The average stair lift cost with installation is $7,050, and the typical homeowner will spend between $2,300 and $24,000 for a stair lift.
Installing a stair lift costs between $2,300 and $24,000, with the average homeowner spending $7,050 for a straight stair lift, including professional installation. A pre-owned stair lift can cost as little as $1,500, but be prepared to spend upwards of $3,000 to install a curved stair lift or a lengthy outdoor stair lift.
The cost of a stair lift runs between $1,500 and $25,000, depending on the type (and whether it’s new or used) This price range reflects the model costs only; labor for installation is an additional fee.
There are three main types of stair lifts that can impact the overall cost: straight, curved, or platform. You can save money by purchasing a used stair lift while outdoor stair lifts can drive up costs.
| Type of Stair Lift | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Straight | $2,000–$9,000 |
| Curved | $10,350–$25,000 |
| Platform | $5,000–$20,000 |
| Used | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Outdoor | $4,000–$25,000 |
A straight stair lift costs between $2,000 and $9,000. This type of stair lift is the most straightforward (no pun intended). They work for staircases that go straight up without any curved railings or intermediate landings. The reason for the low cost for these models is that they typically do not require any customization.
If your staircase has a curved railing or is a switchback staircase (with an intermediate landing), you’ll need to spring for a curved stair lift, which costs anywhere from $10,350 to $25,000, depending on the size of the staircase and the level of customization required for the install.
A platform stair lift costs between $5,000 and $20,000. Rather than a typical stair lift seat, a platform can accommodate a person who uses a wheelchair —just one of many ways you can make your home more wheelchair-accessible. This price reflects a straight stair lift with a platform.
You can save a lot of money by purchasing a previously owned stair lift model. These are typically available for $1,500 to $3,000 but keep in mind that buying used means there is no customization. The pre-owned stair lift must work as-is for your existing staircase.
You’ll spend between $4,000 and $25,000 on an outdoor stair lift, depending on the length of the stairs. These cost more than the typical stair lift because they require more durable materials that can hold up against the elements, including rainy and wintry weather.
Stair lifts require professional installation. On average, expect to spend between 15% and 20% of the stairlift cost when you hire a local stair installer. For instance, installing a $6,000 stair lift might cost between $900 and $1,200 in labor, though these costs can go up depending on several factors, such as:
The complexity of the install: Installing stair lifts for curved staircases, or even longer straight staircases, often takes more time—and thus costs more in labor charges. If you have a historic staircase in an older home, installers may also take more time to ensure they do not damage important parts of the staircase, including railings, balusters, and spindles.
The time of year: Installing an outdoor stair lift during colder winter months may cost more than it does in the summer.
Additional work required: As we’ll explore below, installing a stair lift may require additional work from other contractors, such as electricians and drywall pros near you.
Beyond the type of stair lift you choose and the labor rate to install it, some other factors could affect the overall price.
Pre-owned stair lifts cost between $1,500 and $3,000 for a straight lift, which is significantly cheaper than the cost of a new straight stair lift ($2,000 to $9,000). However, a used stair lift cannot be customized.
If you don’t need a stair lift permanently—for example, if you need a short-term solution following a surgery or accident or if you have a family member who can’t do stairs staying with you for a set period of time—you can rent a stair lift for a much lower price than you can purchase one.
So what’s the price difference between renting vs. buying a stair lift? On average, stair lift rentals cost between $300 and $500 a month. However, you’ll have additional one-time costs to consider:
Deposit: $500–$1,000, usually refundable
Installation: $400–$700
Removal: $300–$600
Traditional stair lifts are hardwired and thus powered by electricity, though some models come with a backup battery in the event of power outages. An electric-powered straight stair lift could cost between $4,000 and $9,000, but you could save money by purchasing a battery-operated version. These generally cost between $3,000 and $5,000.
Electric-powered stair lifts might require a local electrician during installation, which further increases the cost. In the long run, though, battery-powered versions require more maintenance and regular battery checks, which can increase the overall cost.
The type of seat you purchase with your chair lift can also impact the cost. The table below shows the price range for new stair lifts, either straight or curved, based on the type of seat.
| Type of Seat | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Collapsible | $2,000–$20,000 |
| Perch | $2,500–$20,000 |
| Swivel | $2,500–$20,000 |
| Angled | $3,000–$20,000 |
The most affordable seat type for a stair is collapsible, which starts as low as $2,000. As the name implies, the chair collapses (folds up) when not in use. While it’s the most affordable option, it’s also the most convenient for many households. If you have a narrow staircase, for instance, a collapsible seat makes it easier for other housemates to move around the chair.
Perch seats bring the minimum cost of a new stair lift to $2,500. These specialty seats are designed for people who have trouble sitting down easily or fully bending their knees. Users ascend and descend the stairs partially standing.
Swivel seats also bring the starting cost of a new straight stair lift to roughly $2,500. The seat physically swivels left and right to make it easier for users to get on and off.
Finally, angled seats bring the starting cost of a stair lift to $3,000. These seats are angled so that users lean back slightly while the stair lift is in motion, adding a layer of security.
When purchasing a stair lift, you may be able to tack on additional features that make the stair lift work better for your needs. These features can impact the price by anywhere from $50 to $200 per feature and include:
A backup battery for power outages
Calling systems, such as a handheld remote
Easy-grip seat belts
Full torso harnesses
Overspeed brakes
Powered foot and armrests
Rail overruns
Safety obstruction detectors
Specialty designs (materials and colors) for the chair
You may be able to purchase a larger chair or footrest or a chair with a higher weight capacity for an added cost.
Stair lift installation should always be left to a professional. Incorrect installation could result in a malfunction, which in turn could lead to serious injury or even death. Plus, warranties for stair lifts typically require professional installation. Always work with a certified stair lift installer.
Installing a stair lift in your home is mostly unobtrusive, though some remodeling may be necessary. For instance, you may need a drywall specialist to repair the drywall after installation is complete. On average, drywall repairs cost between $300 and $925.
In addition, electric stair lift models might require hiring an electrician to make electrical upgrades and install wiring. Upgrading an electric panel costs between $1,200 and $2,000 while wiring a house costs between $2 and $4 per square foot.
Installing a stair lift can be expensive, but there are ways to keep costs low.
Get a battery-powered model: Battery-powered stair lift models are more affordable than electric ones. A battery-operated stair lift also means you don’t need to budget for an electrician.
Purchase a used model: Pre-owned stair lifts are significantly more affordable than new lifts, but they only work if you have a standard straight staircase.
Buy a straightforward version: If your home has a curved or switchback staircase, you can't help it, which automatically means buying a more expensive, customized model. But you can keep costs low by choosing a basic collapsible seat and not opting for any additional features.
Research financial assistance: While Medicare won’t cover the cost of a stair lift, you may be able to get help through Medicaid, the Veterans Health Administration, TRICARE, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. In some cases, private insurance may also help with the bill.
Stair lifts do not increase your home’s value. A small subset of home buyers may need a stair lift, but most homeowners would likely plan to remove the stair lift upon purchasing your home—and thus may see it as an added cost they’ll take on when moving.
If you are planning to list your home, it may be smart to remove the stair lift (here’s how to manually move a stair lift) or advertise to potential buyers that you’ll pay to remove it if they don’t want it.
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Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover stair lifts, but you might be able to get financial assistance through Medicaid. Private insurance may also cover the cost.
If you or a loved one has trouble getting up and down the stairs, and it’s a long-term or permanent condition, a stair lift is absolutely worth the cost. Alternatives, such as a variety of home elevator types, are more expensive, and moving to a one-story home can also be costly.
The main alternatives to stair lifts are home elevators, which can be costly and obtrusive. A shaftless home elevator costs between $18,500 and $27,500, but they take up less space than other elevators and don’t require a mechanical room. The other alternative is to downsize to a one-story home or apartment.
