California vs Idaho Electricity Rates (2026)
Idaho has 64.3% cheaper electricity than California. Idaho residents pay 11.15¢/kWh compared to 31.22¢/kWh in California, saving about $72.00/month on average.
California
31.22¢
per kWh
$179/mo
Idaho
11.15¢
per kWh
$107/mo
Detailed Rate Comparison
| Metric | California | Idaho | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Rate | 31.22¢/kWh | 11.15¢/kWh | 17.22¢/kWh |
| Commercial Rate | 25.41¢/kWh | 8.69¢/kWh | - |
| Industrial Rate | 20.98¢/kWh | 6.87¢/kWh | - |
| Avg Monthly Bill | $179 | $107 | $134 |
| Renewable Energy | 38.0% | 73.0% | ~22% |
| Primary Source | Natural Gas | Hydroelectric | - |
Appliance Running Costs: California vs Idaho
Monthly cost to run common household appliances in each state.
| Appliance | CA | ID | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Purifier | $11.24 | $4.01 | ID saves $7.23 |
| Blender | $0.37 | $0.13 | ID saves $0.24 |
| CFL Bulb (13W) | $0.97 | $0.35 | ID saves $0.63 |
| Cable / Satellite Box | $7.87 | $2.81 | ID saves $5.06 |
| Ceiling Fan | $8.43 | $3.01 | ID saves $5.42 |
| Central Air Conditioner | $262.25 | $93.66 | ID saves $168.59 |
| Chest Freezer | $17.98 | $6.42 | ID saves $11.56 |
| Clothes Dryer (Electric) | $28.10 | $10.04 | ID saves $18.06 |
| Coffee Maker | $2.11 | $0.75 | ID saves $1.35 |
| Crypto Mining Rig | $337.18 | $120.42 | ID saves $216.76 |
| Dehumidifier | $33.72 | $12.04 | ID saves $21.68 |
| Desktop Computer | $14.99 | $5.35 | ID saves $9.63 |
| Dishwasher | $16.86 | $6.02 | ID saves $10.84 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | $93.66 | $33.45 | ID saves $60.21 |
| Electric Fireplace | $52.45 | $18.73 | ID saves $33.72 |
Bottom Line: California vs Idaho
Idaho is the more affordable state for electricity, with rates 64.3% lower than California. An average household would save about $864.00/year by living in Idaho.
California gets its electricity primarily from Natural Gas with 38.0% renewable, while Idaho relies on Hydroelectric with 73.0% renewable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is electricity cheaper in California or Idaho?
Electricity is cheaper in Idaho at 11.15¢/kWh compared to California at 31.22¢/kWh. That's a 64.3% difference, saving about $72.00/month on an average residential bill.
What is the average electricity bill in California vs Idaho?
The average monthly electricity bill is $179 in California and $107 in Idaho. The national average is $134.
Which state uses more renewable energy, California or Idaho?
Idaho has a higher renewable energy percentage at 73.0%, compared to 38.0% in California.
What are the main energy sources in California and Idaho?
California primarily uses Natural Gas, while Idaho relies on Hydroelectric.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)