Cost to Run a Central Air Conditioner in Virginia
Virginia's average residential electricity rate is 17.6¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 31st cheapest in the country, 4% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a central air conditioner here costs $150 per month.
Per hour
$0.62
at 2,000–5,000 W
Per day
$4.93
8 hours/day
Per month
$150
851 kWh
Per year
$1,799
10,220 kWh
By usage level in Virginia
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $2.46 | $74.91 | $899 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $4.93 | $150 | $1,799 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $9.86 | $300 | $3,597 |
Virginia 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 Virginia?
At Virginia's current average residential rate of 17.6¢/kWh (May 2026), a central air conditioner with typical usage costs about $4.93 per day, $150 per month, or $1,799 per year.
Is running a central air conditioner in Virginia more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Virginia's rate is about 4% below the U.S. average: $150 per month here versus $157 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Virginia right now?
Virginia residents pay an average of 17.6¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 31st cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.