AC Electricity Cost in Kolkata (West Bengal) — 2026
Kolkata combines high humidity with a long 7-month AC season. The ₹8.0/kWh tariff is on the higher side, making inverter ACs a necessity. Coastal influence in Howrah and Diamond Harbour means anti-corrosion protection is important for homes near the river and coast.
Quick Answer
A 1.5 ton 5-star inverter AC running 8 hours daily in Kolkata costs approximately ₹1000 per month. A 3-star unit costs ₹1380. The yearly electricity bill for a 5-star unit is roughly ₹7000.
Monthly AC Bill Estimate in Kolkata
Based on 8 hours daily usage at ₹8/kWh residential tariff.
| AC Type | 1 Ton | 1.5 Ton | 2 Ton |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Star Inverter | ₹620/mo | ₹1000/mo | ₹1420/mo |
| 3-Star Non-Inverter | ₹840/mo | ₹1380/mo | ₹1940/mo |
| Yearly Savings (5-Star vs 3-Star) | ₹2640 | ₹4560 | ₹6240 |
Electricity Tariff Comparison Across Indian Cities
Residential tariff per kWh for AC usage slab.
| City | State | Tariff (₹/kWh) | Climate | Peak Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh | ₹6.5 | Hot Dry / Continental | April – July |
| Ahmedabad | Gujarat | ₹6.8 | Hot Dry / Very Hot | March – June |
| Chennai | Tamil Nadu | ₹7.0 | Hot & Very Humid | March – November |
| Chandigarh | Punjab & Haryana | ₹7.0 | Hot Dry / Continental | April – July |
| Indore | Madhya Pradesh | ₹7.1 | Hot Dry / Continental | March – June |
| Bangalore | Karnataka | ₹7.2 | Mild / Moderate | March – May |
| Visakhapatnam | Andhra Pradesh | ₹7.2 | Hot & Humid / Coastal | March – October |
| Jaipur | Rajasthan | ₹7.4 | Desert / Extreme Dry Heat | April – July |
| Delhi | Delhi | ₹7.5 | Hot Dry / Extreme Heat | April – July |
| Kochi | Kerala | ₹7.5 | Hot & Very Humid / Tropical | February – November |
| Nagpur | Maharashtra | ₹7.5 | Extreme Dry Heat | March – June |
| Hyderabad | Telangana | ₹7.8 | Hot Dry | March – June |
| Kolkata | West Bengal | ₹8.0 | Hot & Humid | April – October |
| Pune | Maharashtra | ₹9.0 | Hot & Moderately Humid | March – October |
| Mumbai | Maharashtra | ₹9.5 | Hot & Humid | March – October |
Recommended AC Tonnage for Kolkata
Based on local climate, room size, and heat load factors.
Standard Rooms
1.5 ton for 140–160 sq ft
Ideal for most apartments and homes in Kolkata.
Large or West-Facing
2 ton for rooms above 180 sq ft or west-facing walls
Extra capacity handles 32–38°C heat load.
Top Floor / Terrace
Add 0.5 ton to standard recommendation. A 150 sq ft top-floor room in Kolkata needs a 2-ton unit.
Roof heat transfer significantly increases cooling load.
Best AC Types for Kolkata Climate
Hot & Humid conditions require specific AC features.
Looking for the best AC model? See our guide to the best ACs in India ranked by real-world performance, or check the best AC for hot climate if you live in an area with extreme heat.
Frequently Asked Questions — AC Cost in Kolkata
Straight answers based on Kolkata's tariff and climate data.
How much does AC cost per month in Kolkata?
A 1.5 ton 5-star inverter AC running 8 hours daily costs approximately ₹1,000 per month in Kolkata. A 3-star unit costs ₹1,380. The 7-month season means yearly bills can reach ₹7,000 for a 5-star unit.
Which AC is best for Kolkata humidity?
Kolkata's 80%+ humidity requires ACs with strong dry mode and dehumidification. Carrier, Blue Star, and LG models perform well. Anti-corrosion coating is recommended for homes within 20km of the coast or river.
Is inverter AC necessary in Kolkata?
Yes. Kolkata's high tariff (₹8.0/kWh) and long humid season make inverter ACs almost essential. A 5-star inverter saves ₹380–₹550 per month versus a non-inverter, paying back the price difference in under 2 years.
What is the yearly AC electricity cost in Kolkata?
For a 1.5 ton 5-star inverter AC used 8 hours daily over 7 months, the yearly bill is approximately ₹7,000. A 3-star unit costs ₹9,660 yearly. The ₹2,660 annual savings justify upgrading to a 5-star inverter.
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