Cost to Run a Electric Fireplace in California
California's average residential electricity rate is 33.3¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 50th cheapest in the country, 81% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (5 hours/day), a electric fireplace here costs $70.86 per month.
Per hour
$0.47
at 750–1,500 W
Per day
$2.33
5 hours/day
Per month
$70.86
213 kWh
Per year
$851
2,555 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (2.5 hrs/day) | $1.17 | $35.43 | $425 |
| Typical (5 hrs/day) | $2.33 | $70.86 | $851 |
| Heavy (10 hrs/day) | $4.66 | $142 | $1,702 |
California vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a electric fireplace in California?
At California's current average residential rate of 33.3¢/kWh (May 2026), a electric fireplace with typical usage costs about $2.33 per day, $70.86 per month, or $851 per year.
Is running a electric fireplace in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 81% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $70.86 per month here versus $39.16 nationally.
What does electricity cost in California right now?
California residents pay an average of 33.3¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 50th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.