California vs South Carolina Electricity Rates (2026)
South Carolina has 53.8% cheaper electricity than California. South Carolina residents pay 14.43¢/kWh compared to 31.22¢/kWh in California, saving about $24.00/month on average.
California
31.22¢
per kWh
$179/mo
South Carolina
14.43¢
per kWh
$155/mo
Detailed Rate Comparison
| Metric | California | South Carolina | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Rate | 31.22¢/kWh | 14.43¢/kWh | 17.22¢/kWh |
| Commercial Rate | 25.41¢/kWh | 11.69¢/kWh | - |
| Industrial Rate | 20.98¢/kWh | 6.77¢/kWh | - |
| Avg Monthly Bill | $179 | $155 | $134 |
| Renewable Energy | 38.0% | 9.0% | ~22% |
| Primary Source | Natural Gas | Nuclear | - |
Appliance Running Costs: California vs South Carolina
Monthly cost to run common household appliances in each state.
| Appliance | CA | SC | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Purifier | $11.24 | $5.19 | SC saves $6.04 |
| Blender | $0.37 | $0.17 | SC saves $0.20 |
| CFL Bulb (13W) | $0.97 | $0.45 | SC saves $0.52 |
| Cable / Satellite Box | $7.87 | $3.64 | SC saves $4.23 |
| Ceiling Fan | $8.43 | $3.90 | SC saves $4.53 |
| Central Air Conditioner | $262.25 | $121.21 | SC saves $141.04 |
| Chest Freezer | $17.98 | $8.31 | SC saves $9.67 |
| Clothes Dryer (Electric) | $28.10 | $12.99 | SC saves $15.11 |
| Coffee Maker | $2.11 | $0.97 | SC saves $1.13 |
| Crypto Mining Rig | $337.18 | $155.84 | SC saves $181.33 |
| Dehumidifier | $33.72 | $15.58 | SC saves $18.13 |
| Desktop Computer | $14.99 | $6.93 | SC saves $8.06 |
| Dishwasher | $16.86 | $7.79 | SC saves $9.07 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | $93.66 | $43.29 | SC saves $50.37 |
| Electric Fireplace | $52.45 | $24.24 | SC saves $28.21 |
Bottom Line: California vs South Carolina
South Carolina is the more affordable state for electricity, with rates 53.8% lower than California. An average household would save about $288.00/year by living in South Carolina.
California gets its electricity primarily from Natural Gas with 38.0% renewable, while South Carolina relies on Nuclear with 9.0% renewable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is electricity cheaper in California or South Carolina?
Electricity is cheaper in South Carolina at 14.43¢/kWh compared to California at 31.22¢/kWh. That's a 53.8% difference, saving about $24.00/month on an average residential bill.
What is the average electricity bill in California vs South Carolina?
The average monthly electricity bill is $179 in California and $155 in South Carolina. The national average is $134.
Which state uses more renewable energy, California or South Carolina?
California has a higher renewable energy percentage at 38.0%, compared to 9.0% in South Carolina.
What are the main energy sources in California and South Carolina?
California primarily uses Natural Gas, while South Carolina relies on Nuclear.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)