California vs Illinois Electricity Rates (2026)
Illinois has 47.9% cheaper electricity than California. Illinois residents pay 16.27¢/kWh compared to 31.22¢/kWh in California, saving about $64.00/month on average.
California
31.22¢
per kWh
$179/mo
Illinois
16.27¢
per kWh
$115/mo
Detailed Rate Comparison
| Metric | California | Illinois | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Rate | 31.22¢/kWh | 16.27¢/kWh | 17.22¢/kWh |
| Commercial Rate | 25.41¢/kWh | 11.38¢/kWh | - |
| Industrial Rate | 20.98¢/kWh | 8.14¢/kWh | - |
| Avg Monthly Bill | $179 | $115 | $134 |
| Renewable Energy | 38.0% | 13.0% | ~22% |
| Primary Source | Natural Gas | Nuclear | - |
Appliance Running Costs: California vs Illinois
Monthly cost to run common household appliances in each state.
| Appliance | CA | IL | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Purifier | $11.24 | $5.86 | IL saves $5.38 |
| Blender | $0.37 | $0.20 | IL saves $0.18 |
| CFL Bulb (13W) | $0.97 | $0.51 | IL saves $0.47 |
| Cable / Satellite Box | $7.87 | $4.10 | IL saves $3.77 |
| Ceiling Fan | $8.43 | $4.39 | IL saves $4.04 |
| Central Air Conditioner | $262.25 | $136.67 | IL saves $125.58 |
| Chest Freezer | $17.98 | $9.37 | IL saves $8.61 |
| Clothes Dryer (Electric) | $28.10 | $14.64 | IL saves $13.46 |
| Coffee Maker | $2.11 | $1.10 | IL saves $1.01 |
| Crypto Mining Rig | $337.18 | $175.72 | IL saves $161.46 |
| Dehumidifier | $33.72 | $17.57 | IL saves $16.15 |
| Desktop Computer | $14.99 | $7.81 | IL saves $7.18 |
| Dishwasher | $16.86 | $8.79 | IL saves $8.07 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | $93.66 | $48.81 | IL saves $44.85 |
| Electric Fireplace | $52.45 | $27.33 | IL saves $25.12 |
Bottom Line: California vs Illinois
Illinois is the more affordable state for electricity, with rates 47.9% lower than California. An average household would save about $768.00/year by living in Illinois.
California gets its electricity primarily from Natural Gas with 38.0% renewable, while Illinois relies on Nuclear with 13.0% renewable.
Explore More
Frequently Asked Questions
Is electricity cheaper in California or Illinois?
Electricity is cheaper in Illinois at 16.27¢/kWh compared to California at 31.22¢/kWh. That's a 47.9% difference, saving about $64.00/month on an average residential bill.
What is the average electricity bill in California vs Illinois?
The average monthly electricity bill is $179 in California and $115 in Illinois. The national average is $134.
Which state uses more renewable energy, California or Illinois?
California has a higher renewable energy percentage at 38.0%, compared to 13.0% in Illinois.
What are the main energy sources in California and Illinois?
California primarily uses Natural Gas, while Illinois relies on Nuclear.
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)