Electricity cost in California
Electricity in California costs 31.97 cents per kWh (EIA, 2024), 94% more than the U.S. average. The average home bill is about $161 a month.
California vs the U.S.
Electricity in California costs 94% more than the national average of 16.48 cents per kWh. Homes there use 42% less than the national average of 863 kWh a month, so the typical bill of $161 is 13% more than the U.S. typical bill of $142 (our calculation). Prices have kept rising since: the national average reached 18.31 cents in July 2026.
| State | ¢ per kWh | Avg bill / month | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 28.75 | $200 | 48 |
| Massachusetts | 29.35 | $167 | 49 |
| California | 31.97 | $161 | 50 |
| Hawaii | 42.86 | $212 | 51 |
| U.S. average | 16.48 | $142 | - |
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2024 Average Monthly Bill, Residential (Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price, Table 5.a), released Oct 7, 2025. Bills and EV costs are our calculation (price × use; 310 kWh per 1,000 miles from fueleconomy.gov). Your utility's rates and fees may differ.
Ways to use this number
Compare it with the rate on your own bill, check what a new heat pump or furnace would cost to run before an HVAC replacement, or see whether an EV beats gas in California. For every monthly bill in one place, read our average utility bill guide or grab the free monthly budget planner.
Common questions
How much is electricity in California?
Homes in California paid an average of 31.97 cents per kWh in 2024, per the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That ranks 50 of 51 (1 = cheapest).
What is the average electric bill in California?
With average use of 503 kWh a month, the bill comes to about $161 a month, or $1,930 a year (our calculation from EIA data).
How much does it cost to charge an EV in California?
About $99 per 1,000 miles charging at home, using 31 kWh per 100 miles (2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, fueleconomy.gov) and the California average price (our calculation).