How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Generator for a Day?
ZacharyWilliamShort answer: most U.S. renters pay $50–$120/day for small portable generators (2–7 kW), $180–$350/day for towable 20–25 kW units, and $300–$800+/day for 36–100 kW jobsite machines—before fuel, delivery, and protection fees. Below is a realistic breakdown so you can budget without surprises.
Typical 1‑day rental price ranges (by size)
Ranges reflect public rate sheets and large U.S. rental houses as of Oct 2025. Local taxes and availability affect totals.
| Generator size (approx.) | What it powers | Typical daily rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2–3 kW portable (inverter) | Electronics, lights, small tools | $50–$90/day | Quiet, fuel‑efficient; often 120 V only |
| 5–6.5 kW portable | Fridge, pumps, multiple tools | $80–$120/day | Heavier; may offer 240 V |
| 7 kW premium inverter | Event AV, sensitive loads | $110–$160/day | Quieter, cleaner power; higher deposit |
| 20–25 kW towable diesel | Small jobsites, food trucks, events | $180–$350/day | Requires 2‑in. ball/pintle hitch; diesel billed |
| 36–45 kVA towable | Mid‑size sites, multi‑circuit panels | $300–$600/day | Three‑phase options; distribution extra |
| 60–100 kW towable | Large sites, backup for small buildings | $450–$800+/day | Fuel burn 3–7+ gal/hr under load |
Tip: Weekly and monthly rates discount heavily (often ~3× daily for a week, ~9–12× for 4 weeks). Many rentals include an hourly usage allowance (e.g., 8 hrs/day or 40 hrs/week) before overtime charges apply.
Hidden costs: delivery, fuel & fees
Delivery & pickup
- Common range: $75–$250 each way within ~25–30 miles.
- After‑hours or difficult access can add surcharges.
Fuel
- Portable gas units: 0.3–1.0+ gal/hr depending on load.
- Towable diesels: 1.0–7.0+ gal/hr depending on size & load.
- Returned less‑than‑full = refueling charge + fuel cost.
Protection & deposits
- Damage waiver/protection: typically 10–15% of rental.
- Deposits vary by size; premium inverter units are higher.
Accessories
- Distribution boxes, spider boxes, cam‑locks, cabling, and cords usually rent $10–$40/day per item.
Always confirm fuel type (gas vs. diesel), plug types, voltage (120/240 V), and total run‑time allowance to avoid surprise charges.
Quick sizing & cost calculator (back‑of‑napkin)
- List your loads (running watts + start surge). Example: lights 200 W, laptop 100 W, PA 600 W (surge 1,200 W).
- Pick generator size so running watts × 1.2 ≥ total + biggest surge.
- Estimate fuel: small portables 0.3–0.6 gal/hr at 25–50% load; towables scale with size.
- Add fees: delivery both ways + 10–15% protection + accessories.
- Compare weekly if using 3+ days—weekly may be cheaper.
When renting makes sense vs. buying
Rent when…
- You need high surge power for a short event or job.
- You require 240 V or 3‑phase distribution.
- Noise‑isolated, towable power is mandated by the venue/site.
Buy (or borrow) when…
- You need power many weekends per year.
- Your loads are light and electronic (laptops, cameras, routers).
- You want indoors/no‑fume operation — consider a battery power station.
Cleaner alternative: portable power station + solar
For electronics and light appliances, a LiFePO₄ portable power station is quiet, emissions‑free at point of use, and often cheaper than renting a generator multiple times per year. Pair with a 120–210 W foldable solar panel to recharge on site.
- Pros: No fuel, minimal maintenance, safe for indoor use, fast USB‑C PD.
- Cons: Not for large resistive loads or heavy surge tools; check inverter watts and battery Wh.
Light product examples (UDPOWER)
Examples are for context only; verify the latest specifications on UDPOWER’s official pages.
- Use: phones, tablets, small routers; silent indoor power.
- Official page
- Use: remote work kits, camera batteries, light appliances within spec.
- Use: longer runtimes, multiple AC outputs, small fridges (within spec).
- Use: daylight recharging of 200–1200 Wh stations.
- Panels
FAQ
How much does it cost to rent a generator for a day?
Small portables (2–7 kW) typically run $50–$120/day; towable 20–25 kW units run $180–$350/day; 36–100 kW jobsite units run $300–$800+/day, plus fuel and fees.
What extra fees should I expect on a generator rental?
Delivery/pickup ($75–$250 each way), damage waiver (10–15%), accessories ($10–$40/day each), taxes, and fuel/refueling charges.
Do weekly or monthly generator rental rates save money?
Usually yes: many renters quote ~3× the daily rate for a week and ~9–12× for 4 weeks, with an hourly usage allowance (e.g., 40 hrs/week).
What size generator do I need?
Add your running watts, include the largest surge (start) load, and choose a generator whose rated output × 1.2 covers both.
Can I use a generator indoors?
No. Never operate fuel generators indoors or in enclosed spaces. For indoor power, use a battery power station.
Gas vs. diesel: which is cheaper to run for a day?
Small loads are cheaper on gas portables; larger continuous loads favor diesel towables due to lower fuel burn per kWh at scale.
Is a portable power station a viable alternative?
For electronics and light appliances, yes—no fuel, low noise, and indoor‑safe. For heavy tools or HVAC, a fuel generator is still required.
What plugs and voltages should I check before renting?
Confirm 120/240 V needs, twist‑lock/NEMA types, three‑phase if needed, and whether you require a distribution box or GFCI protection.
How much fuel will I use in a day?
Portables often use 2–5 gallons over an 8‑hour day at moderate load. Towables vary widely; check the spec sheet and load profile.
Will I pay more for overtime hours?
Yes. Many contracts include set hourly allowances; exceeding them adds overtime charges per hour.
