Electricity Cost: California vs South Carolina
Electricity costs about 106% more in California than in South Carolina. A typical monthly bill runs about $299 in California vs $146 in South Carolina.
Based on average residential rates from EIA data · 900 kWh of monthly use
California rate
33.25 ¢/kWh
South Carolina rate
16.18 ¢/kWh
California 900 kWh bill
$299.25
South Carolina 900 kWh bill
$145.62
Is electricity cheaper in California or South Carolina?
| State | Electricity rate | Estimated monthly bill |
|---|---|---|
| California | 33.25 ¢/kWh | $299.25 |
| South Carolina | 16.18 ¢/kWh | $145.62 |
What the difference adds up to
At a typical 900 kWh a month, a household in California pays about $153.63 more than one in South Carolina — about 106% higher, or roughly $1844 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 $145.62 in South Carolina vs $299.25 in California—about 105.5% less.
- How much more expensive is electricity in California?
- At 900 kWh/month, electricity in California costs about $153.63 more per month than in South Carolina—roughly 105.5% 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.