Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.'s average residential electricity rate is 25.4¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 42nd cheapest in the country, 35% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $24.71 per month.
Per hour
$0.10
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.81
8 hours/day
Per month
$24.71
97 kWh
Per year
$297
1,168 kWh
By usage level in Washington, D.C.
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.41 | $12.35 | $148 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.81 | $24.71 | $297 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $1.63 | $49.42 | $593 |
Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C.?
At Washington, D.C.'s current average residential rate of 25.4¢/kWh (April 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.81 per day, $24.71 per month, or $297 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in Washington, D.C. more expensive than average?
Yes. Washington, D.C.'s electricity costs about 35% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $24.71 per month here versus $18.29 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Washington, D.C. right now?
Washington, D.C. residents pay an average of 25.4¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 42nd cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.