Cost to Run a Ductless Mini-Split 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 (8 hours/day), a ductless mini-split here costs $65.37 per month.
Per hour
$0.27
at 400–2,000 W
Per day
$2.15
8 hours/day
Per month
$65.37
195 kWh
Per year
$785
2,336 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $1.08 | $32.69 | $392 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $2.15 | $65.37 | $785 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $4.30 | $131 | $1,570 |
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 33.6¢/kWh (July 2026), a ductless mini-split with typical usage costs about $2.15 per day, $65.37 per month, or $785 per year.
Is running a ductless mini-split in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 84% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $65.37 per month here versus $35.60 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.