Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in Rhode Island
Rhode Island's average residential electricity rate is 28.3¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 45th cheapest in the country, 51% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a central air conditioner here costs $241 per month.
Per hour
$0.99
at 2,000–5,000 W
Per day
$7.92
8 hours/day
Per month
$241
851 kWh
Per year
$2,892
10,220 kWh
By usage level in Rhode Island
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $3.96 | $120 | $1,446 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $7.92 | $241 | $2,892 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $15.85 | $482 | $5,785 |
Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
At Rhode Island's current average residential rate of 28.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a central air conditioner with typical usage costs about $7.92 per day, $241 per month, or $2,892 per year.
Is running a central air conditioner in Rhode Island more expensive than average?
Yes. Rhode Island's electricity costs about 51% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $241 per month here versus $160 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Rhode Island right now?
Rhode Island residents pay an average of 28.3¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 45th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.