The comparison of steam power plant with hydroelectric power plant is given in the following table.
| Points | Steam Power plant | Hydroelectric Power plant |
| 1. Initial cost per kW in ₹ | Initial cost is lower than those of hydroelectric & nuclear power plant (1000 to 1500). | Initial cost is very high because of dam construction & excavation work (1500 to 4000). |
| 2. Running cost | Higher than hydroelectric & nuclear plant because of the requirement of the huge amount of coal. | Practically Nil since no fuel is required. |
| 3. Cost of fuel transportation | Maximum because of the huge amount of coal is transported to the plant site. | Nil |
| 4. Maintenance cost | Quite high as a skilled operating staff is required. | Quite low |
| 5. Transmission & distribution cost | Quite low as these are generally located near the load centres. | Quite high as those are located quite away from the load centres. |
| 6. Fixed cost per annum (interest) on capital | 13% | 10% |
