Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in Alabama
Alabama's average residential electricity rate is 16.8¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 28th cheapest in the country, 9% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $16.34 per month.
Per hour
6.7¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.54
8 hours/day
Per month
$16.34
97 kWh
Per year
$196
1,168 kWh
By usage level in Alabama
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.27 | $8.17 | $98.11 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.54 | $16.34 | $196 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $1.08 | $32.69 | $392 |
Alabama vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a evaporative (swamp) cooler in Alabama?
At Alabama's current average residential rate of 16.8¢/kWh (May 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.54 per day, $16.34 per month, or $196 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in Alabama more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Alabama's rate is about 9% below the U.S. average: $16.34 per month here versus $17.90 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Alabama right now?
Alabama residents pay an average of 16.8¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 28th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.