U.S. residential electricity EIA data: July 2026 US average 18.3¢/kWh Updated
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Laundry · California

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Washing Machine in California?

The short answer

Each load in a washing machine costs about $0.17 in California (0.50 kWh per load). At 5 loads a week, that adds up to $3.65 a month, or $43.81 a year.

California’s average residential rate was 33.6¢ per kWh in July 2026 (EIA), 84% above the US average.

Source: U.S. EIA, July 2026 data · Updated

Washing Machine cost by number of loads in California

Cost at 33.6¢/kWh, the California average (EIA, Jul 2026)
UsagekWh/monthPer dayPer monthPer year
1 load/week 2.2 $0.02 $0.73 $8.76
3 loads/week 6.5 $0.07 $2.19 $26.29
5 loads/week 10.9 $0.12 $3.65 $43.81
7 loads/week 15.2 $0.17 $5.11 $61.34
10 loads/week 21.7 $0.24 $7.30 $87.63
14 loads/week 30.4 $0.34 $10.22 $123

California vs other states

At typical use, a washing machine costs $43.81 a year in California — $18.76 less than in Hawaii and $27.23 more than in Louisiana.

California has the 2nd-most-expensive residential electricity of the 50 states and DC. electricity prices in California · all states ranked

Electricity price trend in California

33.6¢/kWh in July 2026 — ▲ +2.9% from a year earlier.

How to lower the cost of running a washing machine

The motor and pump in a washing machine use relatively little electricity: around 0.3–0.5 kWh per load for a cold wash. A hot wash with water from an electric water heater can push the total to 2 kWh or more per load. Front-loaders and high-efficiency top-loaders use less water and spin clothes drier, which also cuts dryer time.

  • Wash in cold water — modern detergents clean well, and it can cut energy per load by up to 90%.
  • Run full loads and use the high-spin setting to shorten drying time.
  • Use the eco cycle for lightly soiled clothes.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost per load to run a washing machine in California?

A typical load uses about 0.50 kWh, which costs $0.17 at California’s average rate of 33.6¢/kWh. An efficient model can cost as little as $0.10 per load.

How many kWh does a washing machine use per month?

At 5 loads a week, a typical washing machine uses about 10.9 kWh a month. In California that costs $3.65.

Is it expensive to run a washing machine in California?

California has the 2nd-most-expensive residential electricity of the 50 states and DC at 33.6¢/kWh — one of the most expensive. Running a washing machine here costs about $43.81 a year at typical use, compared with $23.87 at the national average rate.

What is the electricity rate in California right now?

The average residential electricity rate in California was 33.6¢ per kWh in July 2026, according to the latest EIA data — up 2.9% from a year earlier.

Washing Machine costs in nearby states

Cheapest and priciest states

Comparisons

Sources & method