How much does whole-house generator cost?
A standby generator powers your home automatically during outages. Cost depends on the generator's size (kW), the transfer switch, and gas/electrical hookups.
| Typical range | $7,000 – $18,000 |
| Most common | $11,000 |
| Priced | standby, installed |
| DIY-friendly? | No — best left to a licensed pro |
What changes the price of whole-house generator
- Generator size (kW) for your home
- Automatic transfer switch
- Gas line and electrical connection
- Pad and permits
Estimate your cost
Adjust the quality and scope, or compare with other projects.
Full typical range for this project. Adjust the quality/scope for a tighter estimate. The only way to know your real price is to get quotes from local contractors.
- ›Generator size (kW) for your home
- ›Automatic transfer switch
- ›Gas line and electrical connection
- ›Pad and permits
National ballpark ranges for the US. Not a quote — actual prices vary by region, home and contractor.
Whole-house generator cost — frequently asked questions
How much does a whole-house generator cost?
A standby whole-house generator runs about $7,000–$18,000 installed, around $11,000 in the middle, depending on size and hookups.
Related project costs
This is general US cost information, not a quote. Actual prices depend on your region, home, materials and contractor — always get quotes from licensed local pros before you commit.