The short answer: plan on $8,000 to $20,000 all-in for a whole house standby generator, including installation. The generator itself is only part of the cost. Here's exactly where the money goes.
Generator Unit Cost
Standby generator prices range based on output capacity. The following ranges reflect manufacturer suggested retail prices as of 2026:
- 10–13 kW (small home, essentials only): $3,000–$5,000
- 14–20 kW (average home, most circuits): $4,500–$8,000
- 22–26 kW (large home, full coverage): $7,000–$12,000
- 30+ kW (very large home or light commercial): $10,000–$18,000
Most single-family homes in the Northeast fall in the 14–22 kW range. If you're not sure what size you need, our free sizing guide will give you a number in about two minutes.
Installation Cost
Installation typically runs $3,000–$5,000, and this is where most people get surprised. According to home services data from Angi and HomeAdvisor, the national average for standby generator installation sits around $4,500, with significant variation based on site conditions. Installation includes:
- Transfer switch ($500–$1,500) — connects the generator to your electrical panel and prevents backfeed onto the utility line. Automatic transfer switches (ATS) are standard on standby units.
- Electrician labor ($1,000–$2,000) — wiring from the panel to the transfer switch and from the transfer switch to the generator pad.
- Gas line extension ($300–$1,000) — if your generator runs on natural gas or propane, a licensed plumber needs to run a dedicated line from your meter or tank.
- Generator pad ($200–$600) — a concrete pad or pre-cast composite pad, required by most municipalities.
- Permits ($150–$500) — electrical and sometimes mechanical permits depending on your city or town.
Operating Costs
Once installed, the ongoing costs are manageable. Natural gas pricing used below is based on U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) residential gas rates for the Northeast as of early 2026:
- Annual service: $150–$300 for an oil change, filter, spark plugs, and battery check.
- Fuel: A 20 kW generator running on natural gas burns roughly 200 cubic feet per hour at full load — about $2–$3/hour at current Northeast gas rates. Under typical outage conditions (partial load), expect $1–$1.50/hour.
- Extended warranty: Optional, typically $300–$600 for years 3–5 coverage.
What Affects the Final Price Most
- Size — Every kilowatt you add costs money. Be precise about what you need to power. Heating and cooling are the big consumers; dropping one size tier can save $1,000–$2,000.
- Gas line distance — If the meter is 10 feet from the pad, the gas line is cheap. If it's 100 feet away, costs climb fast.
- Panel condition — Older panels sometimes need upgrades before a transfer switch can be installed, adding $1,000–$3,000 to the project.
Is It Worth It?
For most homeowners in outage-prone areas, yes. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the Northeast experiences some of the longest average outage durations in the country. A whole house generator makes the most sense if you have a sump pump, work from home, have medical equipment that requires power, or have experienced multi-day outages before. A single flood event from a failed sump pump can cost more than the generator itself.
If your outages are short and infrequent, a portable generator at $800–$2,000 may be a better fit.
Next Steps
Use our free sizing guide to find the right wattage for your home — no email required. Ready to shop? Browse our whole home standby generators.