How Much Does a Lawn Mower Cost in 2024?

Most homeowners with a typical-sized yard will spend $322, on average, for a walk-behind lawn mower.

You don’t have to spend a lot of green to keep your lawn green and trim. The cheapest lawn mower, a manual push reel mower, could cost as little as $71. The average cost of a gas-powered lawn mower is $445. On the high end of the spectrum, an intelligent robot mower with special features can cost up to $17,042.

Most homeowners with a typical-sized yard will be better off with a walk-behind mower, which costs $322 on average. The average cost of a riding lawn mower suited for large properties is $2,960. While some robot mowers can reach astronomical prices like the one mentioned above, the average price for a standard model is $1,499.

Average Lawn Mower Cost by Type

Average Reel Mower Cost$129
Average Walk-Behind Lawn Mower Cost$322
Average Riding Lawn Mower Cost$2,960
Average Robot Mower Cost$1,499

How much you spend on a lawn mower will depend on your yard’s size, the type of grass you have, the power source you want to use, and the brand you choose. We’ve broken down the typical costs of different kinds of lawn mowers so you can figure out which one is best for both your needs and your budget.

Reel mowers are the most affordable type of mower, with an average cost of $129. The most expensive options are riding lawn mowers or robot lawn mowers, premium models of which can cost almost $20,000.

Most fancy lawn mowers don’t reach those extreme prices, though. Mid-range riding mowers cost closer to $2,960, and the average cost of a robot lawn mower is $1,499.

Walk-behind lawn mowers, a category that includes manual push lawn mowers and self-propelled mowers, fall in the middle with an average price of $322. These mowers are the most common for residential use.

How Much Do Various Types of Lawn Mowers Cost?

To calculate the costs given throughout this guide, we used prices from Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart. The high-end costs are the highest prices we could find from those sources, while the low-end costs are the lowest prices we found.

The average costs come from averaging the prices of the first 10 featured products in each category on Amazon, Lowe’s, Walmart, and Home Depot’s websites.

Cost Estimator by Mower Power Source

Manual and self-propelled walk-behind lawn mowers come in gas-powered and electric (corded or cordless) models. Self-propelled models cost significantly more than their manual counterparts with the same power source.

Reel mowers are a more affordable manual push option, but their only power source is you, so they take a lot more work to use.

Type of Lawn MowerLow-End CostHigh-End CostAverage Cost
Reel Mower71326129
Electric Push Mower108836322
Gas Push Mower188431286
Gas Self-Propelled Mower2602072604
Electric Self-Propelled Mower3681712786

Each power source comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. We’ll go over the details of each one to help you decide which lawn mower power source will give you the best bang for your buck.

Reel Lawn Mowers

Close-up of a rusty reel mower
Photo Credit: Rafael Castillo / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Reel lawn mowers don’t come with a built-in power source. As you push a reel mower across your grass, you cause the blades to spin. For this reason, reel mowers take quite a bit of effort to push and may not be suitable for large spaces. Reel mowers are, however, extremely affordable compared to gas or electric mowers.

The smallest and cheapest reel lawn mower we found costs about $71, while the largest and most expensive will have a price tag closer to $326. Most reel mowers will have a middling cost of around $129.

Pros of reel:

  • Inexpensive
  • Most eco-friendly type of mower
  • Compact for storage
  • Can keep going as long as you do

Cons of reel:

  • Takes a lot of strength to push
  • May not work well on very tall or thick grass

Electric Mowers

Red electric mower sitting with half the yard mowed
Photo Credit: Mike Prosser / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

Both corded and battery-powered lawn mowers fall into the electric category. Corded electric models tend to be the cheapest and lightest options available since they don’t need a fuel tank or battery. Battery-powered electric mowers can cost more than their gas counterparts without being as powerful.

You can find small corded electric manual push lawn mowers for as low as $108 or tricked-out battery-powered models running as high as $836. The average price of this type of electric mower is around $322.

Self-propelled electric lawn mowers typically cost between $368 and $1,712. Your standard mid-range self-propelled option will be about $786.

Pros of electric mowers:

  • Eco-friendly
  • Quiet
  • Low-maintenance
  • Lighter than gas
  • Easier to start and use than gas

Cons of electric mowers:

  • Lacking in power
  • Batteries have limited run times
  • Cords limit movement

Gas Mowers

red push lawn mower
Photo Credit: Combsy / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Gas lawn mowers, whether manual or self-propelled, tend to be a lot more powerful than electric mowers. Gas-powered mowers also have better mobility since they don’t rely on a cord or a battery with a short run time. Even with these benefits, an average gas lawn mower costs less than a battery-powered model.

Gas-powered manual push lawn mowers range in price from $188 to $431. Most mid-range options will cost around $286.

Expect a higher price if you want a self-propelled gas mower. For the added convenience, you would pay about $260 for a budget choice and about $2,072 for the fanciest version on the market. The average cost of a typical gas-powered self-propelled lawn mower is $604.

Pros of gas mowers:

  • Most powerful engines
  • Unlimited range
  • Run longer on one tank of gas than battery-powered mowers do on one charge

Cons of gas mowers:

  • High-maintenance
  • Loud
  • Heavy
  • Produce harmful emissions

Cost Estimator by Type of Lawn Mower

Aside from standard walk-behind mowers, there are many other types of lawn mowers that cost more. Those more premium options include riding lawn mowers (lawn tractors, zero-turn mowers, and rear engine mowers), robot mowers, and mulching mowers.

Type of Lawn MowerLow-End CostHigh-End CostAverage Cost
Mulching Mower1302198326
Robot Mower665170421499
Rear-Engine Riding Mower110847552291
Lawn Tractor165144622531
Zero-Turn Riding Mower275099124058

Mulching Lawn Mowers

Close-up of a mulching lawn mower with grass clippings all over the top of it
Photo Credit: osseous / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Walk-behind mulching lawn mowers shred leaves and grass clippings as you mow. They then distribute the mulch back into your lawn to help improve soil health. Like regular push lawn mowers and self-propelled mowers, mulching mowers come in electric and gas models with various special features.

Small, corded electric mulching mowers are affordable, starting at just $130. More expensive mulching mowers, particularly self-propelled, battery-powered, or high-horsepower models, can cost as much as $2,198.

The average mulching mower, including the different types and power sources, typically costs about $326.

Robot Lawn Mowers

Green robot mower cutting a lawn
Photo Credit: Tool Dude / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

With a robot lawn mower, the only work you have to do is install the perimeter wire to show the robot where to go. These are the best mowers for homeowners who don’t have the time to maintain their lawns but don’t have the money to hire a weekly pro lawn care service.

Simple robot lawn mowers suited for small yards are affordable at about $665, but these models may not be as reliable as their more premium cousins. Large robot mowers packed with bells and whistles, such as GPS guidance or anti-theft features, can cost as much as $17,042. Your typical robot mower costs much less, with an average price of $1,499.

Riding Lawn Mowers

Two old lawn tractors sitting next to each other
Photo Credit: Daniel M. Hendricks / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0

A riding lawn mower makes caring for a large yard much easier because it gets you off your feet while you work for what could be hours at a time.

There are three basic styles of riding mowers: lawn tractors, zero-turn lawn mowers, and rear-engine lawn mowers. Each has its own price range and characteristics that make it suited for properties with different needs.

Regardless of the style, most riding mowers run on gas engines. There are a few reliable battery-powered riding mowers on the market, but they tend to be more expensive than comparable gas mowers with more horsepower and longer run times. Especially for large lawns, a gas-powered riding mower is the more viable option.

Rear-Engine Riding Mowers
Rear-engine lawn mower with a woman sitting on it and another woman standing next to it
Photo Credit: Karen / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Rear-engine riding mowers are similar to lawn tractors in that you drive them with a steering wheel. But rear-engine riders are usually smaller, less powerful, and easier to maneuver (though still not as maneuverable as a zero-turn lawn mower).

Because of their weaker engines, rear-engine riding mowers can’t pull heavy attachments like a lawn tractor can. Their lack of power and smaller cutting widths make rear-engine riding mowers less expensive than other riding mowers.

The smallest and simplest rear-engine riding mowers can be as affordable as $1,108, while the largest tend to be closer to $4,755. The average cost across all rear-engine riders is about $2,291.

Lawn Tractors

Orange lawn tractor
Photo Credit: Charles & Hudson / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

The most common type of riding lawn mower is the lawn tractor, which you control with a steering wheel. Lawn tractors are more stable on slopes, and the many attachments make them more versatile. Those attachments allow you to use a lawn tractor as a snowplow, trailer, dethatcher, core aerator, or other lawn maintenance tool.

For the lawn tractor itself, you can expect to pay between $1,651 and $4,462. The average cost of a mid-range lawn tractor is about $2,531.

Zero-Turn Riding Mowers
Man driving a red zero-turn mower
Photo Credit: Charles & Hudson / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

With wheels that can turn at sharp angles, zero-turn mowers can make a complete 360-degree turn. As a result, they’re more maneuverable than lawn tractors and better for yards with tight corners or lots of obstacles, such as landscape beds, trees, and hardscapes.

Steering can be difficult to get used to with a zero-turn: You use two lap bars instead of a familiar steering wheel. While zero-turn mowers aren’t as attachment-capable as lawn tractors, they tend to be significantly faster, which can be useful for especially large properties.

Zero-turn lawn mowers are usually more expensive than lawn tractors or rear-engine riding mowers. The most affordable models cost about $2,750, while the top-drawer options can reach $9,912. Most of the time, you’ll pay about $4,058 for a zero-turn lawn mower for residential use.

Cost Estimator by Manufacturer

Some popular lawn mower brands are well-known for making high-quality tools, and those brand names can drive up the price of a lawn mower. However, some brands prioritize affordability while still producing reliable mowers.

We’ve gathered the highest and lowest costs from some of the most prominent brands to rank each maker from most to least affordable. Note: These rankings only take pricing into account and don’t reflect quality or brand-exclusive features.

Walk-Behind Lawn Mower Brands

BrandLow PriceHigh Price
BLACK+DECKER96442
CRAFTSMAN1941330
EGO392842
Greenworks102874
Honda4561406
Husqvarna2501200
Kobalt221700
Makita4061174
PowerSmart200720
Ryobi174910
Snapper320590
Sun Joe101591
Toro4171494
Troy-Bilt3011337
Worx199790

When it comes to walk-behind (push or self-propelled) lawn mowers, the most affordable brand is BLACK+DECKER. All B+D mowers are electric, and they come in corded and battery-powered models. Smaller BLACK+DECKER mowers are only about $96, while their largest and most expensive option is around $442.

Honda is maybe the most reputable maker of lawn mowers, especially when it comes to engine quality. In fact, several other lawn mower brands use Honda engines. Because they’re powerful and well-made, Honda walk-behind mowers are the most expensive on the market, ranging from $456 to $1,406.

Riding Lawn Mower Brands

BrandLow PriceHigh Price
Ariens34377024
Cub Cadet17608224
Husqvarna24867018
John Deere13986066

John Deere makes some of the most highly acclaimed lawn tractors and zero-turn riding mowers on the market. They are durable, powerful, and packed with valuable features. The best part? They’re also more affordable than other riding lawn mowers, with a low-end price of $1,398 and a high-end price of $6,066.

Ariens specializes in riding lawn mowers, and many of its models have commercial-grade construction and features. These durable machines are a higher-end option for homeowners who are serious about lawn care. The cheapest Ariens riding mower is about $3,437, while the most expensive is about $7,024.

Other Factors That Affect Cost

Even lawn mowers of the same brand and type with the same power source can have drastically different price points depending on the specifications. Larger, more powerful, or longer-running mowers cost more. Combinations of multiple top-of-the-line specs result in much more expensive mowers.

These are some of the important specs that can make a lawn mower cost more or less than other comparable models:

Power Source

Green electric mower sitting with half the lawn mowed
Photo Credit: H. Michael Karshis / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

For a battery-powered mower, we measure the battery’s voltage. A battery with a higher voltage provides more power. In a corded electric mower, the power measurement is the motor’s amperage. For gas-powered, we look at the size of the engine, measured in cubic centimeters (cc), to indicate power.

While you’re shopping for a lawn mower, keep this in mind: A higher voltage, amperage, or cc equals a higher price tag. If your yard has especially thick, tall grass and you think you need a high-powered mower to force your way through it, prepare to spend.

Cutting Width

Three lawn mowers lined up in a row
Photo Credit: Charles & Hudson / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

A mower’s cutting width describes how much grass it can cut in one pass. So, the larger the cutting width, the less time it will take you to mow your lawn. Mowers with larger cutting widths will cost more.

Most walk-behind mowers for residential use range from 14 to 22 inches wide. Typical riding mowers have cutting widths between 30 inches on the small end and 61 inches on the large end.

We recommend compact walk-behind mowers for small yards with lots of obstacles to maneuver around. For large properties, especially of an acre or more, you’re better off with a larger riding mower to make the job go faster.

Fuel Capacity or Run Time

Truck bed full of red and yellow gas cans
Photo Credit: Rusty Clark – 100k Photos / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Fuel capacity in a gas lawn mower and battery run time in an electric one determine how long the mower can run without stopping to refuel or recharge. Mowers with a larger fuel capacity or a battery that runs for a longer time will cost more.

With a larger fuel tank, a gas mower can run longer. Most walk-behind mowers have a tank that holds 1 to 3 quarts of fuel, while riding mowers usually hold between 1 and 5 gallons, depending on the size of the machine.

Battery-powered power tools, especially large ones like lawn mowers, take a lot of juice, so their batteries don’t typically run for very long on one charge. You can expect a battery-powered lawn mower to run for 30 minutes to an hour — or closer to 90 minutes if you’re willing to pay more for a better battery.

Speed

Bicycle with a reel mower attachment where the front tire should be
Photo Credit: Brian Mullender / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

The speed of riding mowers or self-propelled lawn mowers can affect their cost, too. Self-propelled mowers usually have variable speed settings, so you can adjust the pace to match your own walking speed.

Riding lawn mowers — including lawn tractors, zero-turns, and rear engine riders — usually move in forward and reverse. Their max forward speeds range from 4 to 9 mph, with zero-turn mowers on the faster end of that spectrum.

With a self-propelled mower, you usually pay more for a higher number of speed settings. For a riding mower, a faster model will cost more than a slower one.

Brand Name Engines

Name-brand engines from reputable manufacturers such as Briggs & Stratton, Honda, Kohler, or Kawasaki will raise the price of a gas mower. No matter which retailer’s website you’re browsing, the mower’s product page will usually note if it features a high-quality engine like one of these.

Other than the specific brand, the type of engine a gas mower has can affect its cost. There are two basic options: 2-stroke (aka 2-cycle) engines and 4-stroke (aka 4-cycle) engines. The difference lies in the way the pistons work, particularly how many strokes it takes each engine to produce power.

Mowers with 2-stroke engines are the more affordable option. Since they run on a combination of gasoline and oil, you have to mix the fuel yourself or find a premixed blend. These engines tend to produce more power than their 4-stroke counterparts.

Mowers with 4-stroke engines are usually more expensive, and for good reason. They’re easier to fuel because they run on straight gasoline, are quieter, and are more fuel-efficient. One downside: 4-stroke engines are harder to maintain because they need regular oil changes.

If you’re shopping for an electric mower, you’ll want to consider brushless motors. A brushless motor increases battery efficiency and can be more durable than a standard brushed motor. Brushless motors also will raise the price of an electric mower.

Extra Features

Extra bells and whistles also can increase your lawn mower’s versatility and price. You must decide whether your property needs these features badly enough to justify the added cost.

Ergonomics

The same ergonomics concept that governs your office chair also affects your lawn equipment. If you’ll be working in the yard for hours at a time, you want to keep your body as comfortable as possible to avoid injury or future chronic pain.

Walk-behind lawn mowers designed with user comfort in mind feature things like foam-padded grips so you don’t have to clench your fingers as much or adjustable handles so people of different heights don’t have to hunch over.

Ergonomics are even more important for riding lawn mowers, which people use for longer stretches of time. Common comfort features in riding mowers include seat cushions, high-backed seats for back support, armrests, and vibration dampeners to prevent fatigue.

Look for these extra features if you want a mower that’s easier to use, but keep in mind that that added comfort will increase the price.

Easy Operation

Close-up of the pull start for a lawn mower
Photo Credit: gfpeck / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0

When it comes to gas lawn mowers, one of the most common complaints is that they’re hard to start. You sometimes have to pull the choke cord several times before the engine will turn, especially in cold weather.

Many mowers bypass this problem altogether with an electric start. Instead of using a manual crank cord, the ignition starts with a simple flip of a switch or press of a button. Because electric starts have more complicated moving parts than manual, they can be difficult to repair and maintain. However, an electric start is still ultimately more convenient.

A hydrostatic transmission is another mechanical feature that makes a lawn mower easier to use. It makes changing speed and direction easier, resulting in better maneuverability. A hydrostatic transmission is usually more expensive and more complicated to maintain than other types of transmission.

Multiple Cutting Height Adjustments

Close-up of the back of a lawn mower cutting grass
Photo Credit: Phil Roeder / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

With some mowers (either walk-behind or riding), users can raise or lower the mowing deck to adjust for different grass types and lengths. In case you let your grass get extra long between cuts or you use multiple species of grass in your yard, being able to adjust the cutting height could be a useful bonus for your mower.

Usually, you’ll adjust the deck with a single or dual lever that should be simple to operate. The easier the controls are to use and the wider the range of heights, the more expensive a mower will be. That goes for both push and riding mowers.

Deck Washing System

Underside of a used lawn mower with grass clippings around the inside and the blade
Photo Credit: Phil Gwinn / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

When grass clippings get stuck and coat your riding lawn mower’s underbelly, the blades and mower deck can rust over time. It’s important to clean the deck regularly, but getting under a heavy mower can be difficult.

To make upkeep easier, some riding mowers come with a convenient deck washing system. With a built-in deck wash, all you have to do is hook your garden hose up to the mower’s wash ports and run the mower’s engine until you don’t see any more grass clippings coming from the discharge chute.

FAQ About Lawn Mower Costs

How long does a lawn mower last?

The lifespan of a lawn mower depends on factors like maintenance, usage frequency, and the quality of the mower, but on average, a well-maintained mower can last between 8 to 15 years.

Should I mow my grass often?

Even if you use the best lawn mower, excessive mowing frequency can still lead to unsightly discoloration, diminished root strength, and burnt grass. It’s better to adhere to a consistent mowing routine to promote the development of a resilient root system and a robust grass growth. Or, better yet, hire a professional to do the mowing for you.

How do I determine the power required for my lawn mower?

To determine the power required for your lawn mower, consider the following factors:

  • Lawn size: Larger lawns generally require gas-powered mowers to cover the area efficiently.
  • Terrain: If your lawn has slopes or uneven terrain, you’ll need a powerful riding mower with better traction or a self-propelled mower.
  • Grass type: Different grass types may have varying levels of resistance, influencing the power needed for effective cutting.
  • Obstacles: If your lawn has many obstacles, such as trees or flower beds, a mower with sufficient power and maneuverability, such as a zero-turn or gas-powered push mower, is essential.

Additionally, evaluate the cutting width and height adjustment options of the mower, as these contribute to its overall efficiency. Keep in mind that electric mowers are suitable for smaller, more level lawns, while gas-powered mowers are often preferred for larger or more challenging terrains due to their increased power and mobility.

Conclusion

The type of lawn mower you need — and how much you have to pay for it — depends on the size and condition of your yard as well as your personal preferences. The average price of a lawn mower is $1,228.

That overall average price includes reel mowers with an average cost of $129, walk-behind mowers with an average cost of $322, riding mowers with an average cost of $2,960, and robot lawn mowers with an average cost of $1,499.

Specifications like the mower’s power, cutting width, run time, and special features will all affect the price.

Note: LawnStarter may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.

Main Photo Credit: r reeve / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0

Jordan Ardoin

Jordan Ardoin

Jordan Ardoin is a writer and editor with a passion for sustainable, earth-friendly gardening and lawn care practices. When she isn't sharing her knowledge about lawn care and landscaping, you can find her curled up with a good book and a cat in her lap.