A propane refill typically costs $2.50-$5.00 per gallon, with many households paying about $3.50 per gallon before delivery or service fees. The final propane refill price depends on tank size, how much gas is added, location, seasonal demand, and whether the customer brings a portable cylinder or needs a bulk delivery.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Propane by the gallon | $2.50 | $3.50 | $5.00 | Typical walk-in or refill-station rates; local pricing varies |
| 20-pound grill cylinder refill | $15 | $21 | $30 | Usually billed for gallons dispensed, not the cylinder’s full capacity |
| 100-gallon tank refill | $250 | $350 | $500 | Before a possible delivery or minimum-charge fee |
| 500-gallon tank refill | $500 | $900 | $1,500 | Assumes a partial fill of about 200-300 gallons |
Typical propane refill prices by tank size
Most refill quotes start with a per-gallon rate and then add any delivery, trip, or minimum-purchase charge. A portable cylinder often costs less overall because the customer transports it to a retailer, while a residential tank can require a delivery truck and a minimum order.
A standard 20-pound grill cylinder holds about 4.7 gallons when filled to the safe 80% limit. At $2.50-$5.00 per gallon, that works out to roughly $12-$24 for the propane alone. Many stores quote or charge a flat $15-$30, depending on local rates and whether the customer chooses a refill or exchange.
For larger tanks, the billed amount depends on how empty the tank is and the fill limit. A 100-gallon tank typically takes up to about 80 gallons from empty, while a 500-gallon tank can take about 400 gallons. At the national-style ranges above, filling either tank completely could cost about $200-$400 or $1,000-$2,000, respectively, before extra fees.
For a quick estimate, multiply the gallons expected by the supplier’s current price per gallon, then add delivery or minimum charges. A customer should ask whether the quote is per gallon, a flat cylinder price, or a fixed delivery order.
Assumptions: U.S. retail and residential pricing, standard propane, ordinary access, and no tank repair or installation.
What propane delivery and refill charges include
A quote may combine the gas price with labor, vehicle costs, and account charges, or list each item separately. Portable-cylinder customers usually pay only for the fuel, but a residential delivery quote can include a minimum order or a trip fee even when the tank needs only a small top-off.
| Charge | Typical range | How it affects the bill | Common scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
| Propane fuel | $2.50-$5.00 per gallon | Primary charge, multiplied by gallons delivered | Portable refill or bulk tank delivery |
| Delivery or trip fee | $0-$100 per visit | May apply regardless of gallons purchased | Rural, urgent, or small-load delivery |
| Minimum delivery order | $75-$250 equivalent | Raises the bill when the tank needs little fuel | Residential account or remote route |
| Tank inspection or service | $0-$150 | Separate from fuel; depends on work required | Leak check, regulator issue, or inactive service |
| Portable-cylinder exchange | $20-$35 per cylinder | Includes a filled cylinder but not a refill of the customer’s own tank | Retail exchange cage |
Labor for a routine delivery is generally incorporated into the per-gallon rate or delivery charge. When a technician performs a separate service call, labor may be billed at about $75-$150 per hour, often with a one-hour or minimum service charge. The exact labor rate depends on the provider and the task.
Compare the delivered total, not just the advertised gallon price. A supplier charging $3.00 per gallon plus a $75 trip fee can cost more on a 20-gallon delivery than one charging $3.40 per gallon with no separate fee.
How tank capacity and fill level change the quote
The tank’s nameplate capacity is not the same as the amount of propane it can safely hold. Propane expands with temperature, so tanks are generally filled to about 80% of water capacity. The price estimate should use gallons actually delivered, not the nominal tank size.
Tank level is another important variable. A 500-gallon tank at 40% capacity might need roughly 200 gallons to reach 80%; at $2.50-$5.00 per gallon, the fuel portion would be about $500-$1,000. A tank at 10% might need about 350 gallons to reach the same level, putting the gas portion around $875-$1,750.
Portable cylinders also have capacity limits. A typical 20-pound grill cylinder holds about 4.7 gallons at the 80% fill limit, while a 30-pound cylinder holds about 7 gallons. Larger cylinders cost more to fill, but their final bill still depends on the amount dispensed and the seller’s minimum charge.
Tank access and delivery distance can change the quote. A truck may need a longer hose run, a clear path, or extra time to reach a tank behind a building or across uneven ground. A provider may charge more or decline delivery if the truck cannot safely reach the fill connection.
Verify the tank’s size, current gauge reading, and safe fill limit before comparing estimates. Those details help distinguish a real per-gallon quote from a rough total based on a full tank.
Why regional propane rates differ across the United States
Propane prices vary by state and even between neighboring towns. Areas with more suppliers, shorter delivery routes, and high customer density may have lower delivery costs. Rural locations can pay 5%-20% more than nearby suburban markets when distance, route time, or small order size raises the cost per stop.
Cold-weather regions often see stronger winter demand, particularly when homes rely on propane for heating. In a high-demand period, local delivered rates may run 10%-30% above summer quotes. The change is not identical everywhere: wholesale supply, storage, weather, and provider pricing all matter.
Urban customers may have several refill stations for small cylinders, but residential delivery access can be complicated by traffic, parking, or limited truck access. In rural areas, the per-gallon quote may be competitive for a large scheduled order, even if a small top-off triggers a delivery minimum.
For a useful comparison, request the current rate, estimated gallons, delivery charge, minimum order, and any payment-plan fee from at least two local suppliers. Ask whether a quoted price is fixed for the order or subject to change before delivery.
Local quotes are more reliable than a national average because route costs and winter demand can outweigh small differences in fuel price. A customer should compare the same delivery amount and service conditions.
Three sample propane refill bills for common situations
The examples below use a $3.50-per-gallon rate for illustration. Actual supplier rates, fees, and delivered quantities vary by location. Cylinder retailers may use flat prices rather than calculate each customer’s bill from a posted gallon rate.
| Scenario | Fuel calculation | Other charge | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20-pound grill cylinder, 4.7 gallons | 4.7 × $3.50 = $16.45 | $0-$5 service or minimum difference | $16-$22 |
| 100-gallon home tank, 50 gallons delivered | 50 × $3.50 = $175 | $35 delivery fee | $210 |
| 500-gallon home tank, 200 gallons delivered | 200 × $3.50 = $700 | $50 delivery fee | $750 |
In the cylinder example, an exchange may instead cost $20-$35, with the customer giving up an empty cylinder. A refill station may cost less, especially when the cylinder is not fully empty, but some locations have a minimum charge or will not fill damaged or expired cylinders.
The residential examples assume routine delivery, an accessible tank, and no unusual minimum order. If the provider requires a $150 minimum, for instance, a 20-gallon order at $3.50 per gallon would otherwise cost $70 for fuel, but the customer may still owe the minimum or a corresponding short-load charge.
Use the delivered-gallon estimate and every fee to build a comparable total. The same tank can produce very different bills depending on its starting level and the provider’s order rules.
When refill or exchange is cheaper for a grill cylinder
Refilling a customer’s own 20-pound cylinder often costs about $15-$25 when it accepts a typical 4-5 gallons and the retailer charges close to the posted gallon rate. An exchange commonly costs $20-$35, though promotions and local retail pricing can narrow the difference.
Refilling tends to cost less when the cylinder is mostly empty, the station charges by the gallon, and the tank is in good condition. Exchange can be convenient when a retailer is nearby or the customer’s cylinder is out of date, damaged, or difficult to transport. Exchange programs may provide a cylinder that meets current inspection requirements, but the customer does not retain the original tank.
For a cylinder that is only partly empty, a true refill may avoid paying the exchange price for a full container. However, many retail refill sites have a minimum charge, and some charge for a fixed amount rather than the exact amount dispensed. The receipt should show whether the customer paid per gallon or for a set exchange.
Check the refill price against the exchange fee and the cylinder’s condition before choosing. A low exchange price can be competitive, while a per-gallon refill usually has the advantage when less than a full cylinder is needed.
Ways to lower a propane refill bill without risking safety
Scheduling a residential delivery before the tank is nearly empty can reduce the chance of an emergency or after-hours charge. Ask about automatic delivery versus will-call service: automatic delivery may help avoid runouts, while a customer who tracks usage carefully may prefer ordering directly and comparing prices each time.
Combine fuel needs when practical. A larger delivery can spread a trip fee across more gallons, but it is not economical to order propane that will not be used or to exceed the tank’s permitted fill level. Ask the supplier whether a minimum order applies and how many gallons are recommended based on the current gauge reading.
Compare written quotes that use the same delivery volume and include fuel, fees, and any account charges. For portable cylinders, check at least one refill station and one exchange location, and confirm whether a partial fill is billed by actual gallons. Avoid selecting a provider solely because its posted rate is lower if a high minimum or delivery charge erases the savings.
Keep the fill area clear and provide accurate access instructions. This can prevent a failed delivery or a second trip. Customers should not attempt to repair valves, move large tanks, or transfer propane themselves; leak checks, equipment changes, and other safety-related work should be handled by a qualified provider.
The most dependable savings come from avoiding small emergency orders and comparing the full delivered price. A modest difference in per-gallon rates matters less than a large trip fee on a small delivery.