California Utility Cost Calculator

Utility cost estimation for California. Electricity consumption starts from EIA's published 2024 average monthly consumption per residential customer in California (503 kWh, Form EIA-861 Table 5.A). This is utility-reported grid consumption; electricity produced and consumed behind the meter, such as customer-sited solar, is not a utility sale and is not included. Home-size and occupant scaling remain modeled assumptions, not EIA figures. The electricity price is 33.25¢/kWh (EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A, May 2026), so the estimate intentionally combines the latest annual state consumption anchor (2024) with the latest monthly price available when compiled (May 2026); recheck after EIA's next annual release by 2026-11-15. California's residential natural gas price is $20.72/Mcf (Mar 2026, most recent available -- May 2026 was withheld/not yet published), from EIA Natural Gas Monthly and converted to $1.9981/therm using EIA's published heat-content factor (1,037 Btu/cubic foot; divide $/Mcf by 10.37). Natural gas consumption (50-80 therms/month depending on climate) and water usage (80-100 gallons per person per day) are modeled planning estimates only; no safely parseable EIA/BLS/Census state-level anchor exists for either. Water and internet/cable rates are likewise modeled estimates scaled to California's cost of living index (140.5, where 100 = national average) -- there is no authoritative statewide government source for either, so these should not be read as verified figures the way the electricity consumption and energy rates are. Percent of income uses California's $100,149 median household income. California's above-average cost of living means the modeled water/internet estimates run higher.