Cost to Run a LED Light Bulb 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 (5 hours/day), a led light bulb here costs $0.46 per month.
Per hour
0.3¢
at 5–15 W
Per day
1.5¢
5 hours/day
Per month
$0.46
1.4 kWh
Per year
$5.47
16 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (2.5 hrs/day) | 0.7¢ | $0.23 | $2.73 |
| Typical (5 hrs/day) | 1.5¢ | $0.46 | $5.47 |
| Heavy (10 hrs/day) | 3.0¢ | $0.91 | $10.94 |
California vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a led light bulb in California?
At California's current average residential rate of 33.3¢/kWh (May 2026), a led light bulb with typical usage costs about 1.5¢ per day, $0.46 per month, or $5.47 per year.
Is running a led light bulb in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 81% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $0.46 per month here versus $0.25 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.