Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in Arkansas
Arkansas's average residential electricity rate is 14.3¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 9th cheapest in the country, 22% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a central air conditioner here costs $122 per month.
Per hour
$0.50
at 2,000–5,000 W
Per day
$4.00
8 hours/day
Per month
$122
851 kWh
Per year
$1,461
10,220 kWh
By usage level in Arkansas
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $2.00 | $60.86 | $731 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $4.00 | $122 | $1,461 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $8.01 | $243 | $2,923 |
Arkansas vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a central air conditioner in Arkansas?
At Arkansas's current average residential rate of 14.3¢/kWh (July 2026), a central air conditioner with typical usage costs about $4.00 per day, $122 per month, or $1,461 per year.
Is running a central air conditioner in Arkansas more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Arkansas's rate is about 22% below the U.S. average: $122 per month here versus $156 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Arkansas right now?
Arkansas residents pay an average of 14.3¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 9th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.