Cost to Run a Hair Dryer 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 (7 uses/week at 0.2 kWh each), a hair dryer here costs $2.02 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
$2.02
6.1 kWh
Per year
$24.31
73 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4×/week) | 3.3¢ | $1.01 | $12.15 |
| Typical (7×/week) | 6.7¢ | $2.02 | $24.31 |
| Heavy (14×/week) | $0.13 | $4.05 | $48.62 |
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 33.3¢/kWh (May 2026), a hair dryer with typical usage costs about 6.7¢ per day, $2.02 per month, or $24.31 per year.
Is running a hair dryer in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 81% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $2.02 per month here versus $1.12 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.