Updated January 23, 2023
Written by HomeAdvisor.
A snow blower costs $750 on average, or anywhere from $80 to $9,500 for anything from a powered snowblower shovel to an ATV snowblower attachment. You can choose from gas or electric, with electric offering both plug-in and wireless options. Commercial-grade snowblowers, which often attach to construction equipment, can hit $15,000. Depending on where you live, you may be able to save money and time by hiring a professional snow removal service.
In this article
- Average Snowblower Costs
- Snowblower Cost per Stage
- Snowblower Cost by Type
- Snowblower Cost Factor Breakdown
- DIY vs. Hiring a Snow Removal Service
Average Snowblower Costs
| Average Cost | High Cost | Low Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $750 | $9,800 | $70 |
Snowblower Cost per Stage
Snowblower costs range from $100 to $9,800 based mostly on the type, size of the engine, and how much snow it’ll move, which generally translates into how many stages it has. More stages generally mean more snow removal at a faster pace, but requires more power and size. Most snowblowers are two-stage models.
A single stage uses only the blades to throw the snow.
A two-stage also has an impeller that helps to push the snow out.
A three-stage has both an impeller and an accelerator.
| Snowblower Stages | Average Clearance Width | Snowblower Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Stage | 12” – 24” | $70 – $1,200 |
| 2 Stage | 20” – 36” | $150 – $5,000+ |
| 3 Stage | 24” – 40” | $950 – $3,200 |
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Snowblower Cost by Type
While a snowblower costs anywhere from $100 to almost $10,000, most homeowners will pay between $250 and $2,000, but it depends on the type you want and need. Power shovels are an economical option for some assisted shoveling while areas with heavy snow might need a large gas three-stage machine for regular clearing.
| Snowblower Type | Snowblower Cost Range | Max Snow Height |
|---|---|---|
| Power Shovels | $100 – $300 | 8 inches |
| Electric Plug In | $130 – $1,000 | 18 inches |
| Battery Powered | $250 – $2,000 | 18 inches |
| Gas Wheeled | $250 – $4,100 | 24 inches |
| Gas Track Style | $1,800 – $9,800 | 36 inches |
| Vehicle Attachment | $1,500 – $6,100 | 36 inches |
| Commercial Vehicle Attachment | $2,000 – $30,000 | 48 inches |
Power Shovel
Power shovels cost $150 on average. They’re essentially a snowblower without wheels or tracks in the form of a shovel. They make shoveling easier, but aren’t as powerful or versatile as a wheeled, tracked, or attachment snowblower. They’re great for areas with light, occasional snow. This works well if you have heated sidewalks or a heated driveway. Adding a heated driveway costs about the same as buying a high-end snowblower and using it for two to four years.
Electric Plug-In
Electric plug-in models cost $250 on average. As battery technology makes battery-powered models more viable with power outputs combined with the inconvenience of using a cord is making
Battery-Powered
Battery-powered snowblowers average $600 and run on electricity, but without the hassle of cords. As battery power has improved, both the duration and power of the machine have improved. Currently, you can purchase larger two-stage models. However, gas still provides more consistent and reliable power.
Gas Wheeled and Tread or Track
Gas-powered snowblowers average $550 for most smaller residential models. Track styles average higher, but with fewer varieties. Because gas engines provide more power more consistently and reliably, far more options are available. You can purchase one-, two-, and three-stage models.
Vehicle Snowblower Attachment
Snowblower attachments run $1,500 and up. Attachments don’t have engines. Instead they use the power of the vehicle they’re attached to. You can find attachments commonly for:
Trucks
Farm, utility, and lawn tractors
ATVs
UTVs (side-by-side)
Skid steers (commercial)
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Snowblower Cost Factor Breakdown
The initial unit price of your snowblower makes up the largest part of what you’ll spend. However, it’s not all you’ll want to consider when looking at buying something to help clear your driveway and sidewalks.
Unit Price
The initial unit price, averaging $150 to $3,000, makes up the majority of your expense. It generally includes everything you need to go out and start moving snow the same day. Battery-operated machines usually include batteries as well.
Materials and Upgrades
Upgrades and maintenance to your machine play only a small part of your cost, but you’ll want to consider a few add-ons and upgrades before you purchase, including:
Drive belt: $10–$40. You’ll likely want to keep an extra belt on hand for quick replacement.
Batteries: $100–$400. Most battery-operated models come with batteries, but you may want extra if you have a large area to clear or get heavy snow.
Shear Pins: $10–$30. Designed to shear off if the blades hit something like a rock or curb which protects the engine. Have extra on hand.
Fuel Stabilizer: $10–$20. Not always necessary if you use non-ethanol fuel, but it helps to keep your fuel usable over the long term.
Extension Cord: $10–$50. Only necessary for plug-in styles. Most do not come with an extra cord.
Cab: $70–$250. Keeps the snow off while plowing and makes it easier to use while it’s still snowing.
Cost to Run
It’ll only cost you about $10 to $100 per year to run your snowblower in the way of gas and any worn parts, like a belt or shear pins. You’ll pay less for an electric-driven one, but the price varies based on the time of year and time of day you use it.
DIY vs. Hiring a Snow Removal Service
Consider that it costs an average of $750 to buy a snowblower while hiring a local snow removal service costs $40 per visit on average. If you use the service less than once a month during the average four months of winter service, snow removal costs $160 on average for the season. It would take five years of service before you hit the price of buying your own snowblower. Plus, factor in the time you save by having a pro do the job for you.
Still Have Questions About Snowblower Cost?
FAQs
How long does a snowblower last?
Snowblowers can last anywhere from five years to several decades. How long they last depends on several factors, including:
Regular maintenance: cleaning off salts and chemicals helps protect metal parts. Replacing wear parts, like belts and spark plugs, helps extend its life.
How often you use it: Someone clearing light snow three times a year can expect a much longer service life than someone using it every week for six months.
Brand quality: Commercial models tend to be built with higher quality parts to see a heavier use schedule.
Can you leave a snowblower out overnight?
You can leave a snowblower out overnight, but it’s not a good idea. Snowblowers, like any metal tool, can end up rusting. Leaving one out overnight exposes your snowblower to wet weather, which can lessen its lifespan. However, you likely won’t hurt it in the short term. If you have to leave it out, make sure it’s in a protected spot or use a cover.
Can a snowblower remove wet snow?
A snowblower can remove wet snow, but it takes far more power to do so. This is where a gas-powered model shines vs. a battery-powered unit. Single-stage models typically don’t fare well in wet snow, particularly if it’s thick. For climates with thick, heavy, wet snow, use a two or three- stage gas model with a larger engine, at least 300cc.
