A “propane tank” can mean either the small portable grill bottles or the big stationary tanks for home heating, and the price changes a lot with size and installation.

Quick Scoop

For most people asking “how much is a propane tank,” here are typical 2023–2025 ballpark ranges in the U.S. (tank only, not fuel unless noted).

Small portable cylinders (grills, patio heaters)

  • 15–20 lb portable tank: about $35–$60 new at big-box stores.
  • 100 lb cylinder: about $100–$150 for the tank.

Refilling these usually runs a few dollars per gallon , often adding up to roughly $20–$30 to fill a 20 lb grill tank, depending on local propane price.

Residential stationary tanks (heating, whole‑home, etc.)

These prices usually include the tank and basic installation, and often vary by region and whether it’s above‑ground or underground.

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Tank size Typical use Approx. cost range
Under 100 gallons Small appliances, limited backup $35–$300 (small cylinders and mini-tanks)
100–120 gallons Fireplaces, small heating loads About $350–$800 installed, depending on style and setup
250 gallons Partial home heating, multiple appliances About $500–$1,200+; more if underground
500 gallons Typical whole‑home tank Roughly $700–$3,000 installed; many guides cite around $1,400–$1,700 above‑ground
1,000 gallons Large homes or small businesses About $2,500–$4,500 depending on underground vs above‑ground

Fuel cost inside the tank

Even if you own the tank, you still pay for the propane itself.

  • Many recent sources put average propane around $2.50–$2.75 per gallon in the last few years, but it varies a lot by state and season.
  • One 250‑gallon tank fill at around $2.58/gal comes out near $645 (when filled to its typical usable capacity, not literally 250 gallons).

Buy vs. rent (quick note)

  • Buying a tank costs more upfront but gives you freedom to choose suppliers and often better long‑term value.
  • Renting or leasing often has a lower upfront cost but ties you to that company’s propane prices, which may be higher per gallon.

Why prices vary so much

  • Size & type: Larger tanks and underground installations cost more in materials and labor.
  • Region : Rural vs urban labor costs, permitting, and local propane markets change the total.
  • New vs used : Used or refurbished tanks can be hundreds of dollars cheaper than new.

TL;DR:

  • Small grill‑size tanks: roughly $35–$60 for the tank, plus $20–$30 per refill in many areas.
  • Typical home‑heating tanks (250–500 gallons): from about $500 up to $2,000+ including basic installation, with large 1,000‑gallon tanks running higher.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.