Alabama vs California Electricity Rates (2026)
Alabama has 52.4% cheaper electricity than California. Alabama residents pay 14.87¢/kWh compared to 31.22¢/kWh in California, saving about $16.00/month on average.
Alabama
14.87¢
per kWh
$163/mo
California
31.22¢
per kWh
$179/mo
Detailed Rate Comparison
| Metric | Alabama | California | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Rate | 14.87¢/kWh | 31.22¢/kWh | 17.22¢/kWh |
| Commercial Rate | 12.83¢/kWh | 25.41¢/kWh | - |
| Industrial Rate | 7.58¢/kWh | 20.98¢/kWh | - |
| Avg Monthly Bill | $163 | $179 | $134 |
| Renewable Energy | 12.0% | 38.0% | ~22% |
| Primary Source | Natural Gas | Natural Gas | - |
Appliance Running Costs: Alabama vs California
Monthly cost to run common household appliances in each state.
| Appliance | AL | CA | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Purifier | $5.35 | $11.24 | AL saves $5.89 |
| Blender | $0.18 | $0.37 | AL saves $0.20 |
| CFL Bulb (13W) | $0.46 | $0.97 | AL saves $0.51 |
| Cable / Satellite Box | $3.75 | $7.87 | AL saves $4.12 |
| Ceiling Fan | $4.01 | $8.43 | AL saves $4.41 |
| Central Air Conditioner | $124.91 | $262.25 | AL saves $137.34 |
| Chest Freezer | $8.57 | $17.98 | AL saves $9.42 |
| Clothes Dryer (Electric) | $13.38 | $28.10 | AL saves $14.72 |
| Coffee Maker | $1.00 | $2.11 | AL saves $1.10 |
| Crypto Mining Rig | $160.60 | $337.18 | AL saves $176.58 |
| Dehumidifier | $16.06 | $33.72 | AL saves $17.66 |
| Desktop Computer | $7.14 | $14.99 | AL saves $7.85 |
| Dishwasher | $8.03 | $16.86 | AL saves $8.83 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | $44.61 | $93.66 | AL saves $49.05 |
| Electric Fireplace | $24.98 | $52.45 | AL saves $27.47 |
Bottom Line: Alabama vs California
Alabama is the more affordable state for electricity, with rates 52.4% lower than California. An average household would save about $192.00/year by living in Alabama.
Alabama gets its electricity primarily from Natural Gas with 12.0% renewable, while California relies on Natural Gas with 38.0% renewable.
Explore More
Frequently Asked Questions
Is electricity cheaper in Alabama or California?
Electricity is cheaper in Alabama at 14.87¢/kWh compared to California at 31.22¢/kWh. That's a 52.4% difference, saving about $16.00/month on an average residential bill.
What is the average electricity bill in Alabama vs California?
The average monthly electricity bill is $163 in Alabama and $179 in California. The national average is $134.
Which state uses more renewable energy, Alabama or California?
California has a higher renewable energy percentage at 38.0%, compared to 12.0% in Alabama.
What are the main energy sources in Alabama and California?
Alabama primarily uses Natural Gas, while California relies on Natural Gas.
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)