How Much Does Central Vacuum System Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Central Vacuum System Include?
A central vacuum system uses in-wall piping connected to a main power unit (typically in the garage or basement) with inlet valves in each room. You plug a lightweight hose into the wall and the debris is carried to the central canister.
The national average cost for central vacuum system is $2,200 installed. Most homeowners pay between $1,200 and $3,500, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Installation Type
New construction: $1,200-$2,000. Retrofit (existing home): $2,000-$3,500
Inlets
Each additional inlet: $150-$300 installed. Most homes need 4-7 inlets
Power Unit
Basic: $300-$500. Mid-range: $500-$800. High-end (MD,DERA): $800-$1,500
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Home size
- ✓Number of inlet valves
- ✓New construction vs retrofit
- ✓Power unit quality
- ✓Piping material and routing
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Install during new construction or renovation when walls are open (saves 50% on labor)
- 2.4-5 inlets cover most 2,000 sq ft homes adequately
- 3.Hide-a-hose (retractable) systems cost more but eliminate hose storage hassle
- 4.The power unit matters most — invest in a quality unit (MD, Beam, NuTone) and save on accessories
📈 Central Vacuum System Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.7% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $1,869 | — |
| 2021 | $1,947 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $2,074 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $2,132 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $2,200 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Central Vacuum System Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $984 | $1,804 | $2,870 |
| Alaska | $1,536 | $2,816 | $4,480 |
| Arizona | $1,140 | $2,090 | $3,325 |
| Arkansas | $960 | $1,760 | $2,800 |
| California | $1,620 | $2,970 | $4,725 |
| Colorado | $1,296 | $2,376 | $3,780 |
| Connecticut | $1,464 | $2,684 | $4,270 |
| Delaware | $1,260 | $2,310 | $3,675 |
| Florida | $1,176 | $2,156 | $3,430 |
| Georgia | $1,080 | $1,980 | $3,150 |
| Hawaii | $1,704 | $3,124 | $4,970 |
| Idaho | $1,104 | $2,024 | $3,220 |
| Illinois | $1,260 | $2,310 | $3,675 |
| Indiana | $1,056 | $1,936 | $3,080 |
| Iowa | $1,032 | $1,892 | $3,010 |
| Kansas | $1,020 | $1,870 | $2,975 |
| Kentucky | $1,008 | $1,848 | $2,940 |
| Louisiana | $1,044 | $1,914 | $3,045 |
| Maine | $1,224 | $2,244 | $3,570 |
| Maryland | $1,380 | $2,530 | $4,025 |
| Massachusetts | $1,560 | $2,860 | $4,550 |
| Michigan | $1,104 | $2,024 | $3,220 |
| Minnesota | $1,224 | $2,244 | $3,570 |
| Mississippi | $936 | $1,716 | $2,730 |
| Missouri | $1,044 | $1,914 | $3,045 |
| Montana | $1,140 | $2,090 | $3,325 |
| Nebraska | $1,056 | $1,936 | $3,080 |
| Nevada | $1,224 | $2,244 | $3,570 |
| New Hampshire | $1,344 | $2,464 | $3,920 |
| New Jersey | $1,500 | $2,750 | $4,375 |
| New Mexico | $1,080 | $1,980 | $3,150 |
| New York | $1,584 | $2,904 | $4,620 |
| North Carolina | $1,080 | $1,980 | $3,150 |
| North Dakota | $1,080 | $1,980 | $3,150 |
| Ohio | $1,080 | $1,980 | $3,150 |
| Oklahoma | $996 | $1,826 | $2,905 |
| Oregon | $1,320 | $2,420 | $3,850 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,224 | $2,244 | $3,570 |
| Rhode Island | $1,380 | $2,530 | $4,025 |
| South Carolina | $1,044 | $1,914 | $3,045 |
| South Dakota | $1,020 | $1,870 | $2,975 |
| Tennessee | $1,032 | $1,892 | $3,010 |
| Texas | $1,116 | $2,046 | $3,255 |
| Utah | $1,140 | $2,090 | $3,325 |
| Vermont | $1,296 | $2,376 | $3,780 |
| Virginia | $1,260 | $2,310 | $3,675 |
| Washington | $1,380 | $2,530 | $4,025 |
| West Virginia | $960 | $1,760 | $2,800 |
| Wisconsin | $1,128 | $2,068 | $3,290 |
| Wyoming | $1,104 | $2,024 | $3,220 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a central vacuum worth it?
For allergy sufferers and large homes, yes. They're 3-5x more powerful than portables, exhaust air outside, last 20+ years, and add 2-3% to home value. The main downside is the upfront cost.
How long do central vacuum systems last?
The piping lasts the life of the home. Power units last 15-25 years. Hoses and accessories last 5-10 years. Total cost of ownership is lower than replacing portable vacuums every 3-5 years.
🏙️ Central Vacuum System Cost by City
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