Cost to Run a Heat Pump 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 (8 hours/day), a heat pump here costs $243 per month.
Per hour
$1.00
at 1,000–5,000 W
Per day
$7.99
8 hours/day
Per month
$243
730 kWh
Per year
$2,917
8,760 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $4.00 | $121 | $1,459 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $7.99 | $243 | $2,917 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $15.98 | $486 | $5,834 |
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 33.3¢/kWh (May 2026), a heat pump with typical usage costs about $7.99 per day, $243 per month, or $2,917 per year.
Is running a heat pump in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 81% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $243 per month here versus $134 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.