Cost to Run a Tankless Electric Water Heater 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 (0.7 hours/day), a tankless electric water heater here costs $129 per month.
Per hour
$6.05
at 13,000–27,000 W
Per day
$4.23
0.7 hours/day
Per month
$129
383 kWh
Per year
$1,545
4,599 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (0.5 hrs/day) | $2.12 | $64.35 | $773 |
| Typical (0.7 hrs/day) | $4.23 | $129 | $1,545 |
| Heavy (1.4 hrs/day) | $8.47 | $257 | $3,091 |
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 33.6¢/kWh (July 2026), a tankless electric water heater with typical usage costs about $4.23 per day, $129 per month, or $1,545 per year.
Is running a tankless electric water heater in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 84% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $129 per month here versus $70.10 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.