Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in Montana
Montana's average residential electricity rate is 13.9¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 7th cheapest in the country, 26% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a central air conditioner here costs $118 per month.
Per hour
$0.49
at 2,000–5,000 W
Per day
$3.89
8 hours/day
Per month
$118
851 kWh
Per year
$1,421
10,220 kWh
By usage level in Montana
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $1.95 | $59.16 | $710 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $3.89 | $118 | $1,421 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $7.78 | $237 | $2,841 |
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 13.9¢/kWh (April 2026), a central air conditioner with typical usage costs about $3.89 per day, $118 per month, or $1,421 per year.
Is running a central air conditioner in Montana more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Montana's rate is about 26% below the U.S. average: $118 per month here versus $160 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Montana right now?
Montana residents pay an average of 13.9¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 7th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.