Electricity Cost: California vs South Dakota
Electricity costs about 119% more in California than in South Dakota. A typical monthly bill runs about $302 in California vs $138 in South Dakota.
Based on average residential rates from EIA data · 900 kWh of monthly use
California rate
33.61 ¢/kWh
South Dakota rate
15.37 ¢/kWh
California 900 kWh bill
$302.49
South Dakota 900 kWh bill
$138.33
Is electricity cheaper in California or South Dakota?
| State | Electricity rate | Estimated monthly bill |
|---|---|---|
| California | 33.61 ¢/kWh | $302.49 |
| South Dakota | 15.37 ¢/kWh | $138.33 |
What the difference adds up to
At a typical 900 kWh a month, a household in California pays about $164.16 more than one in South Dakota — about 119% higher, or roughly $1970 a year for the same electricity.
Monthly Bill Comparison
Related Pages
- Energy comparison hub
- Compare states
- Electricity cost in California
- Electricity cost in South Dakota
- Average electricity bill in California
- Average electricity bill in South Dakota
- Electricity bill estimator in California · California apartment profile scenario
- Electricity bill estimator in South Dakota · South Dakota apartment profile scenario
- Electricity affordability in California
- Electricity affordability in South Dakota
- Appliance operating-cost pages in California
- Appliance operating-cost pages in South Dakota
- Compare electricity prices between states
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is electricity cheaper in California or South Dakota?
- South Dakota has cheaper electricity. At 900 kWh/month, the estimated bill is $138.33 in South Dakota vs $302.49 in California—about 118.7% less.
- How much more expensive is electricity in California?
- At 900 kWh/month, electricity in California costs about $164.16 more per month than in South Dakota—roughly 118.7% 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.