Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in Montana
Montana's average residential electricity rate is 13.9¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 7th cheapest in the country, 26% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $13.52 per month.
Per hour
5.6¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.44
8 hours/day
Per month
$13.52
97 kWh
Per year
$162
1,168 kWh
By usage level in Montana
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.22 | $6.76 | $81.18 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.44 | $13.52 | $162 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $0.89 | $27.04 | $325 |
Montana 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 Montana?
At Montana's current average residential rate of 13.9¢/kWh (April 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.44 per day, $13.52 per month, or $162 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in Montana more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Montana's rate is about 26% below the U.S. average: $13.52 per month here versus $18.29 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Montana right now?
Montana residents pay an average of 13.9¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 7th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.