Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in South Carolina
South Carolina's average residential electricity rate is 17.1¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 29th cheapest in the country, 9% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a central air conditioner here costs $146 per month.
Per hour
$0.60
at 2,000–5,000 W
Per day
$4.79
8 hours/day
Per month
$146
851 kWh
Per year
$1,748
10,220 kWh
By usage level in South Carolina
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $2.39 | $72.78 | $874 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $4.79 | $146 | $1,748 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $9.58 | $291 | $3,495 |
South Carolina 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 South Carolina?
At South Carolina's current average residential rate of 17.1¢/kWh (April 2026), a central air conditioner with typical usage costs about $4.79 per day, $146 per month, or $1,748 per year.
Is running a central air conditioner in South Carolina more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. South Carolina's rate is about 9% below the U.S. average: $146 per month here versus $160 nationally.
What does electricity cost in South Carolina right now?
South Carolina residents pay an average of 17.1¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 29th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.