Cost to Run a Air Purifier in California
California's average residential electricity rate is 33.3¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 50th cheapest in the country, 81% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (24 hours/day (always on)), a air purifier here costs $9.72 per month.
Per hour
1.3¢
at 20–100 W
Per day
$0.32
24 hours/day (always on)
Per month
$9.72
29 kWh
Per year
$117
350 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (12 hrs/day) | $0.16 | $4.86 | $58.34 |
| Typical (24 hrs/day) | $0.32 | $9.72 | $117 |
| Heavy (24 hrs/day) | $0.64 | $19.44 | $233 |
California vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a air purifier in California?
At California's current average residential rate of 33.3¢/kWh (May 2026), a air purifier with typical usage costs about $0.32 per day, $9.72 per month, or $117 per year.
Is running a air purifier in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 81% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $9.72 per month here versus $5.37 nationally.
What does electricity cost in California right now?
California residents pay an average of 33.3¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 50th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.