Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in Arkansas
Arkansas's average residential electricity rate is 14.4¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 11th cheapest in the country, 22% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a central air conditioner here costs $123 per month.
Per hour
$0.50
at 2,000–5,000 W
Per day
$4.03
8 hours/day
Per month
$123
851 kWh
Per year
$1,472
10,220 kWh
By usage level in Arkansas
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $2.02 | $61.29 | $736 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $4.03 | $123 | $1,472 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $8.06 | $245 | $2,943 |
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 14.4¢/kWh (May 2026), a central air conditioner with typical usage costs about $4.03 per day, $123 per month, or $1,472 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: $123 per month here versus $157 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Arkansas right now?
Arkansas residents pay an average of 14.4¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 11th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.