LP gas refill prices usually range from $2.50 to $5.00 per gallon, depending on tank size, location, delivery, and whether the supplier charges a minimum. A typical refill for a 20-pound grill cylinder costs about $18-$30, while a residential tank refill can run several hundred dollars.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Propane per gallon | $2.50 | $3.50 | $5.00 | Refill price before some fees |
| 20-lb cylinder refill | $18 | $24 | $30 | Usually holds about 4.5 gallons |
| 100-gallon tank refill | $250 | $350 | $500 | Based on 100 gallons purchased |
| 500-gallon tank refill | $625 | $875 | $1,250 | Based on 250 gallons at 50% capacity |
What a typical propane tank refill costs
For a portable cylinder, customers generally pay by the gallon, though some stores set a minimum charge. A 20-pound grill tank holds about 4.5 gallons when filled to its safe capacity, making a refill around $18-$30 at common retail rates. Larger cylinders cost more in proportion to the amount of propane added.
Residential customers often pay a lower per-gallon rate for a larger delivery, but the total bill is higher. A 500-gallon tank filled from empty to 80% capacity takes about 400 gallons; at $2.50-$4.00 per gallon, fuel alone would cost approximately $1,000-$1,600. Most household tanks are topped off before empty, so the refill bill reflects gallons added, not the tank’s full capacity.
Assumptions: Typical U.S. retail or residential pricing, standard propane, and no unusual access or emergency service.
How fuel, delivery, and service charges shape the bill
The quote may include more than the propane itself. Portable-tank retailers commonly include filling labor in the per-gallon rate, while home delivery accounts may list fuel, delivery, account, or minimum-load charges separately. Ask whether the quoted rate applies to every gallon and whether taxes are included.
| Quote component | Typical range | How it affects price | Common situation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Propane | $2.50-$5.00 per gallon | Largest portion of the bill | Retail cylinder or bulk delivery |
| Delivery | $0-$100 per visit | May be waived above a minimum | Residential truck delivery |
| Small-fill minimum | $5-$20 | Can raise the effective gallon price | Small cylinder or partial fill |
| Tank inspection or leak check | $0-$100 | Applies when safety checks are needed | New account or suspected issue |
| Taxes and account fees | $0-$30 | Varies by locality and supplier | Residential invoice |
Compare the delivered total and minimum-load terms, not just the advertised per-gallon rate.
Tank capacity, fill level, and distance change the quote
Propane tanks are not filled to 100% of their rated capacity because the fuel expands with temperature. A 20-pound cylinder typically takes roughly 4.5 gallons; a 100-gallon residential tank filled to its 80% limit holds about 80 gallons. The amount charged depends on the difference between the starting and ending gauge readings.
Tank size and delivery volume also affect the per-gallon price. Some suppliers charge a higher rate or minimum fee for deliveries under 100 gallons, while a 250-gallon-or-larger delivery may qualify for a lower rate. Remote locations, long hose runs, locked gates, or difficult truck access can add charges. A small top-off can have a higher effective cost per gallon than a full scheduled delivery.
Regional propane rates from rural routes to city stores
Rates vary with local supply, transportation distance, competition, and season. As a broad comparison, rural customers far from distribution terminals may pay 10%-25% more than nearby metro customers. Colder northern markets can also see winter rates 15%-40% above summer prices when heating demand rises or deliveries become harder to schedule.
Retail cylinder prices at hardware or convenience stores may exceed residential bulk rates by 20%-60%, partly because the purchase is small and the seller handles individual tanks. These differences are not fixed national premiums; local quotes can reverse the pattern when a rural supplier has strong competition or a city store charges a high convenience markup.
Get local quotes for the same gallons, delivery timing, and fees before comparing regional prices.
Refilling a 20-pound tank versus exchanging it
A refill station typically charges for the propane added, so a partly full cylinder may cost less than a full refill. An exchange cage commonly charges about $20-$30 for a replacement cylinder containing roughly 15 pounds of propane, even though a standard 20-pound tank can hold about 20 pounds when filled correctly. Exchange is convenient, but the price per pound is often higher.
Refilling makes sense when the cylinder is in acceptable condition and a nearby station charges a competitive rate. Exchange may be practical when a tank is out of date, damaged, or needs replacing; the exchange charge includes a cylinder, not just fuel. Check the stamped qualification date and compare the amount of propane supplied before treating exchange and refill prices as equal.
Three refill examples for grill, camper, and home tanks
| Use case | Estimated fuel amount | Price assumption | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20-lb grill cylinder | 4.5 gallons | $3.25-$5.00 per gallon plus possible minimum | $18-$30 |
| 30-lb RV cylinder | About 7 gallons | $3.00-$4.50 per gallon | $21-$35 |
| Residential top-off | 150 gallons | $2.50-$4.00 per gallon plus $0-$75 delivery | $375-$675 |
These examples estimate fuel and common fees, not tank purchases or repairs. A supplier may calculate cylinder capacity by weight, while residential meters typically record gallons delivered. Confirm the expected gallons before approving a truck delivery.
How to lower propane refill charges without risking safety
Schedule residential refills before the tank is nearly empty. Planned delivery can avoid emergency or out-of-route charges, and ordering enough to meet a supplier’s minimum may reduce the effective rate. Compare at least two local quotes using the same delivery quantity and ask about automatic-delivery pricing, annual fees, and tank ownership requirements.
For portable cylinders, compare refill stations with exchange prices and check the fill amount. Keep the tank accessible, clear snow or debris around the fill connection, and combine delivery with other routine service when possible. Do not attempt to refill a disposable cylinder or bypass inspection requirements. Saving on the rate should never mean using a damaged, expired, or improperly filled cylinder.