Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in Arkansas
Arkansas's average residential electricity rate is 14.2¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 9th cheapest in the country, 24% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a central air conditioner here costs $121 per month.
Per hour
$0.50
at 2,000–5,000 W
Per day
$3.98
8 hours/day
Per month
$121
851 kWh
Per year
$1,451
10,220 kWh
By usage level in Arkansas
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $1.99 | $60.44 | $726 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $3.98 | $121 | $1,451 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $7.95 | $242 | $2,902 |
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 14.2¢/kWh (April 2026), a central air conditioner with typical usage costs about $3.98 per day, $121 per month, or $1,451 per year.
Is running a central air conditioner in Arkansas more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Arkansas's rate is about 24% below the U.S. average: $121 per month here versus $160 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Arkansas right now?
Arkansas residents pay an average of 14.2¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 9th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.