Cost to Run a Refrigerator 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 (24 hours/day (always on)), a refrigerator here costs $36.44 per month.
Per hour
5.0¢
at 100–250 W
Per day
$1.20
24 hours/day (always on)
Per month
$36.44
109 kWh
Per year
$438
1,314 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (12 hrs/day) | $0.60 | $18.22 | $219 |
| Typical (24 hrs/day) | $1.20 | $36.44 | $438 |
| Heavy (24 hrs/day) | $2.40 | $72.89 | $875 |
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 33.3¢/kWh (May 2026), a refrigerator with typical usage costs about $1.20 per day, $36.44 per month, or $438 per year.
Is running a refrigerator in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 81% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $36.44 per month here versus $20.14 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.