Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in Alabama
Alabama's average residential electricity rate is 16.4¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 28th cheapest in the country, 10% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $15.95 per month.
Per hour
6.6¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.52
8 hours/day
Per month
$15.95
97 kWh
Per year
$192
1,168 kWh
By usage level in Alabama
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.26 | $7.98 | $95.78 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.52 | $15.95 | $192 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $1.05 | $31.91 | $383 |
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 16.4¢/kWh (July 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.52 per day, $15.95 per month, or $192 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in Alabama more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Alabama's rate is about 10% below the U.S. average: $15.95 per month here versus $17.80 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Alabama right now?
Alabama residents pay an average of 16.4¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 28th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.