Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in Maryland
Maryland's average residential electricity rate is 22.1¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 39th cheapest in the country, 18% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a central air conditioner here costs $188 per month.
Per hour
$0.77
at 2,000–5,000 W
Per day
$6.19
8 hours/day
Per month
$188
851 kWh
Per year
$2,259
10,220 kWh
By usage level in Maryland
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $3.09 | $94.06 | $1,129 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $6.19 | $188 | $2,259 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $12.38 | $376 | $4,517 |
Maryland 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 Maryland?
At Maryland's current average residential rate of 22.1¢/kWh (April 2026), a central air conditioner with typical usage costs about $6.19 per day, $188 per month, or $2,259 per year.
Is running a central air conditioner in Maryland more expensive than average?
Yes. Maryland's electricity costs about 18% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $188 per month here versus $160 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Maryland right now?
Maryland residents pay an average of 22.1¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 39th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.