California vs Wisconsin Electricity Rates (2026)
Wisconsin has 44.3% cheaper electricity than California. Wisconsin residents pay 17.38¢/kWh compared to 31.22¢/kWh in California, saving about $60.00/month on average.
California
31.22¢
per kWh
$179/mo
Wisconsin
17.38¢
per kWh
$119/mo
Detailed Rate Comparison
| Metric | California | Wisconsin | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Rate | 31.22¢/kWh | 17.38¢/kWh | 17.22¢/kWh |
| Commercial Rate | 25.41¢/kWh | 13.69¢/kWh | - |
| Industrial Rate | 20.98¢/kWh | 9.28¢/kWh | - |
| Avg Monthly Bill | $179 | $119 | $134 |
| Renewable Energy | 38.0% | 13.0% | ~22% |
| Primary Source | Natural Gas | Natural Gas | - |
Appliance Running Costs: California vs Wisconsin
Monthly cost to run common household appliances in each state.
| Appliance | CA | WI | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Purifier | $11.24 | $6.26 | WI saves $4.98 |
| Blender | $0.37 | $0.21 | WI saves $0.17 |
| CFL Bulb (13W) | $0.97 | $0.54 | WI saves $0.43 |
| Cable / Satellite Box | $7.87 | $4.38 | WI saves $3.49 |
| Ceiling Fan | $8.43 | $4.69 | WI saves $3.74 |
| Central Air Conditioner | $262.25 | $145.99 | WI saves $116.26 |
| Chest Freezer | $17.98 | $10.01 | WI saves $7.97 |
| Clothes Dryer (Electric) | $28.10 | $15.64 | WI saves $12.46 |
| Coffee Maker | $2.11 | $1.17 | WI saves $0.93 |
| Crypto Mining Rig | $337.18 | $187.70 | WI saves $149.47 |
| Dehumidifier | $33.72 | $18.77 | WI saves $14.95 |
| Desktop Computer | $14.99 | $8.34 | WI saves $6.64 |
| Dishwasher | $16.86 | $9.39 | WI saves $7.47 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | $93.66 | $52.14 | WI saves $41.52 |
| Electric Fireplace | $52.45 | $29.20 | WI saves $23.25 |
Bottom Line: California vs Wisconsin
Wisconsin is the more affordable state for electricity, with rates 44.3% lower than California. An average household would save about $720.00/year by living in Wisconsin.
California gets its electricity primarily from Natural Gas with 38.0% renewable, while Wisconsin relies on Natural Gas with 13.0% renewable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is electricity cheaper in California or Wisconsin?
Electricity is cheaper in Wisconsin at 17.38¢/kWh compared to California at 31.22¢/kWh. That's a 44.3% difference, saving about $60.00/month on an average residential bill.
What is the average electricity bill in California vs Wisconsin?
The average monthly electricity bill is $179 in California and $119 in Wisconsin. The national average is $134.
Which state uses more renewable energy, California or Wisconsin?
California has a higher renewable energy percentage at 38.0%, compared to 13.0% in Wisconsin.
What are the main energy sources in California and Wisconsin?
California primarily uses Natural Gas, while Wisconsin relies on Natural Gas.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)