Cost to Run a Dishwasher 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 (5 uses/week at 1.2 kWh each), a dishwasher here costs $8.76 per month.
Per use
$0.40
1.2 kWh per use
Per day
$0.29
5 uses/week at 1.2 kWh each
Per month
$8.76
26 kWh
Per year
$105
313 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (3×/week) | $0.14 | $4.38 | $52.56 |
| Typical (5×/week) | $0.29 | $8.76 | $105 |
| Heavy (10×/week) | $0.58 | $17.51 | $210 |
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 33.6¢/kWh (July 2026), a dishwasher with typical usage costs about $0.29 per day, $8.76 per month, or $105 per year.
Is running a dishwasher in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 84% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $8.76 per month here versus $4.77 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.