Cost to Run a Wi-Fi Router 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 (24 hours/day (always on)), a wi-fi router here costs $2.94 per month.
Per hour
0.4¢
at 6–20 W
Per day
$0.10
24 hours/day (always on)
Per month
$2.94
8.8 kWh
Per year
$35.32
105 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (12 hrs/day) | 4.8¢ | $1.47 | $17.66 |
| Typical (24 hrs/day) | $0.10 | $2.94 | $35.32 |
| Heavy (24 hrs/day) | $0.19 | $5.88 | $70.64 |
California vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a wi-fi router in California?
At California's current average residential rate of 33.6¢/kWh (July 2026), a wi-fi router with typical usage costs about $0.10 per day, $2.94 per month, or $35.32 per year.
Is running a wi-fi router in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 84% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $2.94 per month here versus $1.60 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.