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 |
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.