Electricity cost in California
Short answer
Electricity in California averages about 30¢/kWh. At that rate, running central AC costs about $192/month — above the U.S. average of 16.8¢.
Avg rate
30¢/kWh
| Appliance | Cost / month in California |
|---|---|
| Central air conditioner | $192 |
| Electric water heater | $109 |
| Refrigerator | $11 |
| Space heater | $68 |
| Electric clothes dryer | $27 |
| EV charger (Level 2) | $197 |
Any appliance
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Frequently asked questions
What is the average electricity rate in California?
About 30¢/kWh for residential customers — versus the U.S. average of 16.8¢. Your exact rate depends on your utility and plan.
How much does an electric water heater cost to run in California?
About $109 per month at California's 30¢/kWh rate, assuming typical use. Heat-pump water heaters cost far less.
How much does a space heater cost to run in California?
Around $68 per month if run ~5 hours a day at 30¢/kWh. Space heaters are cheap to buy but expensive to run.