Cost to Run a Heat Pump 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 (8 hours/day), a heat pump here costs $258 per month.
Per hour
$1.06
at 1,000–5,000 W
Per day
$8.47
8 hours/day
Per month
$258
730 kWh
Per year
$3,092
8,760 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $4.24 | $129 | $1,546 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $8.47 | $258 | $3,092 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $16.94 | $515 | $6,185 |
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 35.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a heat pump with typical usage costs about $8.47 per day, $258 per month, or $3,092 per year.
Is running a heat pump in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 88% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $258 per month here versus $137 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.