Cost to Run a Portable Air Conditioner in South Dakota
South Dakota's average residential electricity rate is 15.7¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 21st cheapest in the country, 15% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a portable air conditioner here costs $38.18 per month.
Per hour
$0.16
at 700–1,500 W
Per day
$1.26
8 hours/day
Per month
$38.18
243 kWh
Per year
$458
2,920 kWh
By usage level in South Dakota
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.63 | $19.09 | $229 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $1.26 | $38.18 | $458 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $2.51 | $76.36 | $917 |
South Dakota 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 South Dakota?
At South Dakota's current average residential rate of 15.7¢/kWh (May 2026), a portable air conditioner with typical usage costs about $1.26 per day, $38.18 per month, or $458 per year.
Is running a portable air conditioner in South Dakota more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. South Dakota's rate is about 15% below the U.S. average: $38.18 per month here versus $44.75 nationally.
What does electricity cost in South Dakota right now?
South Dakota residents pay an average of 15.7¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 21st cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.