Electricity Cost in California
The average residential electricity rate in California is 30.29¢ per kWh. At 900 kWh/month, that works out to about $273 per month or $3271 per year.
Rates from EIA data · 900 kWh standard usage benchmark
Average rate
30.29 ¢/kWh
Est. monthly (900 kWh)
$272.61
Est. annual (10,800 kWh)
$3271.32
vs national (monthly)
+$111.87
National avg: 17.86¢/kWh
How California Compares
State rate
30.29 ¢/kWh
National average
17.86 ¢/kWh
Difference
+69.6%
Category
much higher than national average
Key Insights
- Electricity in California costs 70% more than the national average.
- California ranks #4 among U.S. states for electricity prices.
- Electricity in California is among the top 10 most expensive in the U.S.
- California appears stable based on recent electricity price changes.
More Data & Comparisons
- See electricity cost-of-living analysis in California
- Moving to California? See estimated electricity costs.
- See electricity price history in California
- Need usage-based estimates? Try the electricity cost calculator for California.
- Interested in backup power? See battery recharge cost in California.
- Compare battery recharge cost with generator operating cost in California.
- Average electricity bill in California — Estimated monthly and annual bills
- Full California knowledge page — Rates, value score, affordability, trends
- West region — Compare with neighboring states
- Rate rankings (high to low)
- Rate rankings (low to high)
- How much does 500 kWh cost? · 1000 kWh · 2000 kWh — Fixed electricity cost examples
- Compare electricity prices between states — See state-to-state electricity comparisons
- California vs MaineCalifornia vs Rhode IslandCalifornia vs Massachusetts
City electricity costs in California
Local rate context for major cities in California. Figures are modeled estimates for comparison; confirm rates with your utility.
Related electricity pages
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the average electricity cost in California?
- The average residential electricity rate in California is 30.29 cents per kWh. At 900 kWh per month, that translates to an estimated monthly cost of $272.61.
- Is electricity in California cheaper than the national average?
- Electricity in California costs about $111.87 more per month than the U.S. national average when using 900 kWh.
- How much does 900 kWh cost in California?
- At the average rate of 30.29¢/kWh, 900 kWh costs approximately $272.61 per month, or about $3271.32 per year.