Cost to Run a Humidifier 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 (10 hours/day), a humidifier here costs $4.09 per month.
Per hour
1.3¢
at 20–300 W
Per day
$0.13
10 hours/day
Per month
$4.09
12 kWh
Per year
$49.06
146 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (5 hrs/day) | 6.7¢ | $2.04 | $24.53 |
| Typical (10 hrs/day) | $0.13 | $4.09 | $49.06 |
| Heavy (20 hrs/day) | $0.27 | $8.17 | $98.11 |
California vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a humidifier in California?
At California's current average residential rate of 33.6¢/kWh (July 2026), a humidifier with typical usage costs about $0.13 per day, $4.09 per month, or $49.06 per year.
Is running a humidifier in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 84% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $4.09 per month here versus $2.23 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.