Cost to Run a Evaporative (Swamp) Cooler in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's average residential electricity rate is 19.7¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 35th cheapest in the country, 7% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a evaporative (swamp) cooler here costs $19.16 per month.
Per hour
7.9¢
at 100–800 W
Per day
$0.63
8 hours/day
Per month
$19.16
97 kWh
Per year
$230
1,168 kWh
By usage level in Wisconsin
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.32 | $9.58 | $115 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $0.63 | $19.16 | $230 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $1.26 | $38.33 | $460 |
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
At Wisconsin's current average residential rate of 19.7¢/kWh (May 2026), a evaporative (swamp) cooler with typical usage costs about $0.63 per day, $19.16 per month, or $230 per year.
Is running a evaporative (swamp) cooler in Wisconsin more expensive than average?
Yes. Wisconsin's electricity costs about 7% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $19.16 per month here versus $17.90 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Wisconsin right now?
Wisconsin residents pay an average of 19.7¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 35th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.