Cost to Run a Tankless Electric Water Heater 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 (0.7 hours/day), a tankless electric water heater here costs $135 per month.
Per hour
$6.35
at 13,000–27,000 W
Per day
$4.45
0.7 hours/day
Per month
$135
383 kWh
Per year
$1,623
4,599 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (0.5 hrs/day) | $2.22 | $67.61 | $812 |
| Typical (0.7 hrs/day) | $4.45 | $135 | $1,623 |
| Heavy (1.4 hrs/day) | $8.90 | $270 | $3,247 |
California vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a tankless electric water heater in California?
At California's current average residential rate of 35.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a tankless electric water heater with typical usage costs about $4.45 per day, $135 per month, or $1,623 per year.
Is running a tankless electric water heater in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 88% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $135 per month here versus $72.01 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.