Homes in California paid an average of 31.97¢ per kWh in 2024 (94% above the US average of 16.48¢), used 503 kWh a month and paid about $160.86 a month, according to the EIA.
- Price per kWh
- 31.97¢2024 average, residential
- Monthly bill
- $161US $142
- Monthly use
- 503kWh; US 863
- Rank
- 2of 51, most expensive first
Cost to run common appliances in California
| Appliance | Typical use | Per day | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 1.45 kWh | 46¢ | $14.09 |
| Space heater | 6 kWh | $1.92 | $58.31 |
| Window air conditioner | 3.2 kWh | $1.02 | $31.10 |
| Central air conditioner | 29.4 kWh | $9.40 | $286 |
| Electric clothes dryer | 2.6 kWh | 83¢ | $25.27 |
| Electric water heater | 13.5 kWh | $4.32 | $131 |
| Dehumidifier | 3.8 kWh | $1.21 | $36.93 |
| TV | 0.4 kWh | 13¢ | $3.89 |
| EV charger | 10.8 kWh | $3.45 | $105 |
At 31.97¢ per kWh with typical daily use. Your rate plan and use will differ.
Questions people ask
How much is electricity per kWh in California?
31.97¢ per kWh on average for homes in 2024 (EIA), up 8.3% from 29.51¢ in 2023.
What is the average electric bill in California?
About $160.86 a month in 2024, for 503 kWh of use (EIA).
How does California compare with other states?
It ranks 2 of 51 (50 states and DC) from most to least expensive per kWh.
Sources
- EIA Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price, Table 5a: 2024 Average Monthly Bill - Residential
- EIA Electric Power Annual Table 2.10: Average Price of Electricity to Ultimate Customers by End-Use Sector, by State, 2024 and 2023
- EIA Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price, Table 4: 2024 Average Retail Price (cross-check)
- EIA Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price, Table 1: 2024 Customers (cross-check)
- EIA Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price, Table 2: 2024 Sales (cross-check)
- EIA FAQ: How much electricity does an American home use?
- EIA Short-Term Energy Outlook (Oct 6, 2026), Electricity section
- EIA Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.A (not retrievable on 2026-10-12)