Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in Idaho
Idaho's average residential electricity rate is 12.4¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 1st cheapest in the country, 33% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $12.06 per month.
Per hour
5.0¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.40
8 hours/day
Per month
$12.06
97 kWh
Per year
$145
1,168 kWh
By usage level in Idaho
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.20 | $6.03 | $72.42 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.40 | $12.06 | $145 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $0.79 | $24.13 | $290 |
Idaho 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 Idaho?
At Idaho's current average residential rate of 12.4¢/kWh (May 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.40 per day, $12.06 per month, or $145 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in Idaho more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Idaho's rate is about 33% below the U.S. average: $12.06 per month here versus $17.90 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Idaho right now?
Idaho residents pay an average of 12.4¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 1st cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.