Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in South Dakota
South Dakota's average residential electricity rate is 15.4¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 19th cheapest in the country, 16% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $14.98 per month.
Per hour
6.2¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.49
8 hours/day
Per month
$14.98
97 kWh
Per year
$180
1,168 kWh
By usage level in South Dakota
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.25 | $7.49 | $89.94 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.49 | $14.98 | $180 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $0.99 | $29.96 | $360 |
South Dakota 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 Dakota?
At South Dakota's current average residential rate of 15.4¢/kWh (July 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.49 per day, $14.98 per month, or $180 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in South Dakota more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. South Dakota's rate is about 16% below the U.S. average: $14.98 per month here versus $17.80 nationally.
What does electricity cost in South Dakota right now?
South Dakota residents pay an average of 15.4¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 19th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.