A new map circulating online shows the staggering global disparity in Bitcoin mining costs following the 2024 halving, and it’s sparking plenty of travel jokes. According to NFT Evening’s data visualization, the cost to mine one Bitcoin now ranges from just $1,320 in Iran to a staggering $321,000 in Ireland, underscoring how energy policy and electricity pricing shape the economics of crypto.
Where Mining Stays Dirt Cheap
Iran tops the list of cheapest mining destinations, where government-subsidized electricity keeps operational costs ultra-low despite periodic mining bans. Other bargain locations include Syria ($3,970), Sudan ($1,990), and Ethiopia ($2,010), countries with some of the world’s lowest energy prices but limited grid reliability.
In Asia, China’s average cost sits at $50,980, while Kazakhstan remains a favored hub at $32,440, helped by abundant coal power and historically lenient crypto regulations.
Meanwhile, El Salvador ($150,290), once celebrated for state-sponsored Bitcoin adoption, ranks on the pricier side due to infrastructure costs and limited energy capacity.
The World’s Most Expensive Regions
At the other extreme, miners in Western Europe face sky-high electricity costs. Ireland ($321,000), Germany ($263,470), and Denmark ($255,210) all feature at the top of the global cost curve. Energy taxation and green transition policies have made industrial electricity exceptionally expensive, effectively pricing out small-scale miners.
In North America, the U.S. average is $107,260, though this varies widely by state, from sub-$40K hydro-powered facilities in Washington to over $150K in California.
The Geography of Mining Power
The map reinforces a post-halving reality: Bitcoin mining profitability now hinges more on geography than hardware. Miners flock to regions where energy remains cheap, abundant, and politically stable. As one analyst quipped online, “In 2025, your profit margin is your postcode.”
Whether in Tehran or Dublin, the message is clear, the energy behind Bitcoin isn’t equal, and neither are the opportunities.
