Cost to Run a Heat Pump 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 (8 hours/day), a heat pump here costs $245 per month.
Per hour
$1.01
at 1,000–5,000 W
Per day
$8.06
8 hours/day
Per month
$245
730 kWh
Per year
$2,943
8,760 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $4.03 | $123 | $1,472 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $8.06 | $245 | $2,943 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $16.13 | $490 | $5,887 |
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 in California?
At California's current average residential rate of 33.6¢/kWh (July 2026), a heat pump with typical usage costs about $8.06 per day, $245 per month, or $2,943 per year.
Is running a heat pump in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 84% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $245 per month here versus $134 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.