Cost to Run a Microwave in California
California's average residential electricity rate is 35.3¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 50th cheapest in the country, 88% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (0.25 hours/day), a microwave here costs $2.95 per month.
Per hour
$0.39
at 600–1,500 W
Per day
$0.10
0.25 hours/day
Per month
$2.95
8.4 kWh
Per year
$35.43
100 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (0.5 hrs/day) | 4.9¢ | $1.48 | $17.72 |
| Typical (0.25 hrs/day) | $0.10 | $2.95 | $35.43 |
| Heavy (0.5 hrs/day) | $0.19 | $5.90 | $70.86 |
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 35.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a microwave with typical usage costs about $0.10 per day, $2.95 per month, or $35.43 per year.
Is running a microwave in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 88% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $2.95 per month here versus $1.57 nationally.
What does electricity cost in California right now?
California residents pay an average of 35.3¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 50th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.