Cost to Run a Chest Freezer in California
California's average residential electricity rate is 33.6¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 50th cheapest in the country, 84% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (24 hours/day (always on)), a chest freezer here costs $22.06 per month.
Per hour
3.0¢
at 60–150 W
Per day
$0.73
24 hours/day (always on)
Per month
$22.06
66 kWh
Per year
$265
788 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (12 hrs/day) | $0.36 | $11.03 | $132 |
| Typical (24 hrs/day) | $0.73 | $22.06 | $265 |
| Heavy (24 hrs/day) | $1.45 | $44.13 | $530 |
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 33.6¢/kWh (July 2026), a chest freezer with typical usage costs about $0.73 per day, $22.06 per month, or $265 per year.
Is running a chest freezer in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 84% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $22.06 per month here versus $12.02 nationally.
What does electricity cost in California right now?
California residents pay an average of 33.6¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 50th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.