Cost to Run a Electric Dryer 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 3 kWh each), a electric dryer here costs $23.00 per month.
Per use
$1.06
3 kWh per use
Per day
$0.76
5 uses/week at 3 kWh each
Per month
$23.00
65 kWh
Per year
$276
782 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (3×/week) | $0.38 | $11.50 | $138 |
| Typical (5×/week) | $0.76 | $23.00 | $276 |
| Heavy (10×/week) | $1.51 | $45.99 | $552 |
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 35.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a electric dryer with typical usage costs about $0.76 per day, $23.00 per month, or $276 per year.
Is running a electric dryer in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 88% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $23.00 per month here versus $12.25 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.