Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in California
California's average residential electricity rate is 33.3¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 50th cheapest in the country, 81% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $32.39 per month.
Per hour
$0.13
at 100–800 W
Per day
$1.07
8 hours/day
Per month
$32.39
97 kWh
Per year
$389
1,168 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.53 | $16.20 | $194 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $1.07 | $32.39 | $389 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $2.13 | $64.79 | $778 |
California 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 California?
At California's current average residential rate of 33.3¢/kWh (May 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $1.07 per day, $32.39 per month, or $389 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 81% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $32.39 per month here versus $17.90 nationally.
What does electricity cost in California right now?
California residents pay an average of 33.3¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 50th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.