Electricity Cost in California
Homes in California paid an average of 29.75¢ per kWh in August 2026: above the U.S. average of 18.16¢, and the 48th cheapest of 51. A year earlier it was 30.92¢.
Calculate any appliance in California
What appliances cost to run in California
| Appliance (typical use) | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Electric water heater | $122 | $1,466 |
| Central air conditioner | $83.30 | $1,000 |
| RV air conditioner | $21.42 | $257 |
| Furnace blower fan | $21.42 | $257 |
| Slow cooker | $18.10 | $217 |
| Well pump | $18.10 | $217 |
| Space heater | $17.85 | $214 |
| Window air conditioner | $16.87 | $202 |
| Electric clothes dryer | $15.07 | $181 |
| Desktop computer | $14.48 | $174 |
| Electric stove burner | $13.57 | $163 |
| Induction cooktop (single) | $13.57 | $163 |
| Refrigerator | $11.40 | $137 |
| Freezer | $10.29 | $123 |
| Dehumidifier | $7.81 | $93.71 |
| Sump pump | $7.24 | $86.87 |
| Mini fridge | $6.10 | $73.19 |
| Dishwasher | $5.93 | $71.10 |
| Laptop | $4.34 | $52.12 |
| Electric kettle | $3.39 | $40.72 |
| Hair dryer | $3.39 | $40.72 |
| TV | $3.37 | $40.39 |
| Washing machine | $2.73 | $32.73 |
| Clothes iron | $2.71 | $32.58 |
| Box fan | $2.38 | $28.56 |
| Electric blanket | $2.38 | $28.56 |
| Microwave | $2.26 | $27.15 |
| Coffee maker | $2.26 | $27.15 |
| Vacuum cleaner | $2.26 | $27.15 |
| Wi-Fi router | $2.17 | $26.06 |
| Ceiling fan | $1.06 | $12.77 |
| Electric grill | $1.03 | $12.38 |
| Toaster | $1.00 | $11.94 |
| LED light bulb | $0.45 | $5.43 |
| Blender | $0.23 | $2.71 |
| Garage door opener | $0.23 | $2.71 |
FAQ
What is the average electricity rate in California?
29.75¢ per kWh for homes in August 2026 (EIA), 4% lower than a year earlier. The year-to-date average is 32.58¢.
How much does it cost to run a refrigerator in California?
About $11.40 a month for a median ENERGY STAR refrigerator (460 kWh/yr).
Note: These are estimates. Real consumption depends on the exact model, its age, settings, room temperature and how you use it. For your exact number, check the appliance's label or measure it with a plug-in energy meter. Rates are August 2026 state averages from the EIA; check your bill for your actual rate. When powering appliances from a generator or power station, never exceed its rated output and follow the manufacturer's safety instructions.