Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in Illinois
Illinois's average residential electricity rate is 19.2¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 35th cheapest in the country, 5% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a central air conditioner here costs $163 per month.
Per hour
$0.67
at 2,000–5,000 W
Per day
$5.38
8 hours/day
Per month
$163
851 kWh
Per year
$1,962
10,220 kWh
By usage level in Illinois
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $2.69 | $81.72 | $981 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $5.38 | $163 | $1,962 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $10.75 | $327 | $3,924 |
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 19.2¢/kWh (July 2026), a central air conditioner with typical usage costs about $5.38 per day, $163 per month, or $1,962 per year.
Is running a central air conditioner in Illinois more expensive than average?
Yes. Illinois's electricity costs about 5% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $163 per month here versus $156 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Illinois right now?
Illinois residents pay an average of 19.2¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 35th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.