Electricity Cost: California vs South Carolina
Electricity costs about 117% more in California than in South Carolina. A typical monthly bill runs about $302 in California vs $139 in South Carolina.
Based on average residential rates from EIA data · 900 kWh of monthly use
California rate
33.61 ¢/kWh
South Carolina rate
15.47 ¢/kWh
California 900 kWh bill
$302.49
South Carolina 900 kWh bill
$139.23
Is electricity cheaper in California or South Carolina?
| State | Electricity rate | Estimated monthly bill |
|---|---|---|
| California | 33.61 ¢/kWh | $302.49 |
| South Carolina | 15.47 ¢/kWh | $139.23 |
What the difference adds up to
At a typical 900 kWh a month, a household in California pays about $163.26 more than one in South Carolina — about 117% higher, or roughly $1959 a year for the same electricity.
Monthly Bill Comparison
Related Pages
- Energy comparison hub
- Compare states
- Electricity cost in California
- Electricity cost in South Carolina
- Average electricity bill in California
- Average electricity bill in South Carolina
- Electricity bill estimator in California · California apartment profile scenario
- Electricity bill estimator in South Carolina · South Carolina apartment profile scenario
- Electricity affordability in California
- Electricity affordability in South Carolina
- Appliance operating-cost pages in California
- Appliance operating-cost pages in South Carolina
- Compare electricity prices between states
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is electricity cheaper in California or South Carolina?
- South Carolina has cheaper electricity. At 900 kWh/month, the estimated bill is $139.23 in South Carolina vs $302.49 in California—about 117.3% less.
- How much more expensive is electricity in California?
- At 900 kWh/month, electricity in California costs about $163.26 more per month than in South Carolina—roughly 117.3% 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.