about 180 | about $59–$68 |
A warm room, direct sun, or an open lid will push that number higher. Keep the tub covered and in the shade.
Cost per plunge over three years (daily use)
Using about $50 a month in electricity:
| Setup | Purchase | 3 years of power | Per plunge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plunge Chill Chiller + Tub (Pod) | $569 | $1,800 | about $2.16 |
| Plunge Air | $5,490 | $1,800 | about $6.66 |
Don’t forget the extras
- Water care: sanitizer, filters, and water changes. Ice Barrel, for example, sells a maintenance kit for $179.99.
- An electrician: many chillers need a dedicated circuit.
- Financing: Plunge offers 0% APR for 24 months; on a $5,490 tub that is about $229 a month.
Our honest take
At three plunges a week, ice runs about $100 a month and a chiller about $50, so a $569 budget chiller pays for itself in roughly a year. A premium tub will not pay for itself that way: you buy it for comfort, convenience and daily readiness, not for savings. If you are not sure the habit will stick, start with ice for a month before you buy.
Get the free buyer’s guideConsult your physician before cold exposure.
Sources: Con Edison rates 2026, chiller power and ice cost, Plunge Air, Ice Barrel.
Keep reading: Price, chiller & warranty compared · Cold plunging through a New York winter