California vs Washington Electricity Rates (2026)
Washington has 63.9% cheaper electricity than California. Washington residents pay 11.26¢/kWh compared to 31.22¢/kWh in California, saving about $73.00/month on average.
California
31.22¢
per kWh
$179/mo
Washington
11.26¢
per kWh
$106/mo
Detailed Rate Comparison
| Metric | California | Washington | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Rate | 31.22¢/kWh | 11.26¢/kWh | 17.22¢/kWh |
| Commercial Rate | 25.41¢/kWh | 9.56¢/kWh | - |
| Industrial Rate | 20.98¢/kWh | 5.23¢/kWh | - |
| Avg Monthly Bill | $179 | $106 | $134 |
| Renewable Energy | 38.0% | 74.0% | ~22% |
| Primary Source | Natural Gas | Hydroelectric | - |
Appliance Running Costs: California vs Washington
Monthly cost to run common household appliances in each state.
| Appliance | CA | WA | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Purifier | $11.24 | $4.05 | WA saves $7.19 |
| Blender | $0.37 | $0.14 | WA saves $0.24 |
| CFL Bulb (13W) | $0.97 | $0.35 | WA saves $0.62 |
| Cable / Satellite Box | $7.87 | $2.84 | WA saves $5.03 |
| Ceiling Fan | $8.43 | $3.04 | WA saves $5.39 |
| Central Air Conditioner | $262.25 | $94.58 | WA saves $167.66 |
| Chest Freezer | $17.98 | $6.49 | WA saves $11.50 |
| Clothes Dryer (Electric) | $28.10 | $10.13 | WA saves $17.96 |
| Coffee Maker | $2.11 | $0.76 | WA saves $1.35 |
| Crypto Mining Rig | $337.18 | $121.61 | WA saves $215.57 |
| Dehumidifier | $33.72 | $12.16 | WA saves $21.56 |
| Desktop Computer | $14.99 | $5.40 | WA saves $9.58 |
| Dishwasher | $16.86 | $6.08 | WA saves $10.78 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | $93.66 | $33.78 | WA saves $59.88 |
| Electric Fireplace | $52.45 | $18.92 | WA saves $33.53 |
Bottom Line: California vs Washington
Washington is the more affordable state for electricity, with rates 63.9% lower than California. An average household would save about $876.00/year by living in Washington.
California gets its electricity primarily from Natural Gas with 38.0% renewable, while Washington relies on Hydroelectric with 74.0% renewable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is electricity cheaper in California or Washington?
Electricity is cheaper in Washington at 11.26¢/kWh compared to California at 31.22¢/kWh. That's a 63.9% difference, saving about $73.00/month on an average residential bill.
What is the average electricity bill in California vs Washington?
The average monthly electricity bill is $179 in California and $106 in Washington. The national average is $134.
Which state uses more renewable energy, California or Washington?
Washington has a higher renewable energy percentage at 74.0%, compared to 38.0% in California.
What are the main energy sources in California and Washington?
California primarily uses Natural Gas, while Washington relies on Hydroelectric.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)