Installing a propane tank costs between $800 on average. Propane prices vary by location. A propane refill will cost between $3 and $5 per gallon, or about $500 for a 100-gallon tank. Compare quotes from contractors near you for the best price on your new propane tank.
Propane has a wide variety of uses in the home, including heating, grilling and more. Hiring a professional to help you identify the right size and arrangement can maximize your use and enjoyment. You'll need a pro if you want to rent a unit, or have one installed on your property.
On This Page:
| National Average Cost | $800 |
| Minimum Cost | $30 |
| Maximum Cost | $3,500 |
| Average Range | $800 to $1,000 |
When you compare propane tank prices, size makes the biggest difference. Companies measure capacity in pounds or gallons.
One gallon of propane weighs a little over four pounds. This means that a manufacturer or reseller might label a 420 pound tank as a 100-gallon unit. Confirm that you have the right measurement before you buy. A conversion error might result in the purchase of a much larger or smaller model than what you need.
There is some inconsistency in the way that manufacturers advertise tank sizes. For example, a 5-gallon unit might run as a 15 pound or 20 pound model, with the same brand and price. Companies may list a 420-pound size as 100 or 120 gallons. If you are unsure of the size, ask a professional for help.
| Gallons | Price |
|---|---|
| 5 | $30 - $60 |
| 50 | $350 - $700 |
| 100 | $400 - $800 |
| 120 | $400 - $800 |
| 250 | $500 - $1,000 |
| 500 | $500 - $3,000 |
| 1,000 | $1,500 - $3,500 |
| Pounds (Lbs.) | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 | $5 - $10 |
| 15 | $25 - $55 |
| 20 | $30 - $60 |
| 100 | $100 - $150 |
| 200 | $350 - $700 |
| 420 | $400 - $800 |
Cost of Small Tanks for Grills
The best tank capacity for you depends on your use. One-gallon propane bottles are ideal for people who want to do a little cooking while camping. Homeowners may prefer propane cylinders between five to 50 gallons to run an outdoor grill or provide fuel for a backup generator.
Smaller models are generally stationary, with the option to take to a filling station or exchange for a refilled one. The lesser the unit, the more often you may need to fill it. Make sure you feel comfortable safely disconnecting and reconnecting the tank.
Small tanks you need for minimal purposes range from $5 to $700. They usually do not carry additional installation costs since most homeowners can hook them up without much effort.
Price of Large Propane Tanks
The cost to buy a tank of 100 to 120 gallons starts at about $400, rising to $3,500 for 1,000 gallons. Most larger models may require a permanent installation. Bigger units are appropriate for multiple uses:
- 250 gallons to run a few home appliances
- 500 gallons for most or all systems in the home
- 1,000 gallons for larger homes or heavy consumption
With tanks of this size, you may be able to choose above-ground or underground installation.
Get a Quote for a Large Propane Tank
Costs of Propane Tanks for the Home
The average $800 to $1,000 per tank primarily concerns sizing, but there are a few other factors that affect pricing. The cost also relates to the placement of the system, whether it is new or used, and whether it's full or empty.
Underground Buried Propane Tank Costs
The price to install an underground tank runs from $1,125 to $5,150 with an additional unit cost of $500 to $3,500. You will need to pay for the cost of trenching and excavation. Models from 250 to 1,000 gallons are ideal for underground installation, but 500 to 1,000 gallons are the most common. Each one may be appropriate for either above-ground or underground placement.
A used 1,000-gallon tank could cost around $750 to $1,250, compared to $1,500 to $3,500 for new.
Well-kept old units can last many decades, so you may save a lot of money by purchasing a previously-owned model. In fact, older ones may have thicker steel and a higher safety rating. This is due to gradual increases in the price of steel, which dictated changes in manufacturing standards.
The smallest tanks are relatively inexpensive to buy new, meaning that you may not save as much by looking for a used one.
Purchasing Full vs Empty
You may see options to pay $15 to $30 more for a 15- to 20-pound unit that is full. Most of the time, the prices you will find for propane tanks concern an empty unit. The safety of transport and the weight of larger models demands that delivery (and installation as needed) happen separately from fuel delivery.
Hire a Propane Tank installation Company
Local Propane Tank Prices & Companies
Every company sets its own prices for the equipment and services related to propane tanks. Search for qualified fuel tank installation professionals near you for an accurate quote on the cost to rent or buy a tank, plus options for installation and fuel delivery.
How do Blue Rhino vs AmeriGas tank prices compare?
A 15- to 20-pound tank from these popular suppliers' costs:
- AmeriGas: $50
- BernzOmatic: $30-$35
- Blue Rhino: $50
- Flame King: $30-$45
- Worthington: $50-$60
The brand you choose may not make a significant difference in price, especially for smaller sizes. Call multiple companies for quotes on larger projects, and ask for estimates on the unit, refills, installation and delivery.
For many propane suppliers, the tank is just one aspect of the fuel delivery program. You may pay less than you expect for the equipment and rental costs, because the company makes more profits in fuel deliveries or refills.
Is it better to purchase or rent a tank?
Buying a tank costs $5 to $3,500 for sizes between 1 to 1,000 gallons. Installation of a unit runs from $275 to $5,150. On a simple price comparison, most homeowners may decide that it's more cost-effective to buy smaller tanks and rent larger ones.
Rental companies often allow you to get a model installed, hooked up and ready to fill without paying anything except the cost of a propane delivery. If you pay to purchase and install it, you may save money on the fuel and delivery costs.
How can I tell how much propane my tank has left?
There are a few simple ways to determine how much propane is left in your tank:
- Buy a gauge ($5-$25) : This tool will accurate measure the number of gallons remaining. Most gauges have a line that tells you when it is running low enough to need a refill or exchange.
- Lift the tank: If it is small enough that you can carry it, picking up a disconnected unit and comparing it to a full one may give you a ballpark estimate.
- Pour warm water on the outside: The tank will absorb heat from the water and cool rapidly. Feel for the top of the cool side to determine the current fill level.
What Is the price of actual propane or the cost to refill my tank?
The price of propane varies throughout the year, but hovers around $2.00 to $2.75 per gallon. Companies offering refills may charge as much as $3.25 to $4.00 per gallon. Keep in mind that your refill will only reach 80% of capacity, per industry standards. This means that a 20-pound refill may be closer to 15 or 16 pounds.
Should I exchange or refill my old tank?
Buying a 15- to 20-pound tank that you can exchange at the store could cost as much as $30 less than buying the same size outright. Exchanging the empty one for full ranges from $10 to $25.
If you only want to keep one small unit, the exchange program may be perfect for your needs. Otherwise, you might choose to pay the extra money for one you can refill on your own. Homeowners who maintain several small tanks, or who have easy access to a propane company, may prefer this option.
How much does propane tank recertification cost?
Recertifying a propane tank costs around $35 to $60, depending on the pro doing the work. Once the unit reaches an expiration date (typically 12 years for the 15- to 20-pound ones), you must request an inspection before you can refill it. Larger models may not have an expiration date.
Recertification could be a good idea if you are uncertain of the condition. The price of 15 to 20-pound tanks may make recertification about the same as buying a new one.
