HomeCost Radar
State electricity cost

How much does electricity cost in California?

The average residential electricity rate in California is 32.74¢ per kilowatt-hour (2026-04-ytd), the 50th-cheapest state average in the U.S. That is 77% above the unweighted average of the 51 state averages (18.54¢/kWh).

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.B (2026-06-25). State averages are not household tariffs: taxes, fixed charges, and tiered or time-of-use pricing are not included.

Example monthly bills at the California average rate

Engine-generated energy-portion estimates for three usage levels. Enter your own kWh in the bill estimator for a personalized range.

Monthly usageEstimated rangeMost likely
500 kWh$135.54–$201.68$163.70
1,000 kWh$271.09–$403.36$327.40
1,500 kWh$406.63–$605.04$491.10

What appliances cost to run in California

Each row prices that appliance's reference scenario at the California state-average rate through the appliance-energy engine. Open a guide to adjust watts, hours, and usage.

ApplianceReference scenariokWh/monthEstimated/month
Central air conditioner8 hours a day with moderate cycling504.00$165.01
Space heater6 hours a day on 20 days in a month144.00$47.15
Electric water heaterElements active about 3 hours a day405.00$132.60
Refrigerator150 watts with a 35% compressor duty cycle37.80$12.38
EV home charging (Level 2)About 2.5 charging hours a day (~50 miles)468.00$153.22
Pool pump8 hours a day at full draw264.00$86.43
Electric dryer45-minute cycles, twelve times per month22.95$7.51
Television5 hours a day of mixed viewing16.50$5.40

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.B. Data vintage 2026-04-ytd.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average electricity rate in California?
The published state-average residential rate for California is 32.74 cents per kilowatt-hour (2026-04-ytd, EIA). Your utility's tariff can differ meaningfully once fixed charges, taxes, and rate tiers are applied.
Is electricity in California cheap or expensive compared with other states?
California has the 50th-cheapest state-average rate of the 51 averages we track, sitting 77% above the unweighted average of the 51 state averages (18.54¢/kWh).
Why is my actual California bill different from these estimates?
These examples apply one state-average rate to assumed usage. Real bills add fixed monthly charges, taxes and fees, tiered or time-of-use pricing, and your household’s actual kilowatt-hours, which vary with weather and behavior.

Keep comparing

  • Massachusetts — next-cheapest state average (30.40¢/kWh)
  • Hawaii — next state average up (42.78¢/kWh)

All states, ranked · Appliance cost guides · Bill methodology · Data sources