Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in Maryland
Maryland's average residential electricity rate is 22.1¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 39th cheapest in the country, 18% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $21.50 per month.
Per hour
8.8¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.71
8 hours/day
Per month
$21.50
97 kWh
Per year
$258
1,168 kWh
By usage level in Maryland
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.35 | $10.75 | $129 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.71 | $21.50 | $258 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $1.41 | $43.00 | $516 |
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 22.1¢/kWh (April 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.71 per day, $21.50 per month, or $258 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 $21.50 per month here versus $18.29 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Maryland right now?
Maryland residents pay an average of 22.1¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 39th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.