How Much Does a Snow Blower Cost in 2023?

The average residential snow blower costs $950, with most models costing between $285 and $1,600. However, corded electric models can cost as little as $130, and gas-powered three-stage models can cost as much as $3,700.  

The price of a snow blower depends on the type of snow blower, its power source, and several other factors that we break down in this article. So, if you’re looking to buy a new snow blower, this price guide tells you everything you need to know to make a wise purchase. 

In this article:

• Average costs
• Cost by type of snow blower
• Cost by power source
• Other factors that affect cost
• Related tools
• Pro cost vs. DIY cost
• Cost by location
• FAQ

Average costs of a snow blower in 2023

Average cost	$950
Typical price range	$285 – $1,600
Extreme low end cost	$130
Extreme high end cost	$3,700

We researched snow blowers at Home Depot, Walmart, Lowe’s, and Amazon to show you the full scope of snow blower prices. If you want the best price on a snow blower, consider shopping in May or June, when the new models are released. Retailers will be willing to make a deal on previously existing models.

Cost by type of snow blower

Manufacturers classify snow blowers by the number of stages. Higher-stage models cost more because they are typically larger, more powerful, and contain more features. 

Snowblower type	Typical cost
Single-stage	$200 – $725
Two-stage	$880 – $1,800
Three-stage	$1,500 – $2,500

Single-stage snow blowers

Single-stage models are the cheapest, usually costing between $200 and $725, and they are best for small to medium-sized paved spaces with less than 12 inches of snow.  

Average cost	$530
Typical price range	$200 – $725
Extreme low end cost	$129
Extreme high end cost	$1,300

In a single motion, they scoop up snow with a rotating auger and throw it through a discharge chute. Because they don’t blow any snow, some people call them snow throwers. 

Two-stage snow blowers

Two-stage models typically cost between $750 and $2,150 and are best for medium to large-sized spaces that get 1 to 2 feet of snow. Most two-stage models work on gravel, and many can maneuver through uneven terrain. 

Average cost	$1,440
Typical price range	$880 – $1,800
Extreme low end cost	$750
Extreme high end cost	$2,500

Two-stage snow blowers work in two steps. First, they scoop up snow with an auger and hand it to an impeller. Second, the impeller blows the snow through the discharge chute. 

Three-stage snow blowers

Residential three-stage blowers typically cost $1,500 to $2,500. They are the most expensive, and they only come in gas-powered models. Although they are overkill for most homeowners, owning one is a blessing to others. A three-stage model is your best bet if you have a large area to clear and live in a place with heavy snowfall.   

Average cost	$1,440
Typical price range	$1,500 – $2,500

Three-stage blowers work like two-stage models but have a second auger that speeds up the snow removal process. Because the added auger can get the job done up to 50% quicker, it is often called an accelerator auger. 

Cost by power source

Snow blowers can be gas-powered, battery-powered, or corded electric. 

Power source	Typical cost
Corded electric	$150 – $250
Battery-powered	$300 – $1,800
Gas-powered	$500 – $2,000

As shown in the table above, corded electric models are the cheapest, and gas-models are the most expensive.

Corded electric snow blowers

Corded electric snow blowers are the cheapest but also the least powerful. They typically cost between $150 and $250 and are only available in single-stage models.  

Typical specs

Clearing width	15 – 22 in.
Clearing depth	8 – 12 in.
Plowing capacity	450 – 800 lb. / min.
Max throwing distance	20 – 30 ft.
Weight	25 – 32 lb.

If you only have to use it on a small patio or walkway, you can save a lot of money by purchasing a corded model.  However, the area must be close to an outlet, and most corded electric blowers only handle up to 8 to 12 inches of snow.

Additional costs

When comparing corded snow blowers, pay attention to the extension cord length. Most corded electric models have a 50- to 150–foot long cord, but if one isn’t included (or not long enough), you will have to buy one.  

Pros and cons 

Pros	Cons
✓ Lightweight ✓ Eco-friendly ✓ Affordable ✓ Quiet ✓ Unlimited runtime ✓ Easy to start	✗ Must be close to an outlet ✗ Least powerful ✗ Not good for ice ✗ Not good for heavy snow ✗ Takes longer to get the job done

Battery-powered snow blowers

Battery-powered snow blowers typically cost between $300 and $1,800 and are available in single-stage and two-stage models. Most homeowners prefer cordless snow blowers because they are more powerful and don’t keep you on a leash. 

The table below shows the typical cost of single-stage and two-stage battery-powered snow blowers.

	Average cost	Typical Price Range
Single-stage	$550	$300 – $800
Two-stage	$1,380	$850 – $1,800

Typical specs 

	One-stage	Two-stage
Clearing width	18 – 21 in.	24 in.
Clearing depth	6 – 12 in.	18 – 20 in.
Plowing capacity	400 – 1,500 lb. / min.	2,100 – 2,400 lb. / min.
Max throwing distance	20 – 40 ft.	45 – 55 ft.
Weight	30 – 60 lb.	130 – 185 lb.

Additional costs

The cost of a battery-powered snow blower is affected by the following:

• Runtime:  Snow blowers with a longer runtime tend to have a higher price. The average cost of a snow blower with an hour or more of runtime is about $1,000.  Keep in mind that batteries with greater amp-hours (Ah), have a longer runtime.

• Batteries:  Most snow blower batteries cost $60 to $350. Make sure to price out replacement batteries and check if any are included with the snow blower.

• Charger:  Battery chargers typically cost $60 to $200, so check to see if one is included.

• Brushless motor:  Battery-powered equipment with brushless motors are more efficient and require less maintenance.

Pros and cons 

Pros	Cons
✓ Eco-friendly ✓ Quiet ✓ Easy to start ✓ Not on a leash ✓ Single and two-stage machines	✗ Limited runtime ✗ Have to wait for the battery to recharge between uses

Gas-powered snow blowers

Gas-powered snow blowers are the most expensive but also the most powerful. They typically cost between $500 and $2,000 and are great for quickly clearing large areas with deep snow. Since three-stage snow blowers only come in gas-power, most homeowners with over 1,800 square feet to clear prefer gas. 

The table below shows the typical cost of gas-powered snow blowers by the number of stages.

Stages	Typical cost
Single-stage	$500 – $950
Two-stage	$750 – $2,150
Three-stage	$1,500 – $2,500

Typical specs

	One-stage	Two-stage
Clearing width	18 – 24 in.	24 – 30 in.
Clearing depth	6 – 12 in.	12 – 21 in.
Plowing capacity	1,100 – 2,500 lb. / min.	1,900 – 2,500 lb. / min.
Max throwing distance	20 – 40 ft.	30 – 50 ft.
Weight	70 – 115 lb.	150 – 290 lb.

Most three-stage models have specs similar to high-end two-stage gas snow blowers but also have an accelerator auger. So all else equal, the three-stage model gets the job done quicker. They are also typically loaded with more features. 

Additional costs

If you are looking for a gas-powered snow blower, prepare to face the following expenses:

• Self-propelled gas snow blowers can cost 60% more than other models. Because gas-powered blowers are heavy, more users require this feature.

• The operating cost of a gas blower fluctuates with the cost of gas.

• Maintenance costs are higher with gas models than with electric snow blowers.

• Electric start buttons make gas-powered blowers much easier to start.

Pros and cons 

Pros	Cons
✓ Fast ✓ Powerful ✓ Best for large areas ✓ Best for heavy snow	✗ Heavy ✗ Expensive ✗ Pollute the environment ✗ High maintenance

Other factors that affect cost

The following factors also impact the price of a snow blower:

• Brand
• Capability
• Durability
• Additional features

Brand

Snow blower prices vary depending on the brand, and the table below shows the typical cost of popular snow blower brands.

Brand	Typical cost
Ariens	$1,150 – $2,000
Briggs & Stratton	$600 – $1,500
Craftsman	$400 – $1,900
Cub Cadet	$650 – $2,500
Earthwise	$150 – $400
Ego Power	$500 – $1,300
Greenworks	$270 – $700
PowerSmart	$180 – $900
Ryobi	$550 – $1,800
Snow Joe	$130 – $400
Toro	$600 – $2,000
Troy-bilt	$500 – $1,500

The cheapest brands, Earthwise, Snow Joe, and Greenworks, all focus on electric models. On the other hand, Ariens and Cub Cadet are two of the most expensive brands, and they focus on heavy-duty gas models.

Capability

The more capable a snow blower is, the more it will cost.  Measures of capability include:

• Clearing depth
• Clearing width
• Auger material
• Plowing capacity
• Max throwing distance

Clearing depth

The deeper a snow blower digs, the more it costs.  The table below shows the average cost of snowblowers by ideal clearing depth. 

Clearing width

A wider auger housing means you can clear snow quicker, so expect the cost to increase. The table below shows the typical cost of snow blowers by clearing width.

Auger material

Steel augers can cut through ice and cost more than snow blowers with plastic or rubber augers. 

Plowing capacity

A snow blower’s plowing capacity describes how many pounds of snow it handles in a minute. The faster a snow blower works, the more it will cost.  Higher-stage models usually have a higher plowing capacity. 

Max throwing distance

The further a blower can throw snow, the more it will cost.  The table below shows snow blower prices by maximum throwing distance.

Durability

High-quality snow blowers made from durable weather-resistant materials cost more than cheaply constructed models. When it comes to durability, here are some things to consider:

• Warranty length is an indicator of durability. Most gas-power and corded electric snow blowers come with a 2 to 3 year consumer warranty, and battery-power models come with a 2 to 5 year warranty. 

• Weather-resistant steel and composite ensure your snowblower can withstand the elements.

• Heavy-duty gearbox construction will protect the auger. Some manufacturers guarantee their gearbox for up to five years.

Additional features

These handy features can increase the cost of a snow blower:

• LED headlights
• Heated handle
• Joystick chute control
• Power steering
• Push-button controls

Related tools

Many homeowners pride themselves on having a well-maintained yard all year round. Thankfully, through sun or snow, the following tools will help you keep your yard in tiptop shape:

• Snow shovel
• Lawn mower
• Leaf blower

Snow shovel

Most snow shovels cost between $20 and $115. They are great for managing snow in small spaces, such as digging your car out in the morning. 

Lawn mower

Regularly mowing your grass improves overall grass health, reduces the need for pest control, and makes it easier to manage weeds. Furthermore, mowing right before winter reduces the risk of snow mold.

The cost of a lawn mower depends on the type of lawn mower. Please see typical pricing in the table below. 

Average reel mower cost	$115
Average walk-behind mower cost	$475
Average riding mower cost	$3,070
Average robotic mower cost	$1,320

There are many types of lawn mowers to choose from, each with its pros and cons. For example, battery-powered lawn mowers are eco-friendly but have limited runtime. On the other hand, gas-powered models are noisy and difficult to start but are more powerful and better for large yards. 

Leaf blower

The quickest way to manage fall leaves is with a leaf blower, and the average leaf blower costs about $150. In addition to removing leaves, gas-powered leaf blowers are suitable for light snow removal. They can blow up to one inch of snow, and their heat helps to melt it. 

Average cost	$150
Typical price range	$80 – $200
Extreme low end cost	$20
Extreme high end cost	$900

The cost of a leaf blower depends on the type of leaf blower and its power source. For example, gas-powered leaf blowers are more expensive but also more powerful. However, some of the best battery-powered leaf blowers work just as well as their gas-powered counterparts. 

Pro cost vs. DIY cost

Now that you know how much a snow blower costs, you may wonder how much it costs to hire a pro. Professional snow removal typically costs $50 – $140 per visit.  

Average cost	$100
Typical price range	$50 – $140
Extreme low end cost	$25
Extreme high end cost	$1,010

Expect to pay more than average if you have a large area to manage in a region with heavy snowfall. On the other hand, homeowners living in southern states with just a small driveway to manage should expect to pay much less.

Is a snow blower worth it? A snow blower typically costs less than pro services if you get more than 20 inches of snow annually. However, homeowners who live in regions with less than 20 inches are better off calling a pro. A snow blower is a significant investment that requires storage and maintenance.

Cost of snow blowers by location

Your geographic location affects the cost of a snow blower in the following ways:

• Climate: Expect to pay more than average if you live somewhere with harsh winters. Extreme cold and heavy snowfall require more expensive machinery. 

• Operating cost:  The cost to run a snowblower depends on the local price of electricity or gas. 

• Shipping cost:  The further a snow blower travels to get to you, the more it costs to ship. 

FAQ about snowblowers

Final thoughts

The cost of a snow blower depends on its type, power source, and capabilities. Homeowners with under 20 inches of annual snow don’t get enough value to justify the financial cost. But homeowners who get a lot of snow should also consider the physical cost of DIY snow removal.

Let’s face it, even the fanciest snow blower doesn’t make the job fun. Working out in the cold can be uncomfortable and hazardous. That is why most homeowners prefer to hire a pro. 

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

Main Photo Credit: Onno Kluyt | Flickr | CC BY-ND 2.0