Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in Tennessee
Tennessee's average residential electricity rate is 14.5¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 12th cheapest in the country, 21% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a central air conditioner here costs $123 per month.
Per hour
$0.51
at 2,000–5,000 W
Per day
$4.06
8 hours/day
Per month
$123
851 kWh
Per year
$1,482
10,220 kWh
By usage level in Tennessee
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $2.03 | $61.71 | $741 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $4.06 | $123 | $1,482 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $8.12 | $247 | $2,964 |
Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
At Tennessee's current average residential rate of 14.5¢/kWh (May 2026), a central air conditioner with typical usage costs about $4.06 per day, $123 per month, or $1,482 per year.
Is running a central air conditioner in Tennessee more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Tennessee's rate is about 21% below the U.S. average: $123 per month here versus $157 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Tennessee right now?
Tennessee residents pay an average of 14.5¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 12th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.