Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in Illinois
Illinois's average residential electricity rate is 20.5¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 36th cheapest in the country, 9% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $19.94 per month.
Per hour
8.2¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.66
8 hours/day
Per month
$19.94
97 kWh
Per year
$239
1,168 kWh
By usage level in Illinois
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.33 | $9.97 | $120 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.66 | $19.94 | $239 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $1.31 | $39.88 | $479 |
Illinois 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 Illinois?
At Illinois's current average residential rate of 20.5¢/kWh (April 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.66 per day, $19.94 per month, or $239 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in Illinois more expensive than average?
Yes. Illinois's electricity costs about 9% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $19.94 per month here versus $18.29 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Illinois right now?
Illinois residents pay an average of 20.5¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 36th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.