How Much Does Whole House Generator Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Whole House Generator Include?
A whole-house standby generator automatically powers your home during outages using natural gas or propane. Unlike portable generators, they turn on within seconds of a power loss and can run your entire home including HVAC, appliances, and medical equipment.
The national average cost for whole house generator is $10,000 installed. Most homeowners pay between $5,000 and $18,000, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Generator Size
10 kW (essentials): $3,000-$5,000. 20 kW (whole home): $5,000-$8,000. 24+ kW (large home): $8,000-$15,000
Installation
Labor and electrical work typically $3,000-$6,000 including transfer switch, pad, and gas line
Fuel Connection
Existing natural gas line: $500-$1,000 to connect. New propane tank: $1,500-$3,000
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Generator size (kW)
- ✓Fuel type (natural gas vs propane)
- ✓Transfer switch type
- ✓Electrical panel work needed
- ✓Concrete pad installation
- ✓Local permits
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Size your generator to essential circuits only (10-14 kW) instead of whole-home (20+ kW)
- 2.Get quotes during spring/summer when demand is lower
- 3.Check if your utility offers rebates for natural gas generators
- 4.Compare financing options — many dealers offer 0% for 12-24 months
📈 Whole House Generator Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.7% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $8,494 | — |
| 2021 | $8,851 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $9,426 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $9,690 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $10,000 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Whole House Generator 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 | $4,100 | $8,200 | $14,760 |
| Alaska | $6,400 | $12,800 | $23,040 |
| Arizona | $4,750 | $9,500 | $17,100 |
| Arkansas | $4,000 | $8,000 | $14,400 |
| California | $6,750 | $13,500 | $24,300 |
| Colorado | $5,400 | $10,800 | $19,440 |
| Connecticut | $6,100 | $12,200 | $21,960 |
| Delaware | $5,250 | $10,500 | $18,900 |
| Florida | $4,900 | $9,800 | $17,640 |
| Georgia | $4,500 | $9,000 | $16,200 |
| Hawaii | $7,100 | $14,200 | $25,560 |
| Idaho | $4,600 | $9,200 | $16,560 |
| Illinois | $5,250 | $10,500 | $18,900 |
| Indiana | $4,400 | $8,800 | $15,840 |
| Iowa | $4,300 | $8,600 | $15,480 |
| Kansas | $4,250 | $8,500 | $15,300 |
| Kentucky | $4,200 | $8,400 | $15,120 |
| Louisiana | $4,350 | $8,700 | $15,660 |
| Maine | $5,100 | $10,200 | $18,360 |
| Maryland | $5,750 | $11,500 | $20,700 |
| Massachusetts | $6,500 | $13,000 | $23,400 |
| Michigan | $4,600 | $9,200 | $16,560 |
| Minnesota | $5,100 | $10,200 | $18,360 |
| Mississippi | $3,900 | $7,800 | $14,040 |
| Missouri | $4,350 | $8,700 | $15,660 |
| Montana | $4,750 | $9,500 | $17,100 |
| Nebraska | $4,400 | $8,800 | $15,840 |
| Nevada | $5,100 | $10,200 | $18,360 |
| New Hampshire | $5,600 | $11,200 | $20,160 |
| New Jersey | $6,250 | $12,500 | $22,500 |
| New Mexico | $4,500 | $9,000 | $16,200 |
| New York | $6,600 | $13,200 | $23,760 |
| North Carolina | $4,500 | $9,000 | $16,200 |
| North Dakota | $4,500 | $9,000 | $16,200 |
| Ohio | $4,500 | $9,000 | $16,200 |
| Oklahoma | $4,150 | $8,300 | $14,940 |
| Oregon | $5,500 | $11,000 | $19,800 |
| Pennsylvania | $5,100 | $10,200 | $18,360 |
| Rhode Island | $5,750 | $11,500 | $20,700 |
| South Carolina | $4,350 | $8,700 | $15,660 |
| South Dakota | $4,250 | $8,500 | $15,300 |
| Tennessee | $4,300 | $8,600 | $15,480 |
| Texas | $4,650 | $9,300 | $16,740 |
| Utah | $4,750 | $9,500 | $17,100 |
| Vermont | $5,400 | $10,800 | $19,440 |
| Virginia | $5,250 | $10,500 | $18,900 |
| Washington | $5,750 | $11,500 | $20,700 |
| West Virginia | $4,000 | $8,000 | $14,400 |
| Wisconsin | $4,700 | $9,400 | $16,920 |
| Wyoming | $4,600 | $9,200 | $16,560 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What size generator do I need?
A 10-14 kW generator covers essentials (fridge, lights, sump pump, some outlets). 20-24 kW covers a full home including central AC. Calculate your needs by adding the wattage of circuits you want powered.
How long do whole house generators last?
Quality standby generators (Generac, Kohler, Briggs & Stratton) last 15-30 years with proper maintenance. Budget $200-$500/year for annual maintenance.
🏙️ Whole House Generator Cost by City
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