Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in Iowa
Iowa's average residential electricity rate is 14.1¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 8th cheapest in the country, 23% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $13.72 per month.
Per hour
5.6¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.45
8 hours/day
Per month
$13.72
97 kWh
Per year
$165
1,168 kWh
By usage level in Iowa
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.23 | $6.86 | $82.34 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.45 | $13.72 | $165 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $0.90 | $27.43 | $329 |
Iowa 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 Iowa?
At Iowa's current average residential rate of 14.1¢/kWh (May 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.45 per day, $13.72 per month, or $165 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in Iowa more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Iowa's rate is about 23% below the U.S. average: $13.72 per month here versus $17.90 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Iowa right now?
Iowa residents pay an average of 14.1¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 8th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.