Cost to Run a Hair 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 (7 uses/week at 0.2 kWh each), a hair dryer here costs $2.04 per month.
Per use
6.7¢
0.2 kWh per use
Per day
6.7¢
7 uses/week at 0.2 kWh each
Per month
$2.04
6.1 kWh
Per year
$24.53
73 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4×/week) | 3.4¢ | $1.02 | $12.26 |
| Typical (7×/week) | 6.7¢ | $2.04 | $24.53 |
| Heavy (14×/week) | $0.13 | $4.09 | $49.06 |
California vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a hair dryer in California?
At California's current average residential rate of 33.6¢/kWh (July 2026), a hair dryer with typical usage costs about 6.7¢ per day, $2.04 per month, or $24.53 per year.
Is running a hair 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 $2.04 per month here versus $1.11 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.