California vs South Dakota Electricity Rates (2026)
South Dakota has 56.0% cheaper electricity than California. South Dakota residents pay 13.74¢/kWh compared to 31.22¢/kWh in California, saving about $46.00/month on average.
California
31.22¢
per kWh
$179/mo
South Dakota
13.74¢
per kWh
$133/mo
Detailed Rate Comparison
| Metric | California | South Dakota | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Rate | 31.22¢/kWh | 13.74¢/kWh | 17.22¢/kWh |
| Commercial Rate | 25.41¢/kWh | 11.52¢/kWh | - |
| Industrial Rate | 20.98¢/kWh | 9.11¢/kWh | - |
| Avg Monthly Bill | $179 | $133 | $134 |
| Renewable Energy | 38.0% | 35.0% | ~22% |
| Primary Source | Natural Gas | Wind | - |
Appliance Running Costs: California vs South Dakota
Monthly cost to run common household appliances in each state.
| Appliance | CA | SD | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Purifier | $11.24 | $4.95 | SD saves $6.29 |
| Blender | $0.37 | $0.16 | SD saves $0.21 |
| CFL Bulb (13W) | $0.97 | $0.43 | SD saves $0.55 |
| Cable / Satellite Box | $7.87 | $3.46 | SD saves $4.40 |
| Ceiling Fan | $8.43 | $3.71 | SD saves $4.72 |
| Central Air Conditioner | $262.25 | $115.42 | SD saves $146.83 |
| Chest Freezer | $17.98 | $7.91 | SD saves $10.07 |
| Clothes Dryer (Electric) | $28.10 | $12.37 | SD saves $15.73 |
| Coffee Maker | $2.11 | $0.93 | SD saves $1.18 |
| Crypto Mining Rig | $337.18 | $148.39 | SD saves $188.78 |
| Dehumidifier | $33.72 | $14.84 | SD saves $18.88 |
| Desktop Computer | $14.99 | $6.60 | SD saves $8.39 |
| Dishwasher | $16.86 | $7.42 | SD saves $9.44 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | $93.66 | $41.22 | SD saves $52.44 |
| Electric Fireplace | $52.45 | $23.08 | SD saves $29.37 |
Bottom Line: California vs South Dakota
South Dakota is the more affordable state for electricity, with rates 56.0% lower than California. An average household would save about $552.00/year by living in South Dakota.
California gets its electricity primarily from Natural Gas with 38.0% renewable, while South Dakota relies on Wind with 35.0% renewable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is electricity cheaper in California or South Dakota?
Electricity is cheaper in South Dakota at 13.74¢/kWh compared to California at 31.22¢/kWh. That's a 56.0% difference, saving about $46.00/month on an average residential bill.
What is the average electricity bill in California vs South Dakota?
The average monthly electricity bill is $179 in California and $133 in South Dakota. The national average is $134.
Which state uses more renewable energy, California or South Dakota?
California has a higher renewable energy percentage at 38.0%, compared to 35.0% in South Dakota.
What are the main energy sources in California and South Dakota?
California primarily uses Natural Gas, while South Dakota relies on Wind.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)