Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in South Carolina
South Carolina's average residential electricity rate is 15.5¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 20th cheapest in the country, 15% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $15.08 per month.
Per hour
6.2¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.50
8 hours/day
Per month
$15.08
97 kWh
Per year
$181
1,168 kWh
By usage level in South Carolina
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.25 | $7.54 | $90.52 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.50 | $15.08 | $181 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $0.99 | $30.16 | $362 |
South 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 South Carolina?
At South Carolina's current average residential rate of 15.5¢/kWh (July 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.50 per day, $15.08 per month, or $181 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in South Carolina more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. South Carolina's rate is about 15% below the U.S. average: $15.08 per month here versus $17.80 nationally.
What does electricity cost in South Carolina right now?
South Carolina residents pay an average of 15.5¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 20th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.