Cost to Run a Window Air Conditioner in Texas
Texas's average residential electricity rate is 16.4¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 27th cheapest in the country, 11% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a window air conditioner here costs $35.90 per month.
Per hour
$0.15
at 500–1,500 W
Per day
$1.18
8 hours/day
Per month
$35.90
219 kWh
Per year
$431
2,628 kWh
By usage level in Texas
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $0.59 | $17.95 | $215 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $1.18 | $35.90 | $431 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $2.36 | $71.79 | $862 |
Texas 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 Texas?
At Texas's current average residential rate of 16.4¢/kWh (May 2026), a window air conditioner with typical usage costs about $1.18 per day, $35.90 per month, or $431 per year.
Is running a window air conditioner in Texas more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. Texas's rate is about 11% below the U.S. average: $35.90 per month here versus $40.27 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Texas right now?
Texas residents pay an average of 16.4¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 27th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.