Whole house generator cost in 2026
Sources differ. HomeGuide puts a typical whole-house standby generator at $6,000–$11,000 installed. Angi lists 22–48 kW whole-house units at $5,000–$18,000 and its $5,156 average covers all generator installs. National averages, not a quote.
Price ranges by source
| Item | Angi (2026) | HomeGuide (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Average install, all generator types | $5,156; most pay $1,512–$8,803 | Not listed |
| Whole-house unit | $5,000–$18,000 (22–48 kW) | $3,000–$6,000 unit only |
| Total installed, whole-house | Not listed as one range | $6,000–$11,000; $9,500–$24,000 for over 20 kW or long runs |
| Installation labor | $1,500–$5,000 | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Transfer switch | About $1,200 | Not used here |
| Concrete pad | About $1,000 (3×6 ft) | Not used here |
| Permits | $50–$200 | Not used here |
Figures re-checked on both live pages October 23, 2026. National averages, not a quote.
What drives the price
- Generator size (kW) and whole-house vs selected circuits
- Transfer switch type
- Gas line or propane tank work
- Pad, permits and electrical upgrades
Is it worth it where you live? Compare your state's outage minutes, or see standby vs portable vs battery.