Electricity Cost: California vs Illinois
California rate
31.14 ¢/kWh
Illinois rate
16.96 ¢/kWh
California 900 kWh bill
$280.26
Illinois 900 kWh bill
$152.64
Comparison
| State | Electricity rate | Estimated monthly bill |
|---|---|---|
| California | 31.14 ¢/kWh | $280.26 |
| Illinois | 16.96 ¢/kWh | $152.64 |
Difference Summary
Electricity in California costs approximately 84% more than in Illinois based on typical household electricity use.
Difference: +$127.62 (+83.6%) at 900 kWh/month
Monthly Bill Comparison
Related Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which state has cheaper electricity: California or Illinois?
- Illinois has cheaper electricity. At 900 kWh/month, the estimated bill is $152.64 in Illinois vs $280.26 in California—about 83.6% less.
- How much more expensive is electricity in California?
- At 900 kWh/month, electricity in California costs about $127.62 more per month than in Illinois—roughly 83.6% higher.
- Why do electricity prices vary between states?
- Electricity prices vary due to generation mix (coal, gas, nuclear, renewables), transmission costs, regulations, taxes, and demand. States with more hydropower or natural gas often have lower rates; those relying on imported power or with higher renewable mandates may have higher rates.