How Much Does a Generator Cost?
In This Guide
The first question most buyers ask is how much does a generator cost, and the honest answer is that it ranges widely, from a few hundred dollars to well over ten thousand, because a generator can be anything from a small portable to a permanently installed whole house system. What you pay depends mostly on the type, the size in watts, the brand, and whether it needs professional installation. This guide breaks the cost down by type so you can budget for the one that fits your needs.
Cost by Generator Type
| Type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Small portable | About $500 to $1,000 |
| Large portable or inverter | About $1,000 to $2,500 |
| Home standby unit only | About $3,000 to $6,000 |
| Whole house standby, installed | About $7,000 to $15,000 or more |
These are general ranges. Your actual price moves with the size, the brand, and, for standby units, the installation.
Portable Generators Cost the Least
A portable generator is the most affordable option, usually $500 to $2,500. You set it up during an outage, fuel it with gasoline, and power essentials directly or through a transfer switch. Inverter portables, which run quieter and cleaner, sit at the higher end. The cost stays low because there is no permanent installation.
Standby Generators Cost the Most
A home standby generator costs far more because it is a permanent system, not just a unit. The generator itself is roughly $3,000 to $6,000, but the installed total commonly reaches $7,000 to $15,000 once you add the transfer switch, a concrete pad, the electrical and fuel hookups, and permits. Large or complex jobs can exceed $25,000.
What Drives the Price
- Size in watts or kilowatts: the single biggest factor, more power costs more.
- Portable or standby: installation is most of a standby's cost.
- Brand: premium brands like Honda or Generac cost more than budget units.
- Fuel and features: dual fuel, inverter, and automatic start add cost.
Do Not Forget Running and Upkeep Costs
Generator Service From Wildwood
Whatever generator you buy, Wildwood keeps it running. A technician comes to your driveway, services or repairs it on site, and quotes a flat rate before any work. More than 10,000 repairs since 2019, generator service from $75. Call 888-594-5516.