Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in South Carolina
South Carolina's average residential electricity rate is 17.1¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 29th cheapest in the country, 9% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $16.63 per month.
Per hour
6.8¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.55
8 hours/day
Per month
$16.63
97 kWh
Per year
$200
1,168 kWh
By usage level in South Carolina
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.27 | $8.32 | $99.86 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.55 | $16.63 | $200 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $1.09 | $33.27 | $399 |
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 17.1¢/kWh (April 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.55 per day, $16.63 per month, or $200 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 9% below the U.S. average: $16.63 per month here versus $18.29 nationally.
What does electricity cost in South Carolina right now?
South Carolina residents pay an average of 17.1¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 29th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.