Average Electric Bill in California (2026)
The average residential electric bill in California is $160.86 per month (EIA, 2024 annual avg), 13% above the U.S. average, #8 of 51 states. That reflects an average of 503 kWh used per month at California's rate of 32.0¢/kWh. See the breakdown by home size and estimate your own bill below.
$160.86
#8 of 51 · EIA, 2024 annual avg
503 kWh
per residential customer
32.0¢/kWh
13% above the U.S. average
Average electric bill in California by home size
Priced at California's 32.0¢/kWh rate, with each home size scaled to California's own average household use of 503 kWh a month rather than the national 863 kWh. Climate and heating type move usage as much as the rate does. Still a guide: your actual kWh depends on your home and habits. National figures by home size.
| Home size | Typical monthly use | Monthly bill |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment | 291 kWh | $93.03 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | 437 kWh | $139.71 |
| Small house | 525 kWh | $167.84 |
| Large house | 816 kWh | $260.88 |
| California average | 503 kWh | $160.86 |
Find what drives your California bill
Rates and averages explain the price of a kilowatt-hour, not how many you use. A plug-in energy meter logs what one corded 120 V appliance really draws over a week. A whole-home monitor logs every circuit at once, so the biggest loads on your own bill show up by name. Its sensors clip on inside the panel, which is work for an electrician if that isn't you.
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Plug-in power meter
P3 International Kill A Watt P4400
Best for: Measuring what one plug-in appliance really uses
Whole-home energy monitor
Emporia Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor (16 circuit sensors)
Best for: Measuring hardwired and 240 V loads, or every circuit at once
Estimate your California electric bill
Add up your appliances and usage for a tailored monthly estimate.
Estimated bill
$210/mo
- Total usage
- 1,200 kWh/mo
- Yearly bill
- $2,517
What drives the bill
- Heating & cooling$65.92 33%
- Water heating$41.20 21%
- EV charging$49.44 25%
- Appliances, lighting & other$41.20 21%
- Fixed charge$12.00
Estimate from your major loads. The rate and fixed charge are printed on your bill: heating/cooling and water heating usually dominate, so start there for the biggest impact.
Frequently asked questions
Average bill by utility in California
The state average blends every provider; what you pay depends on your utility.
Nearby states
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