Cost to Run a Ductless Mini-Split 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 (8 hours/day), a ductless mini-split here costs $68.68 per month.
Per hour
$0.28
at 400–2,000 W
Per day
$2.26
8 hours/day
Per month
$68.68
195 kWh
Per year
$825
2,336 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $1.13 | $34.34 | $412 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $2.26 | $68.68 | $825 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $4.52 | $137 | $1,649 |
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 35.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a ductless mini-split with typical usage costs about $2.26 per day, $68.68 per month, or $825 per year.
Is running a ductless mini-split in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 88% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $68.68 per month here versus $36.58 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.