Cost guides

Generators: what they cost

What it costs to keep the power on — portable, inverter, and whole-home standby generators, plus sizing and cost to run.

• Portable generator

  $300 $2,500

  Most buyers pay around $800

  See the breakdown →

• Generator

  $400 $20,000

  Most buyers pay around $1,200

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• Standby generator

  $5,000 $20,000

  Most buyers pay around $12,000

  See the breakdown →