Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in Texas
Texas's average residential electricity rate is 15.9¢/kWh as of July 2026 — the 22nd cheapest in the country, 13% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $15.47 per month.
Per hour
6.4¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.51
8 hours/day
Per month
$15.47
97 kWh
Per year
$186
1,168 kWh
By usage level in Texas
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.25 | $7.73 | $92.86 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.51 | $15.47 | $186 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $1.02 | $30.94 | $371 |
Texas 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 Texas?
At Texas's current average residential rate of 15.9¢/kWh (July 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.51 per day, $15.47 per month, or $186 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in Texas more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Texas's rate is about 13% below the U.S. average: $15.47 per month here versus $17.80 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Texas right now?
Texas residents pay an average of 15.9¢ per kWh as of July 2026 — the 22nd cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.