Cost to Run a Upright Freezer 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 upright freezer here costs $30.91 per month.
Per hour
4.2¢
at 80–180 W
Per day
$1.02
24 hours/day (always on)
Per month
$30.91
88 kWh
Per year
$371
1,051 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (12 hrs/day) | $0.51 | $15.45 | $186 |
| Typical (24 hrs/day) | $1.02 | $30.91 | $371 |
| Heavy (24 hrs/day) | $2.03 | $61.81 | $742 |
California vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a upright freezer in California?
At California's current average residential rate of 35.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a upright freezer with typical usage costs about $1.02 per day, $30.91 per month, or $371 per year.
Is running a upright freezer in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 88% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $30.91 per month here versus $16.46 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.