Cost to Run a Microwave 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 (0.25 hours/day), a microwave here costs $2.81 per month.
Per hour
$0.37
at 600–1,500 W
Per day
9.2¢
0.25 hours/day
Per month
$2.81
8.4 kWh
Per year
$33.73
100 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (0.5 hrs/day) | 4.6¢ | $1.40 | $16.86 |
| Typical (0.25 hrs/day) | 9.2¢ | $2.81 | $33.73 |
| Heavy (0.5 hrs/day) | $0.18 | $5.62 | $67.45 |
California vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a microwave in California?
At California's current average residential rate of 33.6¢/kWh (July 2026), a microwave with typical usage costs about 9.2¢ per day, $2.81 per month, or $33.73 per year.
Is running a microwave in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 84% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $2.81 per month here versus $1.53 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.