Generator Cost by State
Costs vary 15 to 30 percent between regions because of labour rates, permit complexity, demand surges, and local code requirements. Here is what your region looks like.
Regional Pricing (22kW Installed)
| Region | vs Midwest | 22kW Installed | States |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midwest | Baseline | $9,000 - $13,000 | Lowest labor rates, least permitting friction. Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin. |
| Southeast | +5-10% | $9,500 - $14,300 | High demand drives slight premium. Florida, Georgia, Carolinas, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana. |
| Southwest | +5-10% | $9,500 - $14,300 | Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada. Moderate labor rates, lower demand than Southeast. |
| Northeast | +15-25% | $10,350 - $16,250 | Highest labor rates, complex permitting. New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania. |
| West Coast | +20-30% | $10,800 - $16,900 | Highest overall. California, Oregon, Washington. Strict codes, high labor, emissions requirements. |
State-by-State Detail
PERMITS
$150 - $400
Timeline: 1-3 weeks
FUEL MIX
LP (60%), NG (40%)
DEMAND
Highest in US. Post-hurricane surge pricing common. Install before hurricane season (June-November) to avoid backlogs.
PERMITS
$100 - $350
Timeline: 1-3 weeks
FUEL MIX
NG (70%), LP (30%)
DEMAND
High demand after Winter Storm Uri (2021). Natural gas dominant in urban areas. Fast permitting in most counties.
PERMITS
$200 - $450
Timeline: 3-6 weeks
FUEL MIX
NG (80%), LP (20%)
DEMAND
Wildfire-driven demand. Strictest emissions requirements. Some air quality districts require additional permits.
PERMITS
$150 - $400
Timeline: 2-4 weeks
FUEL MIX
NG (75%), LP (25%)
DEMAND
Strong demand. High labor rates. Electrical sub-code review required for ATS installation.
PERMITS
$200 - $450
Timeline: 3-6 weeks
FUEL MIX
NG (70%), LP (30%)
DEMAND
NYC requires DOB application ($200-$400). Upstate is faster and cheaper. Long Island has high demand.
PERMITS
$100 - $300
Timeline: 2-3 weeks
FUEL MIX
LP (55%), NG (45%)
DEMAND
Hurricane-driven demand in coastal areas. Moderate pricing. Good availability of authorized dealers.
PERMITS
$100 - $300
Timeline: 1-3 weeks
FUEL MIX
NG (60%), LP (40%)
DEMAND
Growing demand. Metro Atlanta has natural gas infrastructure. Rural areas primarily propane.
PERMITS
$100 - $250
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
FUEL MIX
NG (75%), LP (25%)
DEMAND
Baseline pricing. Good natural gas infrastructure. Winter ice storms drive installations.
PERMITS
$100 - $250
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
FUEL MIX
NG (70%), LP (30%)
DEMAND
Moderate demand. Ice storms and aging grid infrastructure. Fast permitting in most jurisdictions.
PERMITS
$150 - $350
Timeline: 2-4 weeks
FUEL MIX
NG (65%), LP (35%)
DEMAND
Moderate to high demand. Philadelphia metro has higher labor rates. Rural areas are cheaper.
Urban vs Rural
URBAN / SUBURBAN
+20 to 30 percent
- - Higher labour rates
- - Stricter permitting and inspection
- - Harder site access (narrow lots, fences)
- - HOA restrictions may require screening
- - Noise ordinances may limit hours
RURAL
Baseline
- - Lower labour rates
- - Simpler permitting (some permit-exempt)
- - Easy site access, more placement options
- - Propane more common (no NG infrastructure)
- - Often essential (well pump, septic)
How to Get the Best Price in Your Area
Get 3 quotes
Prices vary $2,000 to $5,000 between installers for the same job. Always get at least three written quotes from factory-authorised dealers.
Install off-season
Late fall and winter are the slowest periods. Save $500 to $1,500 by installing when demand is low.
Check utility programs
Some utilities offer rebates or incentive programmes for standby generators in areas with grid reliability issues.