Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in South Dakota
South Dakota's average residential electricity rate is 15.7¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 21st cheapest in the country, 15% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $15.27 per month.
Per hour
6.3¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.50
8 hours/day
Per month
$15.27
97 kWh
Per year
$183
1,168 kWh
By usage level in South Dakota
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.25 | $7.64 | $91.69 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.50 | $15.27 | $183 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $1.00 | $30.55 | $367 |
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 15.7¢/kWh (May 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.50 per day, $15.27 per month, or $183 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 15% below the U.S. average: $15.27 per month here versus $17.90 nationally.
What does electricity cost in South Dakota right now?
South Dakota residents pay an average of 15.7¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 21st cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.