California vs Virginia Electricity Rates (2026)
Virginia has 53.1% cheaper electricity than California. Virginia residents pay 14.64¢/kWh compared to 31.22¢/kWh in California, saving about $28.00/month on average.
California
31.22¢
per kWh
$179/mo
Virginia
14.64¢
per kWh
$151/mo
Detailed Rate Comparison
| Metric | California | Virginia | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Rate | 31.22¢/kWh | 14.64¢/kWh | 17.22¢/kWh |
| Commercial Rate | 25.41¢/kWh | 9.89¢/kWh | - |
| Industrial Rate | 20.98¢/kWh | 7.54¢/kWh | - |
| Avg Monthly Bill | $179 | $151 | $134 |
| Renewable Energy | 38.0% | 11.0% | ~22% |
| Primary Source | Natural Gas | Natural Gas | - |
Appliance Running Costs: California vs Virginia
Monthly cost to run common household appliances in each state.
| Appliance | CA | VA | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Purifier | $11.24 | $5.27 | VA saves $5.97 |
| Blender | $0.37 | $0.18 | VA saves $0.20 |
| CFL Bulb (13W) | $0.97 | $0.46 | VA saves $0.52 |
| Cable / Satellite Box | $7.87 | $3.69 | VA saves $4.18 |
| Ceiling Fan | $8.43 | $3.95 | VA saves $4.48 |
| Central Air Conditioner | $262.25 | $122.98 | VA saves $139.27 |
| Chest Freezer | $17.98 | $8.43 | VA saves $9.55 |
| Clothes Dryer (Electric) | $28.10 | $13.18 | VA saves $14.92 |
| Coffee Maker | $2.11 | $0.99 | VA saves $1.12 |
| Crypto Mining Rig | $337.18 | $158.11 | VA saves $179.06 |
| Dehumidifier | $33.72 | $15.81 | VA saves $17.91 |
| Desktop Computer | $14.99 | $7.03 | VA saves $7.96 |
| Dishwasher | $16.86 | $7.91 | VA saves $8.95 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | $93.66 | $43.92 | VA saves $49.74 |
| Electric Fireplace | $52.45 | $24.60 | VA saves $27.85 |
Bottom Line: California vs Virginia
Virginia is the more affordable state for electricity, with rates 53.1% lower than California. An average household would save about $336.00/year by living in Virginia.
California gets its electricity primarily from Natural Gas with 38.0% renewable, while Virginia relies on Natural Gas with 11.0% renewable.
Explore More
Frequently Asked Questions
Is electricity cheaper in California or Virginia?
Electricity is cheaper in Virginia at 14.64¢/kWh compared to California at 31.22¢/kWh. That's a 53.1% difference, saving about $28.00/month on an average residential bill.
What is the average electricity bill in California vs Virginia?
The average monthly electricity bill is $179 in California and $151 in Virginia. The national average is $134.
Which state uses more renewable energy, California or Virginia?
California has a higher renewable energy percentage at 38.0%, compared to 11.0% in Virginia.
What are the main energy sources in California and Virginia?
California primarily uses Natural Gas, while Virginia relies on Natural Gas.
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)