How much you spend on a lawn mower depends on the kind of mower you need. If your lawn is small, you could opt for a low-cost reel mower for about $115 on average. However, if you need a riding mower for a large property, it would cost an average of $3,070.
The walk-behind mower, which is the most common style for homeowners, costs an average of $475. Robotic mowers (which work like a Roomba for your lawn) typically cost about $1,320 or even higher for certain models and brands.
In this article:
- Average costs
- Cost by type of lawn mower
- Other factors that affect cost
- Related tools
- Cost of professional lawn services
- FAQ
Average costs of lawn mowers in 2023
| Average reel mower cost | $115 |
| Average walk-behind mower cost | $475 |
| Average riding mower cost | $3,070 |
| Average robotic mower cost | $1,320 |
The most affordable option is the reel mower, with an average price of $115, followed by walk-behind mowers, which cost $475 on average. With an average cost of $1,320 and $3,070, respectively, robotic mowers and riding mowers are a lot more expensive—but they’re also more convenient.
All the average prices used in this article are based on the most current prices from manufacturers’ websites, as well as Amazon, Home Depot, and Lowe’s.
Cost by type of lawn mower
There are many different types of lawn mowers — it follows that they all have different price points. The kind of mower you want significantly impacts the cost. Below is detailed pricing information for different types of lawn mowers.
Reel lawn mower
| Cheapest reel mower | $80 |
| Average reel mower cost | $115 |
| Most expensive reel mower | $210 |
Reel lawn mowers are popular because they’re cheap, portable, and easy to use. They’re muscle-powered, meaning there is no motor. You provide the force that makes the blades turn as you push the mower. Due to the physical effort required, reel mowers are best suited for small lawns.See our top picks for the best reel lawn mowers for affordable options.
Electric push lawn mower
| Cheapest electric push mower | $85 |
| Average electric push mower cost | $260 |
| Most expensive electric push mower | $620 |
Corded electric lawn mowers and lithium-ion battery-powered lawn mowers are the two types of electric push mowers. Although cordless (battery-powered) lawn mowers are suitable for lawns of all sizes because they’re not limited by cord length, corded models are often lighter and less expensive.
Gas push lawn mower
| Cheapest gas push mower | $220 |
| Average gas push mower cost | $320 |
| Most expensive gas push mower | $815 |
Although gas-powered lawn mowers are significantly heavier and more expensive than their electric counterparts, they are easy to maneuver and are not limited by cord range. They are powerful enough to cut through dense, thick, or tall grass in less time.
When thinking about the cost of a gas mower, remember to factor in the cost of lawn mower maintenance over time, which includes fuel, oil changes, and filter changes.
If a gas mower seems like the right fit for you, see our reviews of the best gas lawn mowers available now.
Electric self-propelled lawn mower
| Cheapest electric SP mower | $320 |
| Average electric SP mower cost | $675 |
| Most expensive electric SP mower | $1,570 |
Self-propelled mowers look just like push mowers, but they’re easier on the user because the motor automatically drives the machine forward. All you have to do is stand behind the mower and guide it where you want it to go.
Electric, battery-powered self-propelled mowers tend to be expensive because it takes a very heavy-duty battery to power the self-propelling feature.
Gas self-propelled lawn mower
| Cheapest gas SP mower | $270 |
| Average gas SP mower cost | $630 |
| Most expensive gas SP mower | $3,310 |
Most self-propelled mowers are powered by gas. Compared to their electric counterparts, gas options are cheaper and more convenient because they run for much longer on a tank of gas than electric models run on a single charge.
Again, though, a gas mower will cost you more in maintenance over time.
Robotic lawn mower
| Cheapest robotic mower | $630 |
| Average robotic mower cost | $1,320 |
| Most expensive robotic mower | $5,670 |
A robotic mower is entirely automatic, so it’s perfect for homeowners who spend much of their time away from home or just hate mowing the lawn. Robotic mowers look and operate just like a Roomba automatic vacuum. Some models use GPS to program specific routes, but most are guided by boundary wires that help them identify areas to mow.
Rear-engine riding mower
| Cheapest rear-engine riding mower | $1,800 |
| Average rear-engine riding mower cost | $3,195 |
| Most expensive rear-engine riding mower | $5,500 |
The rear-engine riding mower is for people who need more than a walk-behind mower but less than a full-fledged lawn tractor. The engine is located in the rear of the mower behind the operator’s seat, while the mower deck is located under the operator’s seat. The mower deck is typically between 30 and 33 inches and is suited for properties less than 2.5 acres.
Lawn tractors
| Cheapest lawn tractor | $1,950 |
| Average lawn tractor cost | $3,515 |
| Most expensive lawn tractor | $5,500 |
Lawn tractors are the most popular kind of riding mower. Because of their expansive mowing deck (between 30 and 60 inches), they are a good choice for large properties. Most lawn tractors can be equipped with numerous attachments for tasks such as snow removal, plowing, or hauling.
Zero-turn lawn mower
| Cheapest zero-turn mower | $3,000 |
| Average zero-turn mower cost | $5,050 |
| Most expensive zero-turn mower | $7,600 |
The zero-turn lawn mower is known as the king of lawn mowers. Its ability to rotate and make sharp turns allows it to get closer to obstacles and provides exceptional all-around cutting performance.
Another advantage of the zero-turn is its speed (up to 10 mph) and maneuverability, which allow the user to mow the lawn in the shortest amount of time. The zero-turn has a steep learning curve, is not attachment friendly, and doesn’t work very well on bumpy, uneven lawns.
Other factors that affect cost
The prices of products usually do not go up for no reason; several factors drive them up. In the case of lawn mowers, product features and specifications are the deciding factors. Below are the various factors that affect the cost of a lawn mower (other than the basic type, which we went over above).
Power source
Lawn mowers have different power sources, hence the differences in how they work and how much they cost. For push mowers, the most common choice of homeowners, your power source options are:
- Corded electric: Cheapest
- Gas-powered: Mid-level pricing
- Battery-powered: Most expensive
Be prepared to spend more if you choose a lawn mower with higher voltage (for cordless electric models), higher amperage (for corded electric models), or a larger engine (for gas-powered lawn mowers).
Cutting width
A lawn mower’s cutting performance and speed largely depend on its cutting width, which is the width of its mowing deck. The cutting width determines how much ground a mower can cover with a single pass. Mowers with a wider cutting width mow in less time but cost more and are harder to maneuver.
Most walk-behind mowers have a cutting width of 14 to 22 inches, which is suitable for home use, while the cutting width of most riding mowers ranges from 30 to 61 inches.
Fuel and battery capacity
How long a lawn mower can run before it needs to be recharged or refueled depends on battery life and fuel capacity. Usually, the longer a mower’s battery life or the larger its fuel tank, the more that mower will cost.
An average riding lawn mower model has a fuel tank with a capacity of 1 to 5 liters, and a walk-behind mower has a fuel tank that holds between 0.25 and 0.75 liters.
Typically, you can get battery-powered lawn mowers with a maximum run time of 30-60 minutes and up to 90 minutes in more expensive models.
Speed
Speed is another crucial factor that can affect the cost of a mower. Self-propelled mowers, which allow you to adjust the speed to your preferred pace, tend to be more expensive than manual models.
The same goes for riding mowers. Lawn tractors and rear-mounted engines typically have a top speed of 4 to 9 mph, but the most expensive in the category, zero-turn mowers, can run even faster.
Brands
Buying from certain well-known brands will drive up the price, as they have earned a reputation over the years for producing high-quality, reliable engines and lawn mowers. Brands that tend to be more expensive include:
| Brand | Low-end cost | High-end cost |
| Honda | $470 | $1,650 |
| Ego | $340 | $830 |
| Toro | $400 | $7,230 |
| Craftsman | $185 | $945 |
| Troy Bilt | $300 | $4,400 |
| Greenworks | $135 | $5,500 |
| John Deere | $3,000 | $11,990 |
| Ryobi | $300 | $7,500 |
| Sun Joe | $120 | $600 |
| Ariens | $2,900 | $7,000 |
| Husqvarna | $1,200 | $5,000 |
Using the right tools is necessary to ensure a healthy lawn and make lawn care easier. While you’re shopping for a new lawn mower, it might be a good time to look at other essential lawn care tools, too.
Leaf blower
Leaf blowers cost between $80 and $200. A leaf blower lets you easily clean up leaves from your lawn in fall, so they don’t build up and suffocate your grass. You can also use a leaf blower to clear off hard surfaces, such as your driveway and sidewalk, and to blow away lawn clippings after mowing.
String trimmer
The typical price range for string trimmers is around $80 to $200. Most lawn mowers cannot cut grass around the edge of your lawn or in tight corners. This is where the string trimmer (aka weed eater) comes in—it reaches the grass and weeds in corners and around fences, walls, walkways, and other obstacles.
Sprayer
You can get a lawn sprayer within the range of $15 to $85. A sprayer is a tool for broadcasting herbicides and pesticides across your lawn. Sprayers make weed and pest control in your lawn much easier.
Cost of professional lawn services
Sure, doing yard work yourself saves you a lot of money, but wouldn’t it be easier to hire someone else to mow the lawn? Let’s look at the cost of some of the most popular lawn care services so you can compare costs and decide if the extra cash is worth the time you would save.
| Service | Average cost |
| Lawn mowing | $120 |
| Aeration | $145 |
| Dethatching | $190 |
| Weeding | $80 |
| Leaf removal | $280 |
| Lawn fertilization | $335 |
FAQ
1. How long should a lawn mower last?
Most lawn mowers can last ten years or more with regular maintenance. If you don’t take care of your mower, though, it will probably last about 4-5 years or even as little as 1-2 years.
2. Do lawn mowers need oil changes?
Yes, gas lawn mowers need regular oil changes. You should change the oil after about 20 to 50 hours of operation.
One of the biggest advantages of purchasing an electric lawn mower is that there’s no oil to change.
3. When is the best time to buy a lawn mower?
To get the best prices: Early fall is the best time of year to buy a lawn mower if you’re hunting for a bargain. You’ll likely find some excellent savings on equipment as retailers lower prices to clear their spring and summer inventories.
To get variety: Early spring is the best time to look for various (and new!) lawn mower models. This is when the supply of lawn mowers in stores is at its greatest. The latest models are available then, but there are no longer any special discounts.
Final thoughts
There is a wide variety of lawn mowers on the market, all with different specifications and price tags. The average costs provided in this guide should show you how much to budget for the specific type of mower you’re looking for.
Note: Lawn Love may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Photo by Andres Siimon on Unsplash
Ayoola Azzan
Ayoola Azzan is a versatile writer and investment enthusiast who hails from Nigeria. He loves developing an impactful course and enjoys meditating when at leisure.
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