Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in Texas
Texas's average residential electricity rate is 15.9¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 22nd cheapest in the country, 13% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a central air conditioner here costs $135 per month.
Per hour
$0.56
at 2,000–5,000 W
Per day
$4.45
8 hours/day
Per month
$135
851 kWh
Per year
$1,625
10,220 kWh
By usage level in Texas
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $2.23 | $67.67 | $812 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $4.45 | $135 | $1,625 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $8.90 | $271 | $3,250 |
Texas 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 Texas?
At Texas's current average residential rate of 15.9¢/kWh (July 2026), a central air conditioner with typical usage costs about $4.45 per day, $135 per month, or $1,625 per year.
Is running a central air conditioner in Texas more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Texas's rate is about 13% below the U.S. average: $135 per month here versus $156 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Texas right now?
Texas residents pay an average of 15.9¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 22nd cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.