Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in Colorado
Colorado's average residential electricity rate is 17¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 30th cheapest in the country, 7% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a central air conditioner here costs $145 per month.
Per hour
$0.60
at 2,000–5,000 W
Per day
$4.76
8 hours/day
Per month
$145
851 kWh
Per year
$1,737
10,220 kWh
By usage level in Colorado
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $2.38 | $72.35 | $869 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $4.76 | $145 | $1,737 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $9.52 | $289 | $3,475 |
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 17¢/kWh (July 2026), a central air conditioner with typical usage costs about $4.76 per day, $145 per month, or $1,737 per year.
Is running a central air conditioner in Colorado more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Colorado's rate is about 7% below the U.S. average: $145 per month here versus $156 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Colorado right now?
Colorado residents pay an average of 17¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 30th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.