California vs Montana Electricity Rates (2026)
Montana has 59.0% cheaper electricity than California. Montana residents pay 12.81¢/kWh compared to 31.22¢/kWh in California, saving about $72.00/month on average.
California
31.22¢
per kWh
$179/mo
Montana
12.81¢
per kWh
$107/mo
Detailed Rate Comparison
| Metric | California | Montana | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Rate | 31.22¢/kWh | 12.81¢/kWh | 17.22¢/kWh |
| Commercial Rate | 25.41¢/kWh | 10.92¢/kWh | - |
| Industrial Rate | 20.98¢/kWh | 6.35¢/kWh | - |
| Avg Monthly Bill | $179 | $107 | $134 |
| Renewable Energy | 38.0% | 48.0% | ~22% |
| Primary Source | Natural Gas | Hydroelectric | - |
Appliance Running Costs: California vs Montana
Monthly cost to run common household appliances in each state.
| Appliance | CA | MT | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Purifier | $11.24 | $4.61 | MT saves $6.63 |
| Blender | $0.37 | $0.15 | MT saves $0.22 |
| CFL Bulb (13W) | $0.97 | $0.40 | MT saves $0.57 |
| Cable / Satellite Box | $7.87 | $3.23 | MT saves $4.64 |
| Ceiling Fan | $8.43 | $3.46 | MT saves $4.97 |
| Central Air Conditioner | $262.25 | $107.60 | MT saves $154.64 |
| Chest Freezer | $17.98 | $7.38 | MT saves $10.60 |
| Clothes Dryer (Electric) | $28.10 | $11.53 | MT saves $16.57 |
| Coffee Maker | $2.11 | $0.86 | MT saves $1.24 |
| Crypto Mining Rig | $337.18 | $138.35 | MT saves $198.83 |
| Dehumidifier | $33.72 | $13.83 | MT saves $19.88 |
| Desktop Computer | $14.99 | $6.15 | MT saves $8.84 |
| Dishwasher | $16.86 | $6.92 | MT saves $9.94 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | $93.66 | $38.43 | MT saves $55.23 |
| Electric Fireplace | $52.45 | $21.52 | MT saves $30.93 |
Bottom Line: California vs Montana
Montana is the more affordable state for electricity, with rates 59.0% lower than California. An average household would save about $864.00/year by living in Montana.
California gets its electricity primarily from Natural Gas with 38.0% renewable, while Montana relies on Hydroelectric with 48.0% renewable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is electricity cheaper in California or Montana?
Electricity is cheaper in Montana at 12.81¢/kWh compared to California at 31.22¢/kWh. That's a 59.0% difference, saving about $72.00/month on an average residential bill.
What is the average electricity bill in California vs Montana?
The average monthly electricity bill is $179 in California and $107 in Montana. The national average is $134.
Which state uses more renewable energy, California or Montana?
Montana has a higher renewable energy percentage at 48.0%, compared to 38.0% in California.
What are the main energy sources in California and Montana?
California primarily uses Natural Gas, while Montana relies on Hydroelectric.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)