Generator Cost Estimator
Estimate what a generator really costs installed — pick the kW, fuel, transfer switch and install complexity to get an all-in price range with the equipment, labor, fuel hookup and permit broken out.
Prices vary by location. Verify with local suppliers.
What does a generator cost, all-in?
The sticker price of a generator is only part of the story. The estimator above adds the five things that make up a real installed cost — the generator unit, the transfer switch, installation labor, the fuel hookup and the permit — and shows the range and the breakdown, so you can budget with the number a contractor will actually quote.
Typical installed cost by kW
| Standby size | Unit only | Installed (all-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 kW | $2,200–$3,200 | $6,500–$9,500 |
| 14 kW | $3,200–$4,300 | $7,500–$11,000 |
| 18 kW | $3,800–$5,000 | $8,000–$12,000 |
| 22 kW | $4,300–$5,800 | $9,000–$13,000 |
| 24 kW | $4,800–$6,300 | $10,000–$14,000 |
| 26 kW | $5,500–$7,200 | $10,500–$15,000 |
What drives the price
- Size (kW). Bigger units cost more; size it right with the sizing calculator rather than overbuying.
- Distance & access. A long run from the electrical panel or gas meter, or trenching, is the biggest swing — that’s the “complexity” setting.
- Fuel. Natural gas is cheapest to connect if you have a line; a new propane tank adds cost.
- Transfer switch & panel. An automatic transfer switch is standard for standby; an old panel may need upgrading.
- Permit. Required for a permanent install ($100–$500), pulled by your installer.
Once you have a target, compare it against real quotes, and see the brand-by-brand picture on the whole house generator cost and Generac generator cost pages.
Estimates only — regional pricing, site access and permit fees vary. A whole-house standby must be sized with a load calculation and installed by a licensed electrician (NEC). Never run a portable generator indoors or in a garage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a whole house generator cost installed?
An installed whole-house standby generator typically runs about $7,000–$15,000 all-in: roughly $3,500–$6,000 for the unit, $400–$900 for the automatic transfer switch, $3,000–$5,000 for installation (pad, electrical, gas hookup), plus fuel-line work and a $100–$500 permit. A 22–24 kW unit for an average home commonly lands around $9,000–$12,000. Enter your setup above for a tailored range, then get local quotes.
What drives the cost of a generator install?
The biggest factors are the generator’s kW size, whether it needs a new automatic transfer switch, how far the pad is from the electrical panel and the gas or propane supply, and your fuel type — a new propane tank adds more than tapping an existing gas line. Site access, trenching, any electrical-panel upgrade and permit fees round it out. The estimator lets you set complexity to reflect an easy or a difficult run.
Does the estimate include installation labor?
Yes. The estimate is all-in: it adds the generator unit, the transfer switch, installation labor (with a complexity multiplier for the run and access), the fuel hookup, and the permit. That’s the number you should compare against a contractor’s quote — many online “prices” show only the unit, which is why real bills come in higher.
Is a generator cheaper as a portable?
Much cheaper up front. A large portable generator runs a few hundred to about $2,000 for the unit, plus $400–$1,500 for an interlock or manual transfer switch so you can power household circuits safely. But a portable can’t run the whole house automatically and needs manual fuel and start-up. The estimator lets you compare a large portable against a whole-house standby.