California vs Rhode Island Electricity Rates (2026)
Rhode Island has 10.1% cheaper electricity than California. Rhode Island residents pay 28.08¢/kWh compared to 31.22¢/kWh in California, saving about $48.00/month on average.
California
31.22¢
per kWh
$179/mo
Rhode Island
28.08¢
per kWh
$131/mo
Detailed Rate Comparison
| Metric | California | Rhode Island | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Rate | 31.22¢/kWh | 28.08¢/kWh | 17.22¢/kWh |
| Commercial Rate | 25.41¢/kWh | 21.44¢/kWh | - |
| Industrial Rate | 20.98¢/kWh | 19.64¢/kWh | - |
| Avg Monthly Bill | $179 | $131 | $134 |
| Renewable Energy | 38.0% | 9.0% | ~22% |
| Primary Source | Natural Gas | Natural Gas | - |
Appliance Running Costs: California vs Rhode Island
Monthly cost to run common household appliances in each state.
| Appliance | CA | RI | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Purifier | $11.24 | $10.11 | RI saves $1.13 |
| Blender | $0.37 | $0.34 | RI saves $0.04 |
| CFL Bulb (13W) | $0.97 | $0.88 | RI saves $0.10 |
| Cable / Satellite Box | $7.87 | $7.08 | RI saves $0.79 |
| Ceiling Fan | $8.43 | $7.58 | RI saves $0.85 |
| Central Air Conditioner | $262.25 | $235.87 | RI saves $26.38 |
| Chest Freezer | $17.98 | $16.17 | RI saves $1.81 |
| Clothes Dryer (Electric) | $28.10 | $25.27 | RI saves $2.83 |
| Coffee Maker | $2.11 | $1.90 | RI saves $0.21 |
| Crypto Mining Rig | $337.18 | $303.26 | RI saves $33.91 |
| Dehumidifier | $33.72 | $30.33 | RI saves $3.39 |
| Desktop Computer | $14.99 | $13.48 | RI saves $1.51 |
| Dishwasher | $16.86 | $15.16 | RI saves $1.70 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | $93.66 | $84.24 | RI saves $9.42 |
| Electric Fireplace | $52.45 | $47.17 | RI saves $5.28 |
Bottom Line: California vs Rhode Island
Rhode Island is the more affordable state for electricity, with rates 10.1% lower than California. An average household would save about $576.00/year by living in Rhode Island.
California gets its electricity primarily from Natural Gas with 38.0% renewable, while Rhode Island relies on Natural Gas with 9.0% renewable.
Explore More
Frequently Asked Questions
Is electricity cheaper in California or Rhode Island?
Electricity is cheaper in Rhode Island at 28.08¢/kWh compared to California at 31.22¢/kWh. That's a 10.1% difference, saving about $48.00/month on an average residential bill.
What is the average electricity bill in California vs Rhode Island?
The average monthly electricity bill is $179 in California and $131 in Rhode Island. The national average is $134.
Which state uses more renewable energy, California or Rhode Island?
California has a higher renewable energy percentage at 38.0%, compared to 9.0% in Rhode Island.
What are the main energy sources in California and Rhode Island?
California primarily uses Natural Gas, while Rhode Island relies on Natural Gas.
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)