Cost to Run a Mini Fridge 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 (24 hours/day (always on)), a mini fridge here costs $15.45 per month.
Per hour
2.1¢
at 40–100 W
Per day
$0.51
24 hours/day (always on)
Per month
$15.45
44 kWh
Per year
$186
526 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (12 hrs/day) | $0.25 | $7.73 | $92.77 |
| Typical (24 hrs/day) | $0.51 | $15.45 | $186 |
| Heavy (24 hrs/day) | $1.02 | $30.91 | $371 |
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 35.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a mini fridge with typical usage costs about $0.51 per day, $15.45 per month, or $186 per year.
Is running a mini fridge in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 88% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $15.45 per month here versus $8.23 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.