Electricity Cost: California vs Tennessee
Electricity costs about 136% more in California than in Tennessee. A typical monthly bill runs about $317 in California vs $134 in Tennessee.
Based on average residential rates from EIA data · 900 kWh of monthly use
California rate
35.25 ¢/kWh
Tennessee rate
14.94 ¢/kWh
California 900 kWh bill
$317.25
Tennessee 900 kWh bill
$134.46
Is electricity cheaper in California or Tennessee?
| State | Electricity rate | Estimated monthly bill |
|---|---|---|
| California | 35.25 ¢/kWh | $317.25 |
| Tennessee | 14.94 ¢/kWh | $134.46 |
What the difference adds up to
At a typical 900 kWh a month, a household in California pays about $182.79 more than one in Tennessee — about 136% higher, or roughly $2193 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 $134.46 in Tennessee vs $317.25 in California—about 135.9% less.
- How much more expensive is electricity in California?
- At 900 kWh/month, electricity in California costs about $182.79 more per month than in Tennessee—roughly 135.9% 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.