Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in Idaho
Idaho's average residential electricity rate is 13.7¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 5th cheapest in the country, 25% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $13.33 per month.
Per hour
5.5¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.44
8 hours/day
Per month
$13.33
97 kWh
Per year
$160
1,168 kWh
By usage level in Idaho
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.22 | $6.66 | $80.01 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.44 | $13.33 | $160 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $0.88 | $26.65 | $320 |
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 13.7¢/kWh (July 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.44 per day, $13.33 per month, or $160 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in Idaho more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Idaho's rate is about 25% below the U.S. average: $13.33 per month here versus $17.80 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Idaho right now?
Idaho residents pay an average of 13.7¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 5th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.