Buyers typically pay $700-$3,500 for a new 100 gallon propane tank and installation, with the main cost drivers being tank type (aboveground vs buried), site prep, and local permit fees. This article lists typical cost ranges, per-unit pricing, installation-time estimates, and practical ways to lower the overall price for a 100 gallon propane tank.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100-Gallon Tank (aboveground, new) | $400 | $900 | $1,800 | Assumptions: standard ASME or DOT tank, residential grade. |
| Installation (site prep & hookup) | $300 | $1,000 | $2,000 | Assumptions: easy access, within 50 ft of appliances. |
| Burial (optional) | $600 | $1,500 | $3,000 | Assumptions: 2-3 ft depth, conduit, backfill. |
| Total Installed | $700 | $2,700 | $6,000 | Assumptions: nationwide variance, permits, delivery included. |
Typical Price For A 100-Gallon Propane Tank
Most homeowners pay between $700 and $2,700 for a new 100 gallon propane tank installed aboveground with basic hookup.
Typical total price: $700-$6,000 depending on burial, remote fill, and distance. Average price (common U.S. market): $2,700. Tank-only price (new, aboveground): $400-$1,800. Tank-only used or refurbished: $200-$800. Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard materials, normal access.
Parts Of The Quote: Materials, Labor, Delivery, Permits, Taxes
A complete quote usually separates materials, labor, delivery, permits, and taxes—expect labor and materials to be the largest line items.
| Materials | Labor | Delivery/Disposal | Permits | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $400-$1,800 tank, fittings $50-$250 | $300-$1,800 | $75-$400 delivery, $0-$300 disposal | $0-$500 municipal permit | $0-$200 sales/use tax |
How Burial, Distance, And Fill Type Change The Final Price
Burying the tank, adding a remote fill, or routing gas lines longer than 50 ft are the largest variables that raise cost.
Examples of numeric thresholds: burying a tank adds $600-$3,000 depending on depth (2 ft = $600-$1,200; 3-4 ft = $1,200-$3,000). Long gas runs: >50 ft adds $4-$9 per ft for piping and $75-$125 per hour for extra labor. Remote fill lines or protective conduit >20 ft add $150-$600.
Installation Time, Crew Size, And Typical Labor Rates
Installation time for an aboveground 100 gallon tank with short piping is usually 2-6 hours and one to two techs; burial adds 8-16 hours and a small crew.
Common labor rates: $75-$125 per hour. Example: 3 hours × $95/hr = $285 labor. For burial or complex routing, expect 10-16 hours total labor including excavation and testing.
Practical Ways To Lower The Price Of A 100-Gallon Tank Installation
Controlling scope—choose aboveground placement, provide clear access, and avoid optional remote fills—reduces cost most reliably.
- Opt for aboveground mounting on a concrete pad instead of burial to save $600-$3,000.
- Prepare site access (clear vegetation, level area) to cut labor hours by 1-3 hours.
- Compare 3 written quotes and ask for itemized bids to spot inflated line items.
- Use a refurbished tank if local code allows: saves $200-$900 but check remaining life and certification.
Regional Price Differences And How Much They Matter
Prices vary roughly ±15%-30% across U.S. regions—higher in Northeast and West Coast metro areas, lower in parts of the Midwest and South.
Typical deltas: Northeast/California: +20%-30% on labor and permits. Midwest/South: -10%-20% relative to national average. Rural areas may have lower labor rates but higher delivery fees if the supplier is far.
Real-World Quote Examples With Specs And Totals
Three representative quotes help translate ranges into realistic budgets for common scenarios.
| Scenario | Specs | Labor/Hrs | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Aboveground | New 100 gal, pad mount, 10 ft piping | 3 hrs, 2 techs | $900-$1,100 |
| Buried Near House | 100 gal buried 2 ft, 20 ft piping, remote fill | 12 hrs, 2-3 techs | $2,100-$3,400 |
| Complex Long Run | 100 gal aboveground, 75 ft piping, trenching, permit | 14 hrs, crew | $3,500-$6,000 |
Permits, Inspections, And Code-Related Price Add-Ons
Permit and inspection fees can add $0-$500; code-required setbacks or protective barriers can increase installation complexity and cost.
Typical requirements: setback from building and property line, emergency venting, and anchoring for seismic zones. If a permit triggers an upgrade (steel pad or extra clearance), expect an added $150-$800.