Cost to Run a Chest Freezer 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 chest freezer here costs $21.87 per month.
Per hour
3.0¢
at 60–150 W
Per day
$0.72
24 hours/day (always on)
Per month
$21.87
66 kWh
Per year
$263
788 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (12 hrs/day) | $0.36 | $10.93 | $131 |
| Typical (24 hrs/day) | $0.72 | $21.87 | $263 |
| Heavy (24 hrs/day) | $1.44 | $43.73 | $525 |
California vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a chest freezer in California?
At California's current average residential rate of 33.3¢/kWh (May 2026), a chest freezer with typical usage costs about $0.72 per day, $21.87 per month, or $263 per year.
Is running a chest freezer in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 81% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $21.87 per month here versus $12.08 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.