Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in North Carolina
North Carolina's average residential electricity rate is 15.2¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 16th cheapest in the country, 17% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $14.79 per month.
Per hour
6.1¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.49
8 hours/day
Per month
$14.79
97 kWh
Per year
$178
1,168 kWh
By usage level in North Carolina
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.24 | $7.39 | $88.77 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.49 | $14.79 | $178 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $0.97 | $29.57 | $355 |
North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
At North Carolina's current average residential rate of 15.2¢/kWh (July 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.49 per day, $14.79 per month, or $178 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in North Carolina more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. North Carolina's rate is about 17% below the U.S. average: $14.79 per month here versus $17.80 nationally.
What does electricity cost in North Carolina right now?
North Carolina residents pay an average of 15.2¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 16th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.