Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in Idaho
Idaho's average residential electricity rate is 12.7¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 2nd cheapest in the country, 32% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a central air conditioner here costs $108 per month.
Per hour
$0.44
at 2,000–5,000 W
Per day
$3.56
8 hours/day
Per month
$108
851 kWh
Per year
$1,298
10,220 kWh
By usage level in Idaho
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $1.78 | $54.05 | $649 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $3.56 | $108 | $1,298 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $7.11 | $216 | $2,596 |
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 12.7¢/kWh (April 2026), a central air conditioner with typical usage costs about $3.56 per day, $108 per month, or $1,298 per year.
Is running a central air conditioner in Idaho more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Idaho's rate is about 32% below the U.S. average: $108 per month here versus $160 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Idaho right now?
Idaho residents pay an average of 12.7¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 2nd cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.