Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in Illinois
Illinois's average residential electricity rate is 19.2¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 35th cheapest in the country, 5% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $18.68 per month.
Per hour
7.7¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.61
8 hours/day
Per month
$18.68
97 kWh
Per year
$224
1,168 kWh
By usage level in Illinois
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.31 | $9.34 | $112 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.61 | $18.68 | $224 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $1.23 | $37.36 | $449 |
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 19.2¢/kWh (July 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.61 per day, $18.68 per month, or $224 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in Illinois more expensive than average?
Yes. Illinois's electricity costs about 5% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $18.68 per month here versus $17.80 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Illinois right now?
Illinois residents pay an average of 19.2¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 35th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.