Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in Illinois
Illinois's average residential electricity rate is 23.9¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 40th cheapest in the country, 30% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $23.25 per month.
Per hour
$0.10
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.76
8 hours/day
Per month
$23.25
97 kWh
Per year
$279
1,168 kWh
By usage level in Illinois
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.38 | $11.62 | $140 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.76 | $23.25 | $279 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $1.53 | $46.50 | $558 |
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 23.9¢/kWh (May 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.76 per day, $23.25 per month, or $279 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in Illinois more expensive than average?
Yes. Illinois's electricity costs about 30% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $23.25 per month here versus $17.90 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Illinois right now?
Illinois residents pay an average of 23.9¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 40th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.