Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in Colorado
Colorado's average residential electricity rate is 16.5¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 26th cheapest in the country, 12% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $16.05 per month.
Per hour
6.6¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.53
8 hours/day
Per month
$16.05
97 kWh
Per year
$193
1,168 kWh
By usage level in Colorado
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.26 | $8.03 | $96.36 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.53 | $16.05 | $193 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $1.06 | $32.10 | $385 |
Colorado 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 Colorado?
At Colorado's current average residential rate of 16.5¢/kWh (April 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.53 per day, $16.05 per month, or $193 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in Colorado more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Colorado's rate is about 12% below the U.S. average: $16.05 per month here versus $18.29 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Colorado right now?
Colorado residents pay an average of 16.5¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 26th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.