California vs North Carolina Electricity Rates (2026)
North Carolina has 54.9% cheaper electricity than California. North Carolina residents pay 14.09¢/kWh compared to 31.22¢/kWh in California, saving about $40.00/month on average.
California
31.22¢
per kWh
$179/mo
North Carolina
14.09¢
per kWh
$139/mo
Detailed Rate Comparison
| Metric | California | North Carolina | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Rate | 31.22¢/kWh | 14.09¢/kWh | 17.22¢/kWh |
| Commercial Rate | 25.41¢/kWh | 10.35¢/kWh | - |
| Industrial Rate | 20.98¢/kWh | 7.22¢/kWh | - |
| Avg Monthly Bill | $179 | $139 | $134 |
| Renewable Energy | 38.0% | 13.0% | ~22% |
| Primary Source | Natural Gas | Nuclear | - |
Appliance Running Costs: California vs North Carolina
Monthly cost to run common household appliances in each state.
| Appliance | CA | NC | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Purifier | $11.24 | $5.07 | NC saves $6.17 |
| Blender | $0.37 | $0.17 | NC saves $0.21 |
| CFL Bulb (13W) | $0.97 | $0.44 | NC saves $0.53 |
| Cable / Satellite Box | $7.87 | $3.55 | NC saves $4.32 |
| Ceiling Fan | $8.43 | $3.80 | NC saves $4.63 |
| Central Air Conditioner | $262.25 | $118.36 | NC saves $143.89 |
| Chest Freezer | $17.98 | $8.12 | NC saves $9.87 |
| Clothes Dryer (Electric) | $28.10 | $12.68 | NC saves $15.42 |
| Coffee Maker | $2.11 | $0.95 | NC saves $1.16 |
| Crypto Mining Rig | $337.18 | $152.17 | NC saves $185.00 |
| Dehumidifier | $33.72 | $15.22 | NC saves $18.50 |
| Desktop Computer | $14.99 | $6.76 | NC saves $8.22 |
| Dishwasher | $16.86 | $7.61 | NC saves $9.25 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | $93.66 | $42.27 | NC saves $51.39 |
| Electric Fireplace | $52.45 | $23.67 | NC saves $28.78 |
Bottom Line: California vs North Carolina
North Carolina is the more affordable state for electricity, with rates 54.9% lower than California. An average household would save about $480.00/year by living in North Carolina.
California gets its electricity primarily from Natural Gas with 38.0% renewable, while North Carolina relies on Nuclear with 13.0% renewable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is electricity cheaper in California or North Carolina?
Electricity is cheaper in North Carolina at 14.09¢/kWh compared to California at 31.22¢/kWh. That's a 54.9% difference, saving about $40.00/month on an average residential bill.
What is the average electricity bill in California vs North Carolina?
The average monthly electricity bill is $179 in California and $139 in North Carolina. The national average is $134.
Which state uses more renewable energy, California or North Carolina?
California has a higher renewable energy percentage at 38.0%, compared to 13.0% in North Carolina.
What are the main energy sources in California and North Carolina?
California primarily uses Natural Gas, while North Carolina relies on Nuclear.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)