Whole House Generator Cost: What You'll Actually Pay in 2026
By LumoWatt Editorial Team · Reviewed by Licensed electrical contractor (reviewer bio pending) · Updated 2026-06-10
All-in cost breakdown
- Generator unit: $2,000–$10,000 depending on brand and size
- Installation labor: $3,000–$5,000
- Transfer switch: included in most installer quotes, $1,000–$1,500 if priced separately
- Permit fees: $50–$500 depending on your city (see your state page for specifics)
- Gas line work (if needed): $500–$2,000
Typical all-in total: $5,000–$15,000.
What drives the price up
Larger homes needing higher-kW units, difficult equipment-placement sites (long gas-line runs, tight setbacks), and permit complexity in flood-zone or hurricane-code jurisdictions.
How to get an accurate number
Get quotes from at least 2–3 verified local installers — see your city's installer page — since regional labor rates and local permit costs vary meaningfully.
Frequently asked questions
- Does a generator add value to my home?
- Real estate appraisers generally don't assign a large direct value increase, but in outage-prone regions it's increasingly cited by buyers' agents as a meaningful selling point that can speed up a sale.
Ready to install? Find installers in your city.