Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in Illinois
Illinois's average residential electricity rate is 20.5¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 36th cheapest in the country, 9% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a central air conditioner here costs $174 per month.
Per hour
$0.72
at 2,000–5,000 W
Per day
$5.74
8 hours/day
Per month
$174
851 kWh
Per year
$2,095
10,220 kWh
By usage level in Illinois
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $2.87 | $87.25 | $1,048 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $5.74 | $174 | $2,095 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $11.48 | $349 | $4,190 |
Illinois 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 Illinois?
At Illinois's current average residential rate of 20.5¢/kWh (April 2026), a central air conditioner with typical usage costs about $5.74 per day, $174 per month, or $2,095 per year.
Is running a central air conditioner in Illinois more expensive than average?
Yes. Illinois's electricity costs about 9% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $174 per month here versus $160 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Illinois right now?
Illinois residents pay an average of 20.5¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 36th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.