Cost to Run a Heat Pump Water Heater 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 (3 hours/day), a heat pump water heater here costs $32.19 per month.
Per hour
$0.35
at 400–1,500 W
Per day
$1.06
3 hours/day
Per month
$32.19
91 kWh
Per year
$387
1,095 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (1.5 hrs/day) | $0.53 | $16.10 | $193 |
| Typical (3 hrs/day) | $1.06 | $32.19 | $387 |
| Heavy (6 hrs/day) | $2.12 | $64.39 | $773 |
California vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a heat pump water heater in California?
At California's current average residential rate of 35.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a heat pump water heater with typical usage costs about $1.06 per day, $32.19 per month, or $387 per year.
Is running a heat pump water heater in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 88% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $32.19 per month here versus $17.15 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.