What is a good price per kWh in 2026?
By the kWhCompare Editorial Team · Updated September 26, 2026 · 3 min read
A good electricity price is one below your state's average, not the national one. The U.S. average is about 18.3¢ per kWh in 2026, but state averages range from about 13¢ to over 50¢.
The national picture
The average U.S. residential rate is about 18.3¢ per kWh as of mid-2026, roughly 5% higher than a year earlier. That figure includes everything: generation, delivery, fees and taxes, averaged across all homes. It's a useful headline, but a poor benchmark on its own, because what you pay depends heavily on where you live.
Cheapest and most expensive states
5 cheapest
5 most expensive
| State | ¢/kWh | Avg bill |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 52.72 | $268 |
| California | 34.74 | $190 |
| Massachusetts | 29.61 | $172 |
| Maine | 29.59 | $169 |
| New York | 29.49 | $174 |
See every state in the full rate table.
How to calculate your real price
Divide the total amount on your bill by the kWh you used. $182 for 1,000 kWh is 18.2¢. This "all-in" price is the only fair comparison, because it includes delivery charges, fees and taxes that advertised rates often leave out. Our bill analyzer does this for you and compares it with your state.
What counts as a good price?
- Below your state average: good.
- 10% or more below: very good; typical of a competitive fixed plan in a deregulated state.
- More than 10% above: worth investigating. In a deregulated state, it often means you're on a default or expired variable rate.
Why one number isn't enough
Your real price per kWh changes with usage. Fixed monthly charges are spread over fewer kWh in mild months, so the per-kWh price is higher when you use less. In Texas, bill credits can swing the price dramatically at certain usage levels, as shown in our EFL guide. Always compare at the usage you actually have.
Texas: what's a good rate?
The Texas average is about 15.9¢ per kWh, below the national figure. Delivery charges alone differ by up to about $18 a month at 1,000 kWh depending on your utility, so a good price in Houston (CenterPoint) and in Galveston (TNMP) aren't the same. See the delivery charges by utility and use your city page to judge a plan.
If your price is too high
In a deregulated state, compare fixed-rate plans; that's the fastest way to lower your price. In a regulated state, ask your utility about time-of-use rates, look into community solar where available, and reduce usage. And if your bill rose without your rate changing, see why your electric bill is so high.
Enter your bill to see how you compare with your state.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good price per kWh in 2026?
Anything below your state's average all-in rate. Nationally the average is about 18.3¢, but state averages range from about 13¢ in Nevada to over 50¢ in Hawaii.
Is 15 cents per kWh a good rate?
In most states, yes. It's below the national average of about 18.3¢, but it's roughly average in states like Texas, Florida and Arizona.
How do I calculate my price per kWh?
Divide your total bill by the kWh used in that billing period. The result is your all-in rate.