Cost to Run a Wi-Fi Router 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 wi-fi router here costs $3.09 per month.
Per hour
0.4¢
at 6–20 W
Per day
$0.10
24 hours/day (always on)
Per month
$3.09
8.8 kWh
Per year
$37.11
105 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (12 hrs/day) | 5.1¢ | $1.55 | $18.55 |
| Typical (24 hrs/day) | $0.10 | $3.09 | $37.11 |
| Heavy (24 hrs/day) | $0.20 | $6.18 | $74.21 |
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 35.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a wi-fi router with typical usage costs about $0.10 per day, $3.09 per month, or $37.11 per year.
Is running a wi-fi router in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 88% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $3.09 per month here versus $1.65 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.