Electricity Cost: California vs North Carolina
Electricity costs about 120% more in California than in North Carolina. A typical monthly bill runs about $299 in California vs $136 in North Carolina.
Based on average residential rates from EIA data · 900 kWh of monthly use
California rate
33.25 ¢/kWh
North Carolina rate
15.09 ¢/kWh
California 900 kWh bill
$299.25
North Carolina 900 kWh bill
$135.81
Is electricity cheaper in California or North Carolina?
| State | Electricity rate | Estimated monthly bill |
|---|---|---|
| California | 33.25 ¢/kWh | $299.25 |
| North Carolina | 15.09 ¢/kWh | $135.81 |
What the difference adds up to
At a typical 900 kWh a month, a household in California pays about $163.44 more than one in North Carolina — about 120% higher, or roughly $1961 a year for the same electricity.
Monthly Bill Comparison
Related Pages
- Energy comparison hub
- Compare states
- Electricity cost in California
- Electricity cost in North Carolina
- Average electricity bill in California
- Average electricity bill in North Carolina
- Electricity bill estimator in California · California apartment profile scenario
- Electricity bill estimator in North Carolina · North Carolina apartment profile scenario
- Electricity affordability in California
- Electricity affordability in North Carolina
- Appliance operating-cost pages in California
- Appliance operating-cost pages in North Carolina
- Compare electricity prices between states
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is electricity cheaper in California or North Carolina?
- North Carolina has cheaper electricity. At 900 kWh/month, the estimated bill is $135.81 in North Carolina vs $299.25 in California—about 120.3% less.
- How much more expensive is electricity in California?
- At 900 kWh/month, electricity in California costs about $163.44 more per month than in North Carolina—roughly 120.3% 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.