Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in South Dakota
South Dakota's average residential electricity rate is 14.5¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 13th cheapest in the country, 23% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $14.11 per month.
Per hour
5.8¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.46
8 hours/day
Per month
$14.11
97 kWh
Per year
$169
1,168 kWh
By usage level in South Dakota
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.23 | $7.05 | $84.68 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.46 | $14.11 | $169 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $0.93 | $28.21 | $339 |
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 14.5¢/kWh (April 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.46 per day, $14.11 per month, or $169 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 23% below the U.S. average: $14.11 per month here versus $18.29 nationally.
What does electricity cost in South Dakota right now?
South Dakota residents pay an average of 14.5¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 13th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.