Cost to Run a Security Camera (Wired) 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 security camera (wired) here costs $1.29 per month.
Per hour
0.2¢
at 3–10 W
Per day
4.2¢
24 hours/day (always on)
Per month
$1.29
3.6 kWh
Per year
$15.46
44 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (12 hrs/day) | 2.1¢ | $0.64 | $7.73 |
| Typical (24 hrs/day) | 4.2¢ | $1.29 | $15.46 |
| Heavy (24 hrs/day) | 8.5¢ | $2.58 | $30.92 |
California vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a security camera (wired) in California?
At California's current average residential rate of 35.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a security camera (wired) with typical usage costs about 4.2¢ per day, $1.29 per month, or $15.46 per year.
Is running a security camera (wired) in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 88% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $1.29 per month here versus $0.69 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.