How Much Does a Whole House Generator Cost?
What a whole house generator costs — the equipment, transfer switch, installation and permit that make up the all-in price, with typical ranges by kW and an estimator to price your own setup.
Prices vary by location. Verify with local suppliers.
How much does a whole house generator cost?
A whole-house (home standby) generator typically costs $7,000–$15,000 installed. The unit is about $3,500–$6,000 depending on kW, and installation — the pad, automatic transfer switch, electrical and gas hookup, and permit — adds roughly $3,500–$7,000. A 22–24 kW unit for an average home, including central air conditioning, most often lands around $9,000–$12,000 all-in. Set your kW, fuel and install above for a tailored range.
Whole house generator cost by size
| Standby size | Covers | Installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10–14 kW | Essentials + some comfort loads | $6,500–$11,000 |
| 18–22 kW | Most homes incl. one central AC | $8,000–$13,000 |
| 24–26 kW | Large homes / multiple AC | $10,000–$15,000 |
What’s in the price
- Generator unit — $3,500–$6,000 by kW.
- Automatic transfer switch — $400–$900.
- Installation labor — $3,000–$5,000 (pad, electrical, gas, commissioning).
- Fuel hookup — $0–$1,200 natural gas; $500–$2,500 for a new propane tank.
- Permit & inspection — $100–$500.
Not sure what size you need first? Run your appliances through the generator sizing calculator. Comparing brands? See the best whole house generators and the Generac generator cost breakdown. For the labor side, see cost installed and installation cost.
Estimates only for 2026 — regional pricing, site access, gas/electrical runs and permit fees vary. A whole-house standby must be installed by a licensed electrician. Confirm with local quotes.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a whole house generator cost?
A whole-house (home standby) generator typically costs $7,000–$15,000 installed. The unit itself is about $3,500–$6,000 depending on kW, and installation — pad, automatic transfer switch, electrical and gas hookup, permit — adds roughly $3,500–$7,000. A 22–24 kW unit for an average home most often lands around $9,000–$12,000 all-in. Use the estimator above for a range tailored to your kW, fuel and install.
How much does a 22kW whole house generator cost?
A 22 kW home standby generator runs about $4,300–$5,800 for the unit, and roughly $9,000–$13,000 installed once you add the transfer switch, installation labor, fuel hookup and permit. It’s the most common size for whole-house backup including central air conditioning. A long run from the panel or gas meter, or a new propane tank, pushes it toward the higher end.
How much does a Generac whole house generator cost?
A Generac Guardian whole-house generator costs about $2,000–$6,000 for the unit (a 22–24 kW model is $4,500–$6,000), and roughly $8,000–$13,000 installed. Generac leads the US standby market, so dealer and installer coverage is wide. See the dedicated Generac generator cost page and get local dealer quotes for your exact model.
Is a whole house generator worth the cost?
If you face frequent or long outages, work from home, rely on a well or sump pump, or have medical equipment, a whole-house standby often pays for itself in avoided spoilage, water damage and hotel stays — and it starts automatically within seconds. If outages are rare and brief, a portable covering essentials is far cheaper. Weigh the installed cost against how often and how long your power actually goes out.