Cost to Run a Ductless Mini-Split 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 (8 hours/day), a ductless mini-split here costs $64.79 per month.
Per hour
$0.27
at 400–2,000 W
Per day
$2.13
8 hours/day
Per month
$64.79
195 kWh
Per year
$778
2,336 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $1.07 | $32.39 | $389 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $2.13 | $64.79 | $778 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $4.26 | $130 | $1,556 |
California vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a ductless mini-split in California?
At California's current average residential rate of 33.3¢/kWh (May 2026), a ductless mini-split with typical usage costs about $2.13 per day, $64.79 per month, or $778 per year.
Is running a ductless mini-split in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 81% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $64.79 per month here versus $35.80 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.