Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in Iowa
Iowa's average residential electricity rate is 16¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 23rd cheapest in the country, 13% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $15.56 per month.
Per hour
6.4¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.51
8 hours/day
Per month
$15.56
97 kWh
Per year
$187
1,168 kWh
By usage level in Iowa
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.26 | $7.78 | $93.44 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.51 | $15.56 | $187 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $1.02 | $31.13 | $374 |
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 16¢/kWh (July 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.51 per day, $15.56 per month, or $187 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in Iowa more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Iowa's rate is about 13% below the U.S. average: $15.56 per month here versus $17.80 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Iowa right now?
Iowa residents pay an average of 16¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 23rd cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.