Cost to Run a Dishwasher 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 (5 uses/week at 1.2 kWh each), a dishwasher here costs $9.20 per month.
Per use
$0.42
1.2 kWh per use
Per day
$0.30
5 uses/week at 1.2 kWh each
Per month
$9.20
26 kWh
Per year
$110
313 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (3×/week) | $0.15 | $4.60 | $55.22 |
| Typical (5×/week) | $0.30 | $9.20 | $110 |
| Heavy (10×/week) | $0.61 | $18.40 | $221 |
California vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a dishwasher in California?
At California's current average residential rate of 35.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a dishwasher with typical usage costs about $0.30 per day, $9.20 per month, or $110 per year.
Is running a dishwasher in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 88% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $9.20 per month here versus $4.90 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.