Electricity rate and appliance costs in California
Homes in California pay 32.58 cents per kWh on average, 79% above the U.S. average.
What appliances cost to run in California
| Appliance | Efficient | Typical | High use | Typical, monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerators | $108.49 | $156.38 | $227.73 | $13.03 |
| Mini fridges | $67.11 | $80.15 | $109.14 | $6.68 |
| Freezers | $73.96 | $136.18 | $166.48 | $11.35 |
| Dishwashers | $71.68 | $77.87 | $78.19 | $6.49 |
| Clothes washers | $24.43 | $35.84 | $63.92 | $2.99 |
| Clothes dryers | $79.98 | $198.09 | $198.09 | $16.51 |
| Dehumidifiers | $58.97 | $110.77 | $171.37 | $9.23 |
| Room air conditioners | $122.17 | $173.29 | $293.22 | $14.44 |
| Televisions | $21.22 | $59.98 | $109.99 | $5.00 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the average electricity rate in California?
Homes in California paid an average of 32.58 cents per kWh from January to August 2026, according to the EIA. In August 2026 alone the average was 29.75 cents.
Is electricity expensive in California?
California ranks 2 of 51 (the 50 states plus D.C.), where 1 is the most expensive. Its rate is 79% above the U.S. average of 18.19 cents.
How much does 1,000 kWh cost in California?
At the state average rate, 1,000 kWh costs about $325.80. Fixed monthly charges from your utility are not included in the per-kWh average in the same way on every bill, so your total can differ.
How we get these numbers: yearly electricity use comes from the ENERGY STAR certified product lists, measured with the federal test procedure. The rate is the average residential price the U.S. Energy Information Administration reports for each state, January to August 2026. Your own bill depends on your utility, your plan and how you use the appliance. See sources.