Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in North Dakota
North Dakota's average residential electricity rate is 13.6¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 6th cheapest in the country, 26% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a central air conditioner here costs $116 per month.
Per hour
$0.48
at 2,000–5,000 W
Per day
$3.81
8 hours/day
Per month
$116
851 kWh
Per year
$1,390
10,220 kWh
By usage level in North Dakota
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $1.90 | $57.88 | $695 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $3.81 | $116 | $1,390 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $7.62 | $232 | $2,780 |
North Dakota 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 North Dakota?
At North Dakota's current average residential rate of 13.6¢/kWh (May 2026), a central air conditioner with typical usage costs about $3.81 per day, $116 per month, or $1,390 per year.
Is running a central air conditioner in North Dakota more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. North Dakota's rate is about 26% below the U.S. average: $116 per month here versus $157 nationally.
What does electricity cost in North Dakota right now?
North Dakota residents pay an average of 13.6¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 6th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.