Cost to Run a Electric Dryer 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 3 kWh each), a electric dryer here costs $21.89 per month.
Per use
$1.01
3 kWh per use
Per day
$0.72
5 uses/week at 3 kWh each
Per month
$21.89
65 kWh
Per year
$263
782 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (3×/week) | $0.36 | $10.94 | $131 |
| Typical (5×/week) | $0.72 | $21.89 | $263 |
| Heavy (10×/week) | $1.44 | $43.78 | $526 |
California vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a electric dryer in California?
At California's current average residential rate of 33.6¢/kWh (July 2026), a electric dryer with typical usage costs about $0.72 per day, $21.89 per month, or $263 per year.
Is running a electric dryer in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 84% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $21.89 per month here versus $11.92 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.