Refrigerators / California
Cost to run a refrigerator in California
A typical ENERGY STAR refrigerator costs about $116.63 a year to run in California, or $9.72 a month, at the state’s average residential price of 33.61 cents per kWh (July 2026).
- Typical yearly cost
- $116.63
- Over ten years
- $1166 today’s price
- Price in California
- 33.61 ¢/kWh
“Typical” means the median annual energy use of 4,439 current ENERGY STAR certified refrigerators (347 kWh a year), multiplied by the price. It is a standardized figure, not a measurement of your home.
By type of refrigerator
| Type | Models | Median kWh/yr | Cost per year | Per month | Range per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Freezer | 729 | 362 | $121.67 | $10.14 | $40.67 to $170.07 |
| Bottom Freezer | 1,585 | 563 | $189.22 | $15.77 | $67.22 to $268.54 |
| Side-by-Side | 117 | 643 | $216.11 | $18.01 | $141.16 to $270.56 |
| Freezerless and Single Door | 294 | 288 | $96.80 | $8.07 | $41.68 to $124.36 |
| Compact Refrigerator | 1,714 | 246 | $82.68 | $6.89 | $35.63 to $157.97 |
Costs use each type’s median listing; the range runs from its lowest to its highest listed energy use. Source: ENERGY STAR certified refrigerators dataset (EPA) and EIA residential prices.
How California compares
California’s average residential price is 109% above the median US state, ranking 2 of 51 from highest to lowest. The same typical refrigerator would cost $44.14 a year in Louisiana, the cheapest state, and $166.56 in Hawaii, the most expensive. Over the last 12 months California’s price rose 2.9%.
Cost to run a refrigerator in every state · California electricity price history · Replacing an old refrigerator? Savings calculator
Lowest running cost by type
The published model with the lowest listed annual energy use in each type, with its cost at California’s price:
- GreenLine GLFFR18W (top freezer): 365 kWh a year, about $122.68 in California
- Ikea OVERNAS 80628865 (bottom freezer): 390 kWh a year, about $131.08 in California
- KOOLMORE KM-RESBDW-15 (side-by-side): 420 kWh a year, about $141.16 in California
- Hamilton Beach HBFRF1494-C-WHITE-6COM (freezerless and single door): 269 kWh a year, about $90.41 in California
- Richome BC47RE-BK (compact refrigerator): 200 kWh a year, about $67.22 in California
These are the lowest among the models published on this site, not among every certified model. Browse all refrigerators by energy use.
Questions
How much does it cost to run a refrigerator in California?
A typical ENERGY STAR refrigerator (the median of 4,439 current listings, 347 kWh a year) costs about $116.63 a year, or $9.72 a month, at California's average residential price of 33.61 cents per kWh. By type it ranges from $82.68 (compact refrigerator) to $216.11 (side-by-side).
Is electricity expensive in California?
California's average residential price is 33.61 cents per kWh (July 2026, EIA), 109% above the median state and 2 of 51 when states are ranked from highest to lowest price. The same typical refrigerator would cost $44.14 a year in Louisiana, the cheapest state, and $166.56 in Hawaii.
Will my refrigerator cost the same?
Probably not exactly. The annual figure is a standardized ENERGY STAR value, and your own price per kWh may differ from the statewide average. Enter your rate in the calculator on any refrigerator page for a closer number.