California vs Tennessee Electricity Rates (2026)
Tennessee has 58.6% cheaper electricity than California. Tennessee residents pay 12.91¢/kWh compared to 31.22¢/kWh in California, saving about $37.00/month on average.
California
31.22¢
per kWh
$179/mo
Tennessee
12.91¢
per kWh
$142/mo
Detailed Rate Comparison
| Metric | California | Tennessee | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Rate | 31.22¢/kWh | 12.91¢/kWh | 17.22¢/kWh |
| Commercial Rate | 25.41¢/kWh | 11.38¢/kWh | - |
| Industrial Rate | 20.98¢/kWh | 7.33¢/kWh | - |
| Avg Monthly Bill | $179 | $142 | $134 |
| Renewable Energy | 38.0% | 13.0% | ~22% |
| Primary Source | Natural Gas | Nuclear | - |
Appliance Running Costs: California vs Tennessee
Monthly cost to run common household appliances in each state.
| Appliance | CA | TN | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Purifier | $11.24 | $4.65 | TN saves $6.59 |
| Blender | $0.37 | $0.15 | TN saves $0.22 |
| CFL Bulb (13W) | $0.97 | $0.40 | TN saves $0.57 |
| Cable / Satellite Box | $7.87 | $3.25 | TN saves $4.61 |
| Ceiling Fan | $8.43 | $3.49 | TN saves $4.94 |
| Central Air Conditioner | $262.25 | $108.44 | TN saves $153.80 |
| Chest Freezer | $17.98 | $7.44 | TN saves $10.55 |
| Clothes Dryer (Electric) | $28.10 | $11.62 | TN saves $16.48 |
| Coffee Maker | $2.11 | $0.87 | TN saves $1.24 |
| Crypto Mining Rig | $337.18 | $139.43 | TN saves $197.75 |
| Dehumidifier | $33.72 | $13.94 | TN saves $19.77 |
| Desktop Computer | $14.99 | $6.20 | TN saves $8.79 |
| Dishwasher | $16.86 | $6.97 | TN saves $9.89 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | $93.66 | $38.73 | TN saves $54.93 |
| Electric Fireplace | $52.45 | $21.69 | TN saves $30.76 |
Bottom Line: California vs Tennessee
Tennessee is the more affordable state for electricity, with rates 58.6% lower than California. An average household would save about $444.00/year by living in Tennessee.
California gets its electricity primarily from Natural Gas with 38.0% renewable, while Tennessee relies on Nuclear with 13.0% renewable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is electricity cheaper in California or Tennessee?
Electricity is cheaper in Tennessee at 12.91¢/kWh compared to California at 31.22¢/kWh. That's a 58.6% difference, saving about $37.00/month on an average residential bill.
What is the average electricity bill in California vs Tennessee?
The average monthly electricity bill is $179 in California and $142 in Tennessee. The national average is $134.
Which state uses more renewable energy, California or Tennessee?
California has a higher renewable energy percentage at 38.0%, compared to 13.0% in Tennessee.
What are the main energy sources in California and Tennessee?
California primarily uses Natural Gas, while Tennessee relies on Nuclear.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)