Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in Massachusetts
Massachusetts's average residential electricity rate is 30.5¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 48th cheapest in the country, 67% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a central air conditioner here costs $260 per month.
Per hour
$1.07
at 2,000–5,000 W
Per day
$8.54
8 hours/day
Per month
$260
851 kWh
Per year
$3,117
10,220 kWh
By usage level in Massachusetts
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $4.27 | $130 | $1,559 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $8.54 | $260 | $3,117 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $17.08 | $519 | $6,234 |
Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
At Massachusetts's current average residential rate of 30.5¢/kWh (July 2026), a central air conditioner with typical usage costs about $8.54 per day, $260 per month, or $3,117 per year.
Is running a central air conditioner in Massachusetts more expensive than average?
Yes. Massachusetts's electricity costs about 67% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $260 per month here versus $156 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Massachusetts right now?
Massachusetts residents pay an average of 30.5¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 48th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.