Cost to Run a Laptop 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 (6 hours/day), a laptop here costs $3.68 per month.
Per hour
2.0¢
at 30–100 W
Per day
$0.12
6 hours/day
Per month
$3.68
11 kWh
Per year
$44.15
131 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (3 hrs/day) | 6.0¢ | $1.84 | $22.08 |
| Typical (6 hrs/day) | $0.12 | $3.68 | $44.15 |
| Heavy (12 hrs/day) | $0.24 | $7.35 | $88.30 |
California vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a laptop in California?
At California's current average residential rate of 33.6¢/kWh (July 2026), a laptop with typical usage costs about $0.12 per day, $3.68 per month, or $44.15 per year.
Is running a laptop in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 84% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $3.68 per month here versus $2.00 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.