How Much Does Installing a Propane Tank Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $600 - $2,500
The average propane tank costs $1,400. Depending on the tank size and location, most homeowners spend between $600 and $2,500 on propane tank installation.
The average propane tank cost is about $1,400, though most homeowners pay between $600 and $2,500 for the tank and its installation. The prices of propane tanks vary significantly by size, region, and whether it’s aboveground or underground. An underground 250-gallon tank costs $500 to $1,000 or more if it’s installed underground.
Whether you’re looking to supply your whole home to keep it toasty or want to crank up the grill, here’s what you need to know about budgeting for a propane tank to keep the fire burning.
- Average
- $1,400
- Low end
- $350
- high end
- $5,500
Propane Tank Cost Factors
Your propane tank’s size and capacity, labor, prep work, and location are some of the biggest factors in your total tank installation spending. Let’s break down the most significant cost factors.
Tank Size and Capacity
Size has the biggest effect on the price of a propane tank. A 250-gallon propane tank costs between $500 and $1,000, while a 15-pound tank bought from the store might only be around $50.
It can feel a little confusing when comparing propane tank prices because some tanks might be labeled by the gallon while others are labeled by the pound. For the most part, larger tanks for whole-home systems will use gallons, while smaller tanks for outdoor grills and backup generators are more likely to use pounds. But this isn’t true in all cases, so you’ll want to keep a close eye on the propane tank you plan on purchasing to avoid buying the wrong size.
Propane Tank Size by Gallons
Propane tanks can cost as little as $35 if you’re buying a small tank to hook up to the grill and don’t require any labor or other installation expenses. However, for tanks to fuel your home and appliances, which come with installation costs, you’ll pay at least $350 and upwards of $5,500 or more for 1,000-gallon tanks. Here is a chart breaking down the cost of your propane tank by the gallon.
| Propane Tank by Gallons | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Under 100 gallons | $35–$300 |
| 100 gallons | $350–$500 |
| 120 gallons | $400–$800 |
| 250 gallons | $500–$1,000 |
| 500 gallons | $700–$3,000 |
| 1,000 gallons | $1,500–$5,500 |
Propane Tank Size by Pounds
One gallon of propane is roughly a little more than four pounds. It’s not uncommon for manufacturers to label 100-gallon units by the pound, so be on the lookout for a 420-pound tank size on the label to quickly identify the correct tank size. Here’s a breakdown of common propane tanks by the pound and their average price range:
| Propane Tank by Pounds | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| 15 lb | $35–$55 |
| 20 lb | $40–$60 |
| 100 lb | $100–$150 |
| 200 lb | $350–$700 |
| 420 lb | $400–$800 |
Labor
Whereas the price of the tank itself only costs between $30 and $3,500 depending on the capacity, the price for labor can range anywhere from $250 to $5,000.
Location
If you’re just installing a small propane tank for an outdoor grill, you might only pay for the tank and the propane. Installing a propane tank underground is where you’ll see the biggest cost disparity—underground tank installations cost $1,100 to $4,700 more than aboveground tanks.
Prep
If you’re installing an underground propane tank, anticipate spending more to prepare the site for the installation. You’ll spend anywhere between $50 to $200 per cubic yard to excavate the area. Some aboveground tanks require a concrete slab, which costs $50 to $175.
Permits
Permits can cost around $25 to $150, depending on your location, tank size, and zoning requirements. Obtaining permits ensures that your tank is compliant, protecting both your property and the surrounding environment. It also hedges you against fines during the installation process.
Concrete Pads
Concrete pads cost anywhere from $50 to $175 on average or between $4 and $25 per square foot, depending on how thick you pour them. Before you can install an aboveground tank, you’ll need to make sure you have a place to put it. Concrete pads—also called concrete slabs—are required by most municipalities. The size you need depends on the number of gallons your propane tank holds:
| Tank Size | Pads Cost |
|---|---|
| 120 gallons | $50–$75 |
| 250 gallons | $75–$125 |
| 500 gallons | $125–$175 |
Propane Tank Removal
If you’re replacing an old propane tank with a new one, you could pay as little as $100 or as much as $1,500 to remove the old one. The vast price difference comes down to the cost of excavating the area to remove a below-ground tank versus the cost of simply unhooking an aboveground tank and having it hauled away. If you need to replace the concrete pad, that will be an additional expense of around $200.
Gas Line Installation
The average cost to run an underground gas line is $540, but it can range anywhere from $250 to $800 for the average homeowner. How much you’ll pay depends on how long you need the line to be in order to operate, with costs between $15 and $25 per linear foot.
Ongoing Expenses
Adding a propane tank to your property entails some recurring costs associated with its maintenance and operation.
Filling the Tank
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average price of propane is $2.58 per gallon as of March 2024. For a 250-gallon propane tank, that would amount to $645 for one fill. It’s important to note that prices vary greatly depending on where you live, with some states averaging roughly $1.60 per gallon and others averaging over $5 per gallon.
Inspections
You’ll need to undergo annual inspections to ensure your tank complies with safety standards. Inspections cost $50 to $75 a year. This inspection checks for leaks, secure valves, and proper placement of the tank.
Propane Tank Rentals
You might decide to rent a propane tank to leave the installation hassle (including regulatory compliance) for the company you’re leasing from, but it also means you’ll pay more overall. You’ll spend between $150 and $180 yearly for a rental tank—though some companies only charge you for the cost of propane. You might find that they charge you a higher rate per gallon than you’d get if you filled a tank you owned.
Aboveground vs. Underground Propane Cost Factors
You’ll see a noticeable difference in the cost of your propane tank depending on whether you choose an aboveground or underground propane system. Again, underground tanks cost $1,100 to $4,700 more than aboveground ones. Let’s look at what plays a part in impacting these price differences.
| Factor | Aboveground Tank | Underground Tank |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $400–$3,500 | $1,500–$5,500 |
| Maintenance | Easier to maintain due to being visible and accessible | Requires special equipment and expertise to maintain and inspect |
| Longevity | More susceptible to damage and corrosion | Longer lifespan due to reduced exposure to outside elements |
| Best for | Areas prone to flooding | Preserving property landscape |
Aboveground Propane Tanks
The price for an aboveground propane tank falls between $400 and $3,500 for a 100-gallon and 1,000-gallon tank, respectively. If you live in a region prone to flooding, installing an aboveground tank is likely your best option.
The main downside is that aboveground tanks are exposed, meaning they’re more subject to weather conditions and may be visually unattractive on your property.
Underground Propane Tanks
Underground propane tanks cost more than aboveground propane tanks. You’ll spend between $1,500 and $5,500 or more to install one. This comes down to a few additional labor expenses:
Excavation costs: $500–$2,400
Plumbing costs: $45–$200 per hour
Trench costs: $400–$1,200 per 100 linear feet
Gas line costs: $120–$1,350
You might want to choose a below-ground tank if you don’t want your tank to be visible. These tanks are also temperature-controlled. At the same time, it’s harder to know when there’s an issue with an underground tank and harder to access, making it important to stay on top of yearly maintenance services.
Can You Install a Propane Tank Yourself?
Unless you’re installing a small propane tank for grilling, you’ll want to avoid installing a propane tank yourself. While it might be tempting to rent an excavator and try to save on expenses, you’ll find that the cost to rent one can be as much as $350 per day—and that doesn’t factor in the cost to remove dirt and rocks, which can add another $400 to $800 to your project.
At this point, you’re already spending $750 to $1,150 just for the excavation alone. Add in the costs to dig the trench, the gas lines, and other expenses, and you’ll find you won’t save much, and you’ll invest a lot of time and labor into trying to do it yourself.
Also, natural gas lines are dangerous, with potential risks of leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning, and should be handled by a professional propane installer near you. Your pro will know the safety precautions needed to keep your propane tank leak-free. They’ll also know your area's restrictions and the proper licensing requirements.
The cost to hire a contractor can range anywhere from $250 to upwards of $5,000, depending on the level of work and the complexity of the job. Hourly rates may vary depending on where you live, but you can anticipate paying a professional contractor between $120 and $150 per hour.
Cost of Common Propane Tank Add-Ons
Propane tank installers may offer related services. Most propane installation companies are happy to remove old propane tanks, service your existing propane tanks, and provide propane delivery services. Here’s how much those add-ons cost.
| Add-On | Cost |
|---|---|
| Remove old propane tank | $100–$1,500 |
| Service existing propane tanks | $50–$75 |
| Provide propane delivery services | $5–$100 per delivery |
5 Ways You Can Save Money While Installing a Propane Tank
There are admittedly few ways that you can save on the cost of a propane tank, but you’ll find trying out the following tips can help make a difference:
Choose an aboveground propane tank to avoid excavation and trench costs.
Pick a smaller-sized tank that still meets your needs.
Consider a combination of small tanks and medium-sized tanks.
Shop for the best propane tank prices and gas companies in your area.
Don’t rent if you can afford to buy a propane tank.
Frequently Asked Questions
On average, you can buy a 20-pound propane tank for between $35 and $60, not including the propane. The cost to fill the tank is around $7 to $20, so the total cost for a full 20-pound tank of propane runs between $42 and $80.
It costs anywhere from $600 to $1,600 to fill a 500-gallon propane tank. Keep in mind that tanks can only hold up to 80% capacity due to the propane expanding when temperatures increase.
In the long run, buying your own propane tank is generally less expensive than renting one. Often, a propane supplier will charge more for refill costs on rental tanks than for customers who own their tanks.
Though most propane tanks are good for about 12 years, federal law requires propane tanks to be either requalified or replaced every five or 10 years, depending on the type. Tanks can deteriorate over time due to rust, leaks, missing parts, and exposure to harsh conditions in general. You can check for the manufacture date and requalification date printed on the tank’s collar.
Buying your propane tank incurs significant upfront costs. Leasing has very low or no initial fees. By renting the tank, companies may insist you only use their propane refill services. If you prefer the freedom to shop around, purchasing a tank might be worth the initial cost.