Cost to Run a Window Air Conditioner in Illinois
Illinois's average residential electricity rate is 23.9¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 40th cheapest in the country, 30% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a window air conditioner here costs $52.31 per month.
Per hour
$0.22
at 500–1,500 W
Per day
$1.72
8 hours/day
Per month
$52.31
219 kWh
Per year
$628
2,628 kWh
By usage level in Illinois
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.86 | $26.16 | $314 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $1.72 | $52.31 | $628 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $3.44 | $105 | $1,256 |
Illinois vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a window air conditioner in Illinois?
At Illinois's current average residential rate of 23.9¢/kWh (May 2026), a window air conditioner with typical usage costs about $1.72 per day, $52.31 per month, or $628 per year.
Is running a window air conditioner in Illinois more expensive than average?
Yes. Illinois's electricity costs about 30% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $52.31 per month here versus $40.27 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Illinois right now?
Illinois residents pay an average of 23.9¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 40th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.