Cost to Run a Incandescent Bulb 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 (5 hours/day), a incandescent bulb here costs $3.06 per month.
Per hour
2.0¢
at 40–100 W
Per day
$0.10
5 hours/day
Per month
$3.06
9.1 kWh
Per year
$36.79
110 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (2.5 hrs/day) | 5.0¢ | $1.53 | $18.40 |
| Typical (5 hrs/day) | $0.10 | $3.06 | $36.79 |
| Heavy (10 hrs/day) | $0.20 | $6.13 | $73.58 |
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 33.6¢/kWh (July 2026), a incandescent bulb with typical usage costs about $0.10 per day, $3.06 per month, or $36.79 per year.
Is running a incandescent bulb in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 84% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $3.06 per month here versus $1.67 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.