Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in South Dakota
South Dakota's average residential electricity rate is 15.7¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 21st cheapest in the country, 15% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a central air conditioner here costs $134 per month.
Per hour
$0.55
at 2,000–5,000 W
Per day
$4.40
8 hours/day
Per month
$134
851 kWh
Per year
$1,605
10,220 kWh
By usage level in South Dakota
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $2.20 | $66.82 | $802 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $4.40 | $134 | $1,605 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $8.79 | $267 | $3,209 |
South 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 South Dakota?
At South Dakota's current average residential rate of 15.7¢/kWh (May 2026), a central air conditioner with typical usage costs about $4.40 per day, $134 per month, or $1,605 per year.
Is running a central air conditioner in South Dakota more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. South Dakota's rate is about 15% below the U.S. average: $134 per month here versus $157 nationally.
What does electricity cost in South Dakota right now?
South Dakota residents pay an average of 15.7¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 21st cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.