Cost to Run a Refrigerator 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 refrigerator here costs $38.63 per month.
Per hour
5.3¢
at 100–250 W
Per day
$1.27
24 hours/day (always on)
Per month
$38.63
109 kWh
Per year
$464
1,314 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (12 hrs/day) | $0.64 | $19.32 | $232 |
| Typical (24 hrs/day) | $1.27 | $38.63 | $464 |
| Heavy (24 hrs/day) | $2.54 | $77.26 | $928 |
California vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a refrigerator in California?
At California's current average residential rate of 35.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a refrigerator with typical usage costs about $1.27 per day, $38.63 per month, or $464 per year.
Is running a refrigerator in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 88% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $38.63 per month here versus $20.57 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.