Cost to Run a Refrigerator 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 (24 hours/day (always on)), a refrigerator here costs $36.77 per month.
Per hour
5.0¢
at 100–250 W
Per day
$1.21
24 hours/day (always on)
Per month
$36.77
109 kWh
Per year
$442
1,314 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (12 hrs/day) | $0.60 | $18.39 | $221 |
| Typical (24 hrs/day) | $1.21 | $36.77 | $442 |
| Heavy (24 hrs/day) | $2.42 | $73.54 | $883 |
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 33.6¢/kWh (July 2026), a refrigerator with typical usage costs about $1.21 per day, $36.77 per month, or $442 per year.
Is running a refrigerator in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 84% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $36.77 per month here versus $20.03 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.