Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in Montana
Montana's average residential electricity rate is 15¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 15th cheapest in the country, 18% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a central air conditioner here costs $128 per month.
Per hour
$0.53
at 2,000–5,000 W
Per day
$4.20
8 hours/day
Per month
$128
851 kWh
Per year
$1,533
10,220 kWh
By usage level in Montana
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $2.10 | $63.84 | $767 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $4.20 | $128 | $1,533 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $8.40 | $255 | $3,066 |
Montana 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 Montana?
At Montana's current average residential rate of 15¢/kWh (July 2026), a central air conditioner with typical usage costs about $4.20 per day, $128 per month, or $1,533 per year.
Is running a central air conditioner in Montana more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Montana's rate is about 18% below the U.S. average: $128 per month here versus $156 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Montana right now?
Montana residents pay an average of 15¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 15th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.