Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in South Carolina
South Carolina's average residential electricity rate is 16.2¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 25th cheapest in the country, 12% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $15.76 per month.
Per hour
6.5¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.52
8 hours/day
Per month
$15.76
97 kWh
Per year
$189
1,168 kWh
By usage level in South Carolina
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.26 | $7.88 | $94.61 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.52 | $15.76 | $189 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $1.04 | $31.52 | $378 |
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 16.2¢/kWh (May 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.52 per day, $15.76 per month, or $189 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 12% below the U.S. average: $15.76 per month here versus $17.90 nationally.
What does electricity cost in South Carolina right now?
South Carolina residents pay an average of 16.2¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 25th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.