Cost to Run a Portable Air Conditioner in Rhode Island
Rhode Island's average residential electricity rate is 29.5¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 48th cheapest in the country, 60% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a portable air conditioner here costs $71.74 per month.
Per hour
$0.29
at 700–1,500 W
Per day
$2.36
8 hours/day
Per month
$71.74
243 kWh
Per year
$861
2,920 kWh
By usage level in Rhode Island
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $1.18 | $35.87 | $431 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $2.36 | $71.74 | $861 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $4.72 | $143 | $1,723 |
Rhode Island vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a portable air conditioner in Rhode Island?
At Rhode Island's current average residential rate of 29.5¢/kWh (May 2026), a portable air conditioner with typical usage costs about $2.36 per day, $71.74 per month, or $861 per year.
Is running a portable air conditioner in Rhode Island more expensive than average?
Yes. Rhode Island's electricity costs about 60% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $71.74 per month here versus $44.75 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Rhode Island right now?
Rhode Island residents pay an average of 29.5¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 48th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.