Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in Maryland
Maryland's average residential electricity rate is 21.8¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 37th cheapest in the country, 18% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $21.21 per month.
Per hour
8.7¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.70
8 hours/day
Per month
$21.21
97 kWh
Per year
$255
1,168 kWh
By usage level in Maryland
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.35 | $10.60 | $127 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.70 | $21.21 | $255 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $1.40 | $42.41 | $509 |
Maryland 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 Maryland?
At Maryland's current average residential rate of 21.8¢/kWh (May 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.70 per day, $21.21 per month, or $255 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in Maryland more expensive than average?
Yes. Maryland's electricity costs about 18% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $21.21 per month here versus $17.90 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Maryland right now?
Maryland residents pay an average of 21.8¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 37th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.