Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in South Dakota
South Dakota's average residential electricity rate is 15.4¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 19th cheapest in the country, 16% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a central air conditioner here costs $131 per month.
Per hour
$0.54
at 2,000–5,000 W
Per day
$4.31
8 hours/day
Per month
$131
851 kWh
Per year
$1,574
10,220 kWh
By usage level in South Dakota
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $2.16 | $65.54 | $787 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $4.31 | $131 | $1,574 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $8.62 | $262 | $3,148 |
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 15.4¢/kWh (July 2026), a central air conditioner with typical usage costs about $4.31 per day, $131 per month, or $1,574 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 16% below the U.S. average: $131 per month here versus $156 nationally.
What does electricity cost in South Dakota right now?
South Dakota residents pay an average of 15.4¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 19th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.