The average cost per inmate in California is about $49,000, twice the cost to run prisons in other states (the average is around $28,000). Some states are even

The average cost per inmate in California is about $49,000, twice the cost to run prisons in other states (the average is around $28,000). Some states are even less. The average cost per inmate in Florida is under $20,000. Texas is a little over $15,000.