Cost to Run a Computer Monitor 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 (8 hours/day), a computer monitor here costs $2.66 per month.
Per hour
1.1¢
at 20–60 W
Per day
8.8¢
8 hours/day
Per month
$2.66
7.5 kWh
Per year
$31.95
91 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | 4.4¢ | $1.33 | $15.98 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | 8.8¢ | $2.66 | $31.95 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $0.18 | $5.32 | $63.91 |
California vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a computer monitor in California?
At California's current average residential rate of 35.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a computer monitor with typical usage costs about 8.8¢ per day, $2.66 per month, or $31.95 per year.
Is running a computer monitor in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 88% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $2.66 per month here versus $1.42 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.