Home Services
Home Generators: What They Cost and What to Check
Published September 24, 2026 · Last updated September 26, 2026
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The short answer
A whole-house standby generator costs about $6,000 to $11,000 installed. The size of the generator and the work to hook it up matter most.
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What affects your generator price
Price range
A whole-house generator costs about $6,000 to $11,000 installed. Labor alone is often $3,000 to $5,000. Not a quote or an offer. Your price comes from the installer. Source: HomeGuide, 2026.
What moves the number
- Size. Generators are sized in kilowatts (kW). Powering the whole house takes a bigger unit than powering just the fridge, lights and furnace.
- Fuel. Natural gas, propane and diesel all cost different amounts to set up.
- Transfer switch. This safely moves your house over to generator power. You need one.
- Gas line and pad. Running a gas line and pouring a slab for it to sit on add cost.
- Permits. Most towns need them.
What to ask before you choose
- "What size do I need, and how did you figure that?" Ask them to list what it will power.
- "Does the price include the transfer switch, gas line, pad and permits?"
- "What upkeep does it need, and what does that cost each year?" Standby generators need regular service.
- "How loud is it, and where will it sit?" Many towns have rules on how close it can be to your home or your neighbor's.
- "What's the warranty?"
Safety rule: never run a portable generator inside your home or garage, even with the door open. It gives off a gas called carbon monoxide. You can't see or smell it, and it can kill in minutes. Keep it far from windows and doors. Put a CO alarm in your home.
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