Central Air Conditioner in Boston — $933/yr to Run (27.8¢/kWh)
Your central air conditioner in Boston costs about $78/month at 27.8¢/kWh. See daily, monthly, and yearly costs, plus tips to cut your bill.
Boston, MA Electricity Rate
27.8¢/kWh
Utility: Eversource Energy
+114% vs national avg
National avg: 13.0¢/kWh
Daily Cost
$7.78
28.0 kWh/day
Monthly Cost
$77.78
280 kWh/mo
Annual Cost
$933
3,360 kWh/yr
Lifetime (15yr)
$14,001
energy only
Monthly Cost Breakdown in Boston
| Period | kWh | Boston Cost | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | 28.0 | $7.78 | $3.64 | +$4.14 |
| Weekly | 196.0 | $54.45 | $25.48 | +$28.97 |
| Monthly | 280.0 | $77.78 | $36.40 | +$41.38 |
| Quarterly | 840.0 | $233.35 | $109.20 | +$124.15 |
| Annual | 3360.0 | $933.41 | $436.80 | +$496.61 |
Customize Your Central Air Conditioner Cost
Adjust usage hours and electricity rate to calculate your exact cost in Boston.
Daily
$7.78
Monthly
$77.78
Annual
$933
15-Year
$14,001
Energy Saving Tips for Central Air Conditioner in Boston
- ✓Boston electricity rates are 114% above the national average — energy efficiency matters more here.
- ✓An ENERGY STAR Central Air Conditioner in Boston saves ~$140/year compared to standard models.
- ✓A smart Central Air Conditioner with scheduling optimization can save ~$187/year at Boston rates.
- ✓Set thermostat to 78F when home
- ✓Clean or replace filters monthly
- ✓Use a programmable thermostat
ENERGY STAR Savings: Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR Central Air Conditioner in Boston saves approximately $140/year at local rates — $2,100 over the appliance lifetime.
Highest-Cost Appliances in Boston, MA
See which appliances cost the most to run at Boston's 27.8¢/kWh electricity rate.
Level 2 EV Charger (240V)
Transportation · 7,200W
$3,600/yr
$300.02/mo
Electric Furnace
HVAC · 10,000W
$2,500/yr
$208.35/mo
Electric Tankless Water Heater
Water Heating · 18,000W
$1,825/yr
$152.10/mo
EV Charger (Level 2)
Garage · 7,200W
$1,800/yr
$150.01/mo
Boiler (Electric)
HVAC · 6,000W
$1,500/yr
$125.01/mo
Electric Water Heater (Tank)
Water Heating · 4,500W
$1,369/yr
$114.07/mo
Water Heater (Tank Electric)
Water Heating · 4,500W
$1,369/yr
$114.07/mo
Heat Pump
HVAC · 2,400W
$1,067/yr
$88.90/mo
Central Air Conditioner Cost in Other Massachusetts Cities
| City | Rate | Annual Cost | vs Boston |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston (current) | 27.8¢ | $933 | — |
| Worcester | 29.6¢ | $995 | +$61 |
| Springfield | 29.2¢ | $980 | +$47 |
| Cambridge | 26.9¢ | $905 | $-29 |
| Lowell | 30.3¢ | $1,017 | +$84 |
| Brockton | 21.0¢ | $707 | $-227 |
| Quincy | 21.4¢ | $721 | $-213 |
| New Bedford | 23.4¢ | $787 | $-146 |
| Lynn | 21.5¢ | $724 | $-210 |
Central Air Conditioner Energy Cost FAQ — Boston, MA
Understanding Central Air Conditioner Energy Costs in Boston, MA
In a major metro like Boston, electricity demand is high and rates reflect the cost of maintaining infrastructure for 0.7 million residents. Running a high-draw appliance like the Central Air Conditioner (3,500W) at Boston's rate of 27.8¢/kWh costs approximately $933 per year — $497 more than the national average of $437.
Electricity in Boston is significantly more expensive than the national average — 114% higher. For a Central Air Conditioner used 8 hours per day, this rate premium adds up to $497 in extra annual costs. Energy-efficient models and usage habits have an outsized impact in high-rate markets like this.
Boston has a high cost of living (index: 141), which means electricity is just one of many above-average expenses. Reducing appliance energy costs — even by small amounts — contributes to meaningful household savings in this market. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR Central Air Conditioner can cut energy use by up to 15%, saving approximately $140 per year at Boston rates.
Boston's moderate climate (avg 44°F) helps keep seasonal energy cost swings manageable for most appliances. A Central Air Conditioner produces approximately 2.4 tons of CO2 annually at typical usage. Boston residents can reduce this footprint by choosing an ENERGY STAR certified unit, optimizing usage patterns, or investing in solar — see our solar savings calculator for Boston.
Compare All Energy Costs in Boston
See energy costs for 168+ household appliances at Boston's local electricity rate.