Cost to Run a Incandescent Bulb 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 (5 hours/day), a incandescent bulb here costs $3.22 per month.
Per hour
2.1¢
at 40–100 W
Per day
$0.11
5 hours/day
Per month
$3.22
9.1 kWh
Per year
$38.65
110 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (2.5 hrs/day) | 5.3¢ | $1.61 | $19.33 |
| Typical (5 hrs/day) | $0.11 | $3.22 | $38.65 |
| Heavy (10 hrs/day) | $0.21 | $6.44 | $77.31 |
California vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a incandescent bulb in California?
At California's current average residential rate of 35.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a incandescent bulb with typical usage costs about $0.11 per day, $3.22 per month, or $38.65 per year.
Is running a incandescent bulb in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 88% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $3.22 per month here versus $1.71 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.