Cost to Run a Electric Water Heater 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 (2.9 hours/day), a electric water heater here costs $133 per month.
Per hour
$1.51
at 3,500–5,500 W
Per day
$4.38
2.9 hours/day
Per month
$133
397 kWh
Per year
$1,600
4,763 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (1.45 hrs/day) | $2.19 | $66.65 | $800 |
| Typical (2.9 hrs/day) | $4.38 | $133 | $1,600 |
| Heavy (5.8 hrs/day) | $8.77 | $267 | $3,201 |
California vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a electric water heater in California?
At California's current average residential rate of 33.6¢/kWh (July 2026), a electric water heater with typical usage costs about $4.38 per day, $133 per month, or $1,600 per year.
Is running a electric water heater in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 84% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $133 per month here versus $72.60 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.