Cost to Run a Tankless Electric Water Heater 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 (0.7 hours/day), a tankless electric water heater here costs $128 per month.
Per hour
$5.99
at 13,000–27,000 W
Per day
$4.20
0.7 hours/day
Per month
$128
383 kWh
Per year
$1,531
4,599 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (0.5 hrs/day) | $2.10 | $63.78 | $766 |
| Typical (0.7 hrs/day) | $4.20 | $128 | $1,531 |
| Heavy (1.4 hrs/day) | $8.39 | $255 | $3,063 |
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 33.3¢/kWh (May 2026), a tankless electric water heater with typical usage costs about $4.20 per day, $128 per month, or $1,531 per year.
Is running a tankless electric water heater in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 81% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $128 per month here versus $70.48 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.