Cost to Run a Laptop in California
California's average residential electricity rate is 33.3¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 50th cheapest in the country, 81% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (6 hours/day), a laptop here costs $3.64 per month.
Per hour
2.0¢
at 30–100 W
Per day
$0.12
6 hours/day
Per month
$3.64
11 kWh
Per year
$43.76
131 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (3 hrs/day) | 6.0¢ | $1.82 | $21.88 |
| Typical (6 hrs/day) | $0.12 | $3.64 | $43.76 |
| Heavy (12 hrs/day) | $0.24 | $7.29 | $87.51 |
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 33.3¢/kWh (May 2026), a laptop with typical usage costs about $0.12 per day, $3.64 per month, or $43.76 per year.
Is running a laptop in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 81% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $3.64 per month here versus $2.01 nationally.
What does electricity cost in California right now?
California residents pay an average of 33.3¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 50th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.