Electricity Cost: California vs Tennessee
Electricity costs about 145% more in California than in Tennessee. A typical monthly bill runs about $302 in California vs $123 in Tennessee.
Based on average residential rates from EIA data · 900 kWh of monthly use
California rate
33.61 ¢/kWh
Tennessee rate
13.71 ¢/kWh
California 900 kWh bill
$302.49
Tennessee 900 kWh bill
$123.39
Is electricity cheaper in California or Tennessee?
| State | Electricity rate | Estimated monthly bill |
|---|---|---|
| California | 33.61 ¢/kWh | $302.49 |
| Tennessee | 13.71 ¢/kWh | $123.39 |
What the difference adds up to
At a typical 900 kWh a month, a household in California pays about $179.10 more than one in Tennessee — about 145% higher, or roughly $2149 a year for the same electricity.
Monthly Bill Comparison
Related Pages
- Energy comparison hub
- Compare states
- Electricity cost in California
- Electricity cost in Tennessee
- Average electricity bill in California
- Average electricity bill in Tennessee
- Electricity bill estimator in California · California apartment profile scenario
- Electricity bill estimator in Tennessee · Tennessee apartment profile scenario
- Electricity affordability in California
- Electricity affordability in Tennessee
- Appliance operating-cost pages in California
- Appliance operating-cost pages in Tennessee
- Compare electricity prices between states
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is electricity cheaper in California or Tennessee?
- Tennessee has cheaper electricity. At 900 kWh/month, the estimated bill is $123.39 in Tennessee vs $302.49 in California—about 145.1% less.
- How much more expensive is electricity in California?
- At 900 kWh/month, electricity in California costs about $179.10 more per month than in Tennessee—roughly 145.1% 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.