Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in Minnesota
Minnesota's average residential electricity rate is 17.5¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 31st cheapest in the country, 4% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a central air conditioner here costs $149 per month.
Per hour
$0.61
at 2,000–5,000 W
Per day
$4.90
8 hours/day
Per month
$149
851 kWh
Per year
$1,789
10,220 kWh
By usage level in Minnesota
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $2.45 | $74.48 | $894 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $4.90 | $149 | $1,789 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $9.80 | $298 | $3,577 |
Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
At Minnesota's current average residential rate of 17.5¢/kWh (July 2026), a central air conditioner with typical usage costs about $4.90 per day, $149 per month, or $1,789 per year.
Is running a central air conditioner in Minnesota more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Minnesota's rate is about 4% below the U.S. average: $149 per month here versus $156 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Minnesota right now?
Minnesota residents pay an average of 17.5¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 31st cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.