Cost to Run a Mini Fridge 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 (24 hours/day (always on)), a mini fridge here costs $14.71 per month.
Per hour
2.0¢
at 40–100 W
Per day
$0.48
24 hours/day (always on)
Per month
$14.71
44 kWh
Per year
$177
526 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (12 hrs/day) | $0.24 | $7.35 | $88.30 |
| Typical (24 hrs/day) | $0.48 | $14.71 | $177 |
| Heavy (24 hrs/day) | $0.97 | $29.42 | $353 |
California vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a mini fridge in California?
At California's current average residential rate of 33.6¢/kWh (July 2026), a mini fridge with typical usage costs about $0.48 per day, $14.71 per month, or $177 per year.
Is running a mini fridge in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 84% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $14.71 per month here versus $8.01 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.