Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in California
California's average residential electricity rate is 33.6¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 50th cheapest in the country, 84% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $32.69 per month.
Per hour
$0.13
at 100–800 W
Per day
$1.08
8 hours/day
Per month
$32.69
97 kWh
Per year
$392
1,168 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.54 | $16.34 | $196 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $1.08 | $32.69 | $392 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $2.15 | $65.37 | $785 |
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 33.6¢/kWh (July 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $1.08 per day, $32.69 per month, or $392 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 84% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $32.69 per month here versus $17.80 nationally.
What does electricity cost in California right now?
California residents pay an average of 33.6¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 50th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.