Cost to Run a Chest Freezer in California
California's average residential electricity rate is 35.3¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 50th cheapest in the country, 88% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (24 hours/day (always on)), a chest freezer here costs $23.18 per month.
Per hour
3.2¢
at 60–150 W
Per day
$0.76
24 hours/day (always on)
Per month
$23.18
66 kWh
Per year
$278
788 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (12 hrs/day) | $0.38 | $11.59 | $139 |
| Typical (24 hrs/day) | $0.76 | $23.18 | $278 |
| Heavy (24 hrs/day) | $1.52 | $46.36 | $557 |
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 35.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a chest freezer with typical usage costs about $0.76 per day, $23.18 per month, or $278 per year.
Is running a chest freezer in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 88% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $23.18 per month here versus $12.34 nationally.
What does electricity cost in California right now?
California residents pay an average of 35.3¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 50th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.