Average Electric Bill in California
The typical California household pays $297.78 a month for electricity. See the numbers by home size, compare with the US average, and estimate your own bill.
$297.78
886 kWh × 0.34 $/kWh (EIA, Jul 2026)
Residential rate
$0.34
per kWh
vs US average bill
+84%
more expensive
Bill rank
#2
of 51 (1 = highest)
Average bill by home size in California
Same California rate, different home sizes. Typical usage figures are national estimates — open a size to see the full breakdown.
California average bill trend
Estimated monthly bill (886 kWh × the state residential rate) over the last 12 months (Aug 2025 – Jul 2026).
California electricity bill calculator
Prefilled with California's average residential rate. Enter your own usage or appliance power to see how your bill compares.
$211.66
600 kWh · ≈ $6.95/day
Per day
$6.95
Per year
$2,539.92
7,200 kWh/yr
Cost breakdown
- Energy95%
- Fixed charge5%
Estimate only. Check your official utility bill for exact charges.
About electricity bills in California
What the average includes
The average above is energy cost only: typical household usage × California's average residential rate from the EIA. Utilities also add a fixed monthly service charge and, in some areas, tax — expect real bills to run $10–$25 higher.
Lowering your bill
The fastest wins are heating, cooling, and water heating — usually half the bill combined. Use the savings planner to size up LED, thermostat, and appliance changes before spending money.
Average electric bills in California: common questions
The average California household pays about $297.78 a month, based on typical usage of 886 kWh at the state average residential rate of 0.34 $/kWh (EIA, Jul 2026). Larger homes and heavy AC or heating use push bills above this figure.