Electricity Cost in California
The average residential electricity rate in California is 33.61¢ per kWh. At 900 kWh/month, that works out to about $302 per month or $3630 per year.
Rates from EIA data · 900 kWh standard usage benchmark
Average rate
33.61 ¢/kWh
Est. monthly (900 kWh)
$302.49
Est. annual (10,800 kWh)
$3629.88
vs national (monthly)
+$137.70
National avg: 18.31¢/kWh
How California Compares
State rate
33.61 ¢/kWh
National average
18.31 ¢/kWh
Difference
+83.6%
Category
much higher than national average
Key Insights
- Electricity in California costs 84% more than the national average.
- California ranks #2 among U.S. states for electricity prices.
- Electricity in California is among the top 10 most expensive in the U.S.
- California shows a rising electricity price trend based on recent historical data.
More Data & Comparisons
- California electricity rates — The state overview: current rate, national rank, and the last 12 months
- 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 HawaiiCalifornia vs MaineCalifornia 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.
- Electricity cost in Los Angeles, California
- Electricity cost in San Diego, California
- Electricity cost in San Jose, California
- Electricity cost in San Francisco, California
- Electricity cost in Fresno, California
- Electricity cost in Sacramento, California
- Electricity cost in Long Beach, California
- Electricity cost in Oakland, California
Related electricity pages
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the average electricity cost in California?
- The average residential electricity rate in California is 33.61 cents per kWh. At 900 kWh per month, that translates to an estimated monthly cost of $302.49.
- Is electricity in California cheaper than the national average?
- Electricity in California costs about $137.70 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 33.61¢/kWh, 900 kWh costs approximately $302.49 per month, or about $3629.88 per year.