California vs Colorado Electricity Rates (2026)
Colorado has 50.2% cheaper electricity than California. Colorado residents pay 15.56¢/kWh compared to 31.22¢/kWh in California, saving about $64.00/month on average.
California
31.22¢
per kWh
$179/mo
Colorado
15.56¢
per kWh
$115/mo
Detailed Rate Comparison
| Metric | California | Colorado | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Rate | 31.22¢/kWh | 15.56¢/kWh | 17.22¢/kWh |
| Commercial Rate | 25.41¢/kWh | 11.85¢/kWh | - |
| Industrial Rate | 20.98¢/kWh | 8.49¢/kWh | - |
| Avg Monthly Bill | $179 | $115 | $134 |
| Renewable Energy | 38.0% | 30.0% | ~22% |
| Primary Source | Natural Gas | Natural Gas | - |
Appliance Running Costs: California vs Colorado
Monthly cost to run common household appliances in each state.
| Appliance | CA | CO | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Purifier | $11.24 | $5.60 | CO saves $5.64 |
| Blender | $0.37 | $0.19 | CO saves $0.19 |
| CFL Bulb (13W) | $0.97 | $0.49 | CO saves $0.49 |
| Cable / Satellite Box | $7.87 | $3.92 | CO saves $3.95 |
| Ceiling Fan | $8.43 | $4.20 | CO saves $4.23 |
| Central Air Conditioner | $262.25 | $130.70 | CO saves $131.54 |
| Chest Freezer | $17.98 | $8.96 | CO saves $9.02 |
| Clothes Dryer (Electric) | $28.10 | $14.00 | CO saves $14.09 |
| Coffee Maker | $2.11 | $1.05 | CO saves $1.06 |
| Crypto Mining Rig | $337.18 | $168.05 | CO saves $169.13 |
| Dehumidifier | $33.72 | $16.80 | CO saves $16.91 |
| Desktop Computer | $14.99 | $7.47 | CO saves $7.52 |
| Dishwasher | $16.86 | $8.40 | CO saves $8.46 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | $93.66 | $46.68 | CO saves $46.98 |
| Electric Fireplace | $52.45 | $26.14 | CO saves $26.31 |
Bottom Line: California vs Colorado
Colorado is the more affordable state for electricity, with rates 50.2% lower than California. An average household would save about $768.00/year by living in Colorado.
California gets its electricity primarily from Natural Gas with 38.0% renewable, while Colorado relies on Natural Gas with 30.0% renewable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is electricity cheaper in California or Colorado?
Electricity is cheaper in Colorado at 15.56¢/kWh compared to California at 31.22¢/kWh. That's a 50.2% difference, saving about $64.00/month on an average residential bill.
What is the average electricity bill in California vs Colorado?
The average monthly electricity bill is $179 in California and $115 in Colorado. The national average is $134.
Which state uses more renewable energy, California or Colorado?
California has a higher renewable energy percentage at 38.0%, compared to 30.0% in Colorado.
What are the main energy sources in California and Colorado?
California primarily uses Natural Gas, while Colorado relies on Natural Gas.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)