Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in Virginia
Virginia's average residential electricity rate is 17.6¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 31st cheapest in the country, 4% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $17.12 per month.
Per hour
7.0¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.56
8 hours/day
Per month
$17.12
97 kWh
Per year
$206
1,168 kWh
By usage level in Virginia
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.28 | $8.56 | $103 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.56 | $17.12 | $206 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $1.13 | $34.24 | $411 |
Virginia 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 Virginia?
At Virginia's current average residential rate of 17.6¢/kWh (May 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.56 per day, $17.12 per month, or $206 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in Virginia more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Virginia's rate is about 4% below the U.S. average: $17.12 per month here versus $17.90 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Virginia right now?
Virginia residents pay an average of 17.6¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 31st cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.