Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in Virginia
Virginia's average residential electricity rate is 17.4¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 31st cheapest in the country, 7% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $16.93 per month.
Per hour
7.0¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.56
8 hours/day
Per month
$16.93
97 kWh
Per year
$203
1,168 kWh
By usage level in Virginia
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.28 | $8.46 | $102 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.56 | $16.93 | $203 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $1.11 | $33.85 | $406 |
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 17.4¢/kWh (April 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.56 per day, $16.93 per month, or $203 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in Virginia more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Virginia's rate is about 7% below the U.S. average: $16.93 per month here versus $18.29 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Virginia right now?
Virginia residents pay an average of 17.4¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 31st cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.