A 300-gallon propane tank typically costs $1,200-$3,500 to buy and install above ground, while an underground installation can reach $2,500-$6,000. The final price depends on tank condition and construction, site preparation, delivery distance, permits, and whether the tank is purchased or leased.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300-gallon tank purchase | $900 | $1,700 | $2,800 | New tank; tank alone |
| Above-ground installation | $1,200 | $2,300 | $3,500 | Tank, delivery, basic hookup |
| Underground installation | $2,500 | $4,000 | $6,000 | Includes excavation and protective work |
| Lease setup | $0 | $100 | $500 | May require a fuel contract |
Assumptions: U.S. dollars, residential installation, standard access, and no major gas-line extension or unusual site work.
Typical 300-Gallon Propane Tank Prices By Installation Type
A new 300-gallon above-ground tank alone generally costs $900-$2,800, with many residential buyers paying about $1,700 before delivery and connection. Installed totals commonly fall between $1,200 and $3,500. A used tank may cost $500-$1,500, but inspection, repainting, valve replacement, or recertification can reduce the savings.
Underground models cost more because they require excavation, corrosion protection, and backfill. The tank and installation often total $2,500-$6,000. For a straightforward above-ground setup, budgeting around $2,300 is a practical starting point. A 300-gallon tank usually holds about 240 gallons when filled to the standard 80% limit, so capacity and usable fuel are not the same figure.
What Delivery, Labor, and Tank Hardware Add
Quotes vary in what they include. The breakdown below represents typical residential charges; a propane supplier may bundle several items into one installed price.
| Quote item | Low | Average | High | Common basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tank hardware | $900 | $1,700 | $2,800 | Tank unit |
| Delivery and placement | $100 | $250 | $600 | Distance and truck access |
| Labor and hookup | $250 | $600 | $1,200 | Basic connection and testing |
| Pad, regulator, fittings | $100 | $350 | $800 | Materials and accessories |
| Permit or inspection | $0 | $100 | $400 | Local requirements |
Ask for an itemized quote that separates tank price from delivery, labor, fittings, and permit charges. A long gas line, removal of an old tank, or difficult truck access can add expenses not reflected in a basic hookup quote.
How Tank Placement and Site Conditions Change the Quote
Above-ground placement on a level, prepared pad is usually the least expensive option. An underground installation can add roughly $1,300-$3,500 for excavation, an anode bag or other corrosion protection, backfill, and equipment. Rocky ground, a high water table, steep slopes, or a narrow access route can raise digging and delivery costs.
Distance from the tank to appliances also matters. Extending a gas line may cost about $15-$35 per linear foot, depending on pipe type, burial depth, fittings, and obstacles. Runs longer than 50 feet can therefore add $750-$1,750 or more. Confirm the planned tank location and line length before comparing final totals.
Installation Hours and Crew Charges for a 300-Gallon Tank
A basic above-ground placement and hookup may take a two-person crew about 3-6 hours. Labor is commonly priced at $75-$150 per technician-hour, although many suppliers use a flat installation charge. A difficult setup, extended piping, or removal of an existing tank can require a full day or additional trades.
As a rough labor check, 6-12 technician-hours at $75-$150 per hour equals $450-$1,800. Ask whether leak testing, regulator installation, and appliance connection are included, since exclusions can create a second service charge.
Regional Tank Prices From Rural Areas to Major Cities
Prices in rural markets can be 5%-15% below the national midpoint when local suppliers have equipment and delivery routes nearby. Urban and high-cost coastal areas may run 10%-25% higher because of labor rates, permits, access limits, and traffic. Remote properties can also pay more than city homes if the delivery truck must travel far or reach a difficult site.
These percentages are planning estimates, not fixed regional tariffs. Compare installed quotes from suppliers serving the same delivery area and using the same tank placement. A low tank-only price may not be the least expensive offer once mileage, hookup, and required accessories are added.
Ways to Reduce the Installed 300-Gallon Tank Price
Choose above-ground placement when local rules, space, and appearance allow it; it avoids excavation and underground protection expenses. Prepare a level, accessible location before delivery, and coordinate the tank installation with other gas-line work to limit repeat mobilization charges.
Compare at least three written quotes with identical assumptions about tank condition, regulator, line length, permits, and old-tank removal. A used tank can cut the equipment price, but only if it passes inspection and does not need costly repairs. Keep the scope limited to required safety and code work rather than optional upgrades.
Buying Versus Leasing a 300-Gallon Propane Tank
Buying generally costs $900-$2,800 for the tank, plus installation, but gives the owner more freedom to compare propane suppliers. Leasing may have no upfront tank charge or cost $100-$500 to set up, though the supplier may require a minimum annual purchase, a fuel contract, or a service fee. Lease terms and cancellation charges vary by company.
Compare the total expected expense over several years, not just the initial tank charge. Check who pays for inspections, repairs, regulator replacement, and removal if service ends. A leased tank can be economical when included service offsets contract pricing; ownership can suit buyers who value supplier choice.
Refill, Inspection, and Long-Term Tank Expenses
Propane prices fluctuate by season and location. At $2.00-$4.00 per gallon, filling a 300-gallon tank from empty to its 80% limit would cost about $480-$960 before delivery fees or taxes. Most households refill before the gauge reaches empty, so actual fills are often smaller. Delivery minimums and emergency service can add charges.
Ask about leak checks, periodic inspection, and the cost of a service call, commonly $75-$200 when not covered by a supplier plan. Tank lifespan varies with material, maintenance, installation, and corrosion exposure. Budget for fuel separately from the tank purchase, because propane refills are an ongoing expense.