Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in Colorado
Colorado's average residential electricity rate is 16.5¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 26th cheapest in the country, 12% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a central air conditioner here costs $140 per month.
Per hour
$0.58
at 2,000–5,000 W
Per day
$4.62
8 hours/day
Per month
$140
851 kWh
Per year
$1,686
10,220 kWh
By usage level in Colorado
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $2.31 | $70.22 | $843 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $4.62 | $140 | $1,686 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $9.24 | $281 | $3,373 |
Colorado 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 Colorado?
At Colorado's current average residential rate of 16.5¢/kWh (April 2026), a central air conditioner with typical usage costs about $4.62 per day, $140 per month, or $1,686 per year.
Is running a central air conditioner in Colorado more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Colorado's rate is about 12% below the U.S. average: $140 per month here versus $160 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Colorado right now?
Colorado residents pay an average of 16.5¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 26th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.