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Average electric bill in California
The average California household paid $160.86 a month for electricity in 2024 — the 8th highest in the country, and 13% above the U.S. average of $142.26.
- Average bill
- $160.86
- Monthly usage
- 503 kWh
- Average rate
- 31.97¢
- Rank
- 8th highest
Why the California bill is what it is
A bill is kilowatt-hours multiplied by price, and states reach similar bills by very different routes. California's electricity costs 94% more than the U.S. average, and the typical California home uses 42% less of it, so the bill lands 13% above the national average. Price, not usage, is what drives the California bill.
Compare Mississippi: households there pay almost the same bill ($154.83 against $160.86) at a rate 42% of California's — 13.39¢ against 31.97¢ — because they use 1,156 kWh a month where California homes use 503.
At today's rate
The 2024 figures are the latest annual numbers EIA has published. California's average residential rate has since moved to 34.74¢/kWh (June 2026). At the same 503 kWh a month, that puts the typical bill near $174.81 — 9% higher. That is an estimate: it holds usage at 2024 levels, and usage swings with the weather.
Neighbours in the ranking
| State | Bill/month | kWh/month | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $163.72 | 1,096 | 14.94¢ |
| Rhode Island | $162.40 | 567 | 28.65¢ |
| California | $160.86 | 503 | 31.97¢ |
| Arizona | $160.24 | 1,075 | 14.91¢ |
| Florida | $156.09 | 1,104 | 14.14¢ |
Ranked from highest bill down. All 51.
Is your bill normal?
Divide your bill by the kilowatt-hours printed on it and you have your own effective rate, directly comparable with the 31.97¢ above. The bill check calculator does it for you. To see where the kilowatt-hours go, the California rate page costs 50 common appliances at the state rate.
Questions
- What is the average electric bill in California?
- $160.86 a month in 2024, for an average of 503 kWh at 31.97¢/kWh, according to EIA's annual utility survey.
- Why is the electric bill in California higher than average?
- California's electricity costs 94% more than the U.S. average, and the typical California home uses 42% less of it, so the bill lands 13% above the national average. Price, not usage, is what drives the California bill.
- How much electricity does the average California home use?
- 503 kWh a month, against a U.S. average of 863 kWh.
- Is my electric bill too high?
- Compare your effective rate — the bill divided by the kWh on it — with the state average, and your kWh with the 503 kWh typical here. A high rate points at your plan or tier; high usage points at what is running.