Cost to Run a Hair 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 (7 uses/week at 0.2 kWh each), a hair dryer here costs $2.15 per month.
Per use
7.1¢
0.2 kWh per use
Per day
7.1¢
7 uses/week at 0.2 kWh each
Per month
$2.15
6.1 kWh
Per year
$25.77
73 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4×/week) | 3.5¢ | $1.07 | $12.88 |
| Typical (7×/week) | 7.1¢ | $2.15 | $25.77 |
| Heavy (14×/week) | $0.14 | $4.29 | $51.54 |
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 35.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a hair dryer with typical usage costs about 7.1¢ per day, $2.15 per month, or $25.77 per year.
Is running a hair 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 $2.15 per month here versus $1.14 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.