An electric dryer typically costs $500-$1,300, while a gas model commonly costs $650-$1,500; installation can add $100-$800 depending on existing hookups. The electric vs. gas dryer cost comparison also depends on local utility rates, laundry volume, and whether a home already has a 240-volt outlet and gas line.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric dryer purchase | $500 | $800 | $1,300 | Standard-capacity models, before delivery |
| Gas dryer purchase | $650 | $1,000 | $1,500 | Typically costs more than a comparable electric model |
| Electric installation | $100 | $175 | $500 | Higher if a circuit or outlet needs work |
| Gas installation | $150 | $250 | $800 | New or extended gas piping raises the quote |
| Annual energy use | $100 | $150 | $220 | Electric; varies with rates and use |
What electric and gas dryers cost to buy and install
For a standard 7- to 7.5-cubic-foot dryer, an electric unit with basic features usually totals $600-$1,550 installed when the home has a suitable 240-volt outlet and vent. A comparable gas dryer often totals $800-$1,750 with an existing gas connection and vent. These estimates cover the appliance and routine hookup, not major electrical or gas-line work.
Typical installed averages are about $975 for electric and $1,250 for gas. A compact or entry-level model can fall below these figures; large-capacity, quiet, or smart models can exceed them. Assumptions: standard vented dryers, ordinary access, existing hookups, and mid-range U.S. labor rates.
How appliance, hookup, and delivery charges shape the quote
Purchase price is only part of the estimate. Ask whether the quote includes moving the old dryer, connecting the new one, testing it, and taking away packaging. A retailer’s delivery charge may include basic placement but exclude stairs, long carries, or new utility connections.
| Quote item | Electric range | Gas range | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appliance | $500-$1,300 | $650-$1,500 | Capacity, controls, and feature tier |
| Basic hookup labor | $100-$250 | $150-$350 | Access and connection condition |
| New electrical or gas work | $200-$800 | $200-$800 | Distance, panel capacity, and pipe routing |
| Delivery and old-unit removal | $50-$200 | $50-$200 | Retailer policy, stairs, and disposal |
Confirm the included work before comparing appliance prices. A low sticker price may not be the cheaper installed option if the delivery, removal, or connection fees are billed separately.
Which hookups and dryer capacity change the price most?
The biggest installation difference is usually whether the home already has the correct utility connection. Electric dryers generally require a dedicated 240-volt circuit; installing one can cost $200-$800 or more if the panel needs upgrades or the run is long. Gas dryers need a compatible gas shutoff and line. Extending a line 10-20 feet through finished spaces can push the gas-work charge toward the upper end or beyond it.
Capacity and vent conditions also matter. Moving from a 7-cubic-foot model to a 9-cubic-foot premium unit can add $200-$600. A vent run over 25 feet, multiple elbows, or a blocked exterior outlet can require cleaning or rerouting, often adding $100-$300. Verify the outlet, gas valve, and vent path before ordering.
How yearly utility bills compare at your local rates
Annual energy cost depends on dryer efficiency, load count, and the price of electricity or gas. A practical estimate for a household drying about 300 loads yearly is $100-$220 for a conventional electric dryer and $50-$130 for a gas model. These are planning ranges, not guaranteed savings; high electricity rates or low gas rates can widen the gap, while efficient models and fewer loads reduce both bills.
To estimate a specific home, use the appliance’s energy label or product data and the local utility rate. A simple comparison is for electric, plus any fixed fees; for gas, multiply annual therms by the gas rate and include applicable delivery charges. Compare annual operating cost alongside the purchase and hookup total.
What three installed dryer quotes might include
These examples illustrate common combinations rather than fixed national prices. Labor assumptions are 1-3 hours for basic setup and longer when connections need modification.
| Scenario | Appliance and labor | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Electric, existing 240-volt outlet, 7.4 cu. ft. | $750 dryer + 1 hour at $125 + $75 removal | $950 |
| Gas, existing gas line, 7.4 cu. ft. | $950 dryer + 1.5 hours at $140 + $100 delivery/removal | $1,260 |
| Gas, new 15-foot line and standard vent, 7.4 cu. ft. | $900 dryer + 3 hours at $140 + $450 piping and materials | $1,770 |
New utility work, rather than routine installation, creates the largest jump in these examples. Request an itemized estimate that separates the appliance, labor, materials, delivery, and disposal.
How location and access affect installation rates
Labor rates and travel charges differ by market. In high-cost metropolitan areas, installation labor can run about 15%-30% above a typical national quote; rural service may be 10%-25% higher when a contractor must travel farther or has fewer nearby providers. These differences apply mainly to labor and service charges, not necessarily the appliance itself.
Stairs, tight laundry closets, stacked appliances, and condo access rules can add roughly $50-$250. If a gas-line modification or electrical permit is required, local fees and inspection schedules vary. Ask whether the quote includes access charges and any required permit.
Where to save without creating a hookup problem
Keeping the existing fuel type avoids paying to add a gas line or a 240-volt circuit solely for the new dryer. Compare two or three itemized quotes, including delivery and removal, and check whether the appliance retailer charges extra for stairs or a longer vent connection. Buying during a retailer promotion can reduce the unit price, but the total quote matters more than the advertised discount.
Choose capacity based on typical loads rather than paying for unused space, and skip features that do not matter to the household. Clean or repair an existing vent when appropriate instead of automatically replacing it; however, a crushed, unsafe, or excessively long duct may need correction. Do not use an adapter or improvised connection to avoid proper electrical or gas work.