Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in Idaho
Idaho's average residential electricity rate is 12.4¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 1st cheapest in the country, 33% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a central air conditioner here costs $106 per month.
Per hour
$0.43
at 2,000–5,000 W
Per day
$3.47
8 hours/day
Per month
$106
851 kWh
Per year
$1,267
10,220 kWh
By usage level in Idaho
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $1.74 | $52.77 | $634 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $3.47 | $106 | $1,267 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $6.94 | $211 | $2,535 |
Idaho 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 Idaho?
At Idaho's current average residential rate of 12.4¢/kWh (May 2026), a central air conditioner with typical usage costs about $3.47 per day, $106 per month, or $1,267 per year.
Is running a central air conditioner in Idaho more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Idaho's rate is about 33% below the U.S. average: $106 per month here versus $157 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Idaho right now?
Idaho residents pay an average of 12.4¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 1st cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.