How much does a well pump cost to run in California?
$7.13 a month
- A day of use
- $0.23
- An hour of running
- $0.23
- A year
- $85.59
675 W, 1 hour a day of pumping, at California’s average rate of 34.7¢ per kWh (EIA, June 2026). How we calculate this
Change the watts, hours or rate
What it costs at other usage levels
| Use | A day | A month | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour a day typical | $0.23 | $7.13 | $85.59 |
| 2 hours a day | $0.47 | $14.27 | $171.18 |
| 4 hours a day | $0.94 | $28.53 | $342.36 |
| 8 hours a day | $1.88 | $57.06 | $684.73 |
| 24 hours a day | $5.63 | $171.18 | $2,054.18 |
Models range from 250 W to 1,100 W (Virginia Cooperative Extension). We use 675 W, the middle of that range.
California compared with other states
California’s residential rate is the 2nd most expensive of 51 states and DC, 16.4¢ above the US average of 18.3¢ (+89%). California’s rate is up 1.2¢ from June 2025 (33.6¢, +3.4%).
Ways to spend less
- Fix leaks and running toilets; every gallon is pumped.
- Check the pressure tank's air charge so the pump doesn't short-cycle.
- Water the garden early in the morning so less evaporates.
Questions
How much does it cost to run a well pump per hour?
About $0.23 an hour in California. A well pump at 675 W uses 0.675 kWh per hour, and at California’s average of 34.7¢ per kWh that comes to $0.23.
How much does a well pump add to your electric bill?
Used 1 hour a day of pumping, about $7.13 a month in California, or $85.59 a year.
How much does it cost to run a well pump 24 hours a day?
Running nonstop, a well pump would use 16.2 kWh a day and cost $5.63 a day, or $171.18 over an average month in California.
How many watts does a well pump use?
Models range from 250 W to 1,100 W (Virginia Cooperative Extension). We use 675 W, the middle of that range. Check the label on yours: cost scales directly with watts, so a 20% lower wattage means a 20% lower bill.
Why does a well pump cost more or less to run in California than elsewhere?
California’s residential rate is the 2nd most expensive of 51 states and DC, 16.4¢ above the US average of 18.3¢ (+89%). California’s rate is up 1.2¢ from June 2025 (33.6¢, +3.4%). The appliance uses the same energy everywhere; only the price per kWh changes.
Sources
- Virginia Cooperative Extension: Estimating appliance and home electronic energy use (reproduces U.S. Department of Energy sample wattages)
- Penn State EGEE 102: Typical range of power consumption (wattage)
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A: average price of electricity to ultimate customers, residential, June 2026 Figures transcribed from republications of this table on September 26, 2026; pending direct verification from the EIA API.
- Carrier page: June 2026 residential average price, citing EIA Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.A
Usage assumptions (hours a day, season) are ours and listed on the methodology page. Found an error? Tell us.