California vs New Jersey Electricity Rates (2026)
New Jersey has 40.8% cheaper electricity than California. New Jersey residents pay 18.48¢/kWh compared to 31.22¢/kWh in California, saving about $58.00/month on average.
California
31.22¢
per kWh
$179/mo
New Jersey
18.48¢
per kWh
$121/mo
Detailed Rate Comparison
| Metric | California | New Jersey | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Rate | 31.22¢/kWh | 18.48¢/kWh | 17.22¢/kWh |
| Commercial Rate | 25.41¢/kWh | 14.02¢/kWh | - |
| Industrial Rate | 20.98¢/kWh | 12.05¢/kWh | - |
| Avg Monthly Bill | $179 | $121 | $134 |
| Renewable Energy | 38.0% | 8.0% | ~22% |
| Primary Source | Natural Gas | Natural Gas | - |
Appliance Running Costs: California vs New Jersey
Monthly cost to run common household appliances in each state.
| Appliance | CA | NJ | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Purifier | $11.24 | $6.65 | NJ saves $4.59 |
| Blender | $0.37 | $0.22 | NJ saves $0.15 |
| CFL Bulb (13W) | $0.97 | $0.58 | NJ saves $0.40 |
| Cable / Satellite Box | $7.87 | $4.66 | NJ saves $3.21 |
| Ceiling Fan | $8.43 | $4.99 | NJ saves $3.44 |
| Central Air Conditioner | $262.25 | $155.23 | NJ saves $107.02 |
| Chest Freezer | $17.98 | $10.64 | NJ saves $7.34 |
| Clothes Dryer (Electric) | $28.10 | $16.63 | NJ saves $11.47 |
| Coffee Maker | $2.11 | $1.25 | NJ saves $0.86 |
| Crypto Mining Rig | $337.18 | $199.58 | NJ saves $137.59 |
| Dehumidifier | $33.72 | $19.96 | NJ saves $13.76 |
| Desktop Computer | $14.99 | $8.87 | NJ saves $6.12 |
| Dishwasher | $16.86 | $9.98 | NJ saves $6.88 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | $93.66 | $55.44 | NJ saves $38.22 |
| Electric Fireplace | $52.45 | $31.05 | NJ saves $21.40 |
Bottom Line: California vs New Jersey
New Jersey is the more affordable state for electricity, with rates 40.8% lower than California. An average household would save about $696.00/year by living in New Jersey.
California gets its electricity primarily from Natural Gas with 38.0% renewable, while New Jersey relies on Natural Gas with 8.0% renewable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is electricity cheaper in California or New Jersey?
Electricity is cheaper in New Jersey at 18.48¢/kWh compared to California at 31.22¢/kWh. That's a 40.8% difference, saving about $58.00/month on an average residential bill.
What is the average electricity bill in California vs New Jersey?
The average monthly electricity bill is $179 in California and $121 in New Jersey. The national average is $134.
Which state uses more renewable energy, California or New Jersey?
California has a higher renewable energy percentage at 38.0%, compared to 8.0% in New Jersey.
What are the main energy sources in California and New Jersey?
California primarily uses Natural Gas, while New Jersey relies on Natural Gas.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)