How Much Does a Stair Lift Cost in 2025?
People often ask, “how much does a stair lift cost?” The answer is, it depends. There are several factors that determine the price of a stair lift, including staircase configuration (straight staircase vs. one with turns), make and model, whether you buy a new or used unit, and where you purchase it from.
On average, stair lifts cost between $2,500-$25,000, with staircase configuration being the most significant factor on pricing.
While the above is a wide price range, this comprehensive cost guide (updated for 2025), will help you get a better idea of how much you can expect to pay for a stairlift based on the staircase in your home and your specific mobility needs. To get an exact price of a stairlift for your staircase, contact us to set up a free consultation.
Lifeway Mobility's stair lift prices always include:
- Professional installation by our trained & certified technicians
- Best warranty in the industry on product & labor
- Thorough demonstration of the stairlift before our technicians leave your home
Factors Affecting Stair Lift Price
- Staircase Configuration (straight vs. curved)
- Location (indoor vs outdoor & residential vs. commercial)
- Stair Lift Model (weight capacities, seat cushion, durability etc.)
- Upgrade Options (i.e. power swivel seat or folding rail)
- Local Dealer vs Online (installation, delivery, warranty)
- Buying New vs. Used or Renting a stairlift
Stair Lifts for Straight vs. Curved Staircases
There are two types of stair lifts that are offered in the market. The most common type is a straight stair lift, which comes with a standardized rail that can be cut to fit most standard straight staircases. The other option is a curved stair lift, which has a rail that is custom built for staircases that have curves, turns, or intermediate landings. Both types of stair lifts can be installed both indoors and outdoors. If you are looking for a stairlift for a straight staircase you are going to pay less than if you need a stair lift for a staircase with curves, turns, or landings. The rail is what makes the pricing of straight and curved stairlifts so significantly different.
Learn more about the differences and similarities between straight and curved stairlifts
Straight Stair Lift Pricing:
The cost of a stair lift for a straight staircase typically ranges between $2,500-$8,000 (new or used). The final price that you pay will depend on the length of the staircase, stairlift model selected, and added safety or luxury options, such as a folding rail, power swivel seat, or vinyl color upgrade. Outdoor units are also going to more expensive than indoor ones as they're built to withstand weather elements.
If budget is a concern, Lifeway Mobility offers monthly low-payment financing options starting at $59.25/month, for qualified buyers. There are also local or national funding sources that may be able to assist you with covering the cost of a stairlift or other type of mobility solution.
Curved Stair Lift Pricing:
If you have a curved staircase or a straight staircase with an intermediate landing, the stair lift rail will need to be custom-built to fit your staircase. As a result, the cost will be significantly higher. Pricing for a curved stair lift starts around $11,000 and ranges upward from there, depending on location, the configuration of your staircase, and options that may be added to improve comfort for the user or match the design of a home.Expert Stairlift Cost-Saving Tip: You may be able to go with two straight stairlifts rather than a curved stairlift if you have an intermediate landing. However, this will depend on the mobility of the user as well as the size of the platform/landing. A Lifeway Mobility accessibility expert can help determine if this is a safe and feasible option after learning about the individual's needs during the consultation.
Outdoor Stairlift Pricing & Heavy-Duty
Outdoor stair lifts must be made with weatherproof materials, which is why they tend to cost $1,000-$3,000 more than most indoor units on average. Outdoor lifts may also require a cover or storage space, depending on the location and climate.
Heavy-duty stairlifts with higher weight capacities require more parts and labor for for the lift to be installed, which results in a higher cost compared to an average stair lift. However, it is worth the additional cost to ensure the lift will provide a safe and secure ride on the staircase for those that may need a heavy-duty unit. Base model heavy duty lifts typically start around $6,000.
New vs. Certified Pre-Owned Stair Lift Pricing
A pre-owned straight rail stairlift typically costs around $2,500-$4,500+ installed. This can vary based on the make/model, options, condition of the stair lift, and the year it was manufactured. A used stair lift is a more affordable alternative to a new stairlift, but it also is not going to have as robust of a warranty.
If you have a curved staircase, you may have difficulty finding a pre-owned stair lift since the track must be custom-made for each individual staircase. Lifeway Mobility does not offer used options for curved stairlifts
Stair Lift Rental Program
If you have a temporary or short-term need for a stairlift, there are rental options for straight rail stair lifts. The Lifeway Mobility rental stairlift program includes:
- installation and removal
- monthly rental fee
- service -- provided as needed for the length of the rental period
A rental is a great option for those who know that they'll only need a lift for a few months after a surgery. It's also a good option when there are temporary living situations and the length of time that the lift will be needed is unknown.
Affordable Monthly Payment Plans (Financing) for Stairlifts
If you’d like to purchase new stair lift but paying the entire cost upfront is not within your budget, some providers offer finance monthly options for qualified buyers. Lifeway Mobility currently offers financing monthly payment options through Affirm with a Bruno Elan straight stair lift starting at $59.25/month and a Bruno Elite starting at $79.35/month.
Upgrade & Custom Stairlift Options
The need for safety upgrade or custom stairlift option depends on mobility needs of the user and the the staircase configuration. These types of options can make the trip up and down the steps on a lift safer and easier. Some of the most common upgrade options available for stair lifts are:
- Power Swivel Seat
- Power or Manual Folding Rail
- Power Folding Footrest
- Larger Seat Pad or Footrest
- Rail Park Options (curved stair lifts only)
If you are working with a trusted local dealer, they can work with you to determine how much added options and/or customizations may add to the cost as it can vary by stair lift type and/or model. The more you customize your stair lift, the higher the price will be.
You can also choose to upgrade the upholstery of your chair to better match the design and décor of your home:
Purchasing a Stair Lift Through a Dealer vs. Online
You may be able to find new stair lifts listed online for less than the prices listed in this guide. However, beware that prices you see on an e-commerce website or online marketplace typically do not include the cost of delivery, installation, or come with warranty coverage.
Some online e-commerce stair lift providers also market do-it-yourself installation as a way to save money. However, most quality stair lift manufacturers such as Bruno or Harmar do not recommend DIY installation and only offer their lifts through certified dealers. While many stair lifts are simple in operation, the installation is a thorough and sensitive practice.
Lifeway Mobility's technicians are professionally trained & certified, providing the ability to ensure that our installations are of the highest quality. When finished with the installation of a stair lift, our technicians take it one step further by taking the time to clean the staircase and then providing a thorough demonstration of how to safely use and operate the lift. Additionally, Lifeway Mobility is both a licensed and insured stair lift company – something the larger companies and internet dealers can’t say!
While it is a cost-saving measure, self-installation can put you, your family, or your home in harm’s way. The Accessibility Equipment Manufacturers Association (AEMA) provides the most knowledgeable information on stairlifts and residential elevators. Read why it strongly advises against a self-install of any stairlift or residential elevator product. Your safety could be at risk!
In addition, it can be difficult to find reliable service for stair lifts purchased online or directly from some manufacturers. Local dealers, such as Lifeway Mobility, provide ongoing service for all stair lifts that we install.
Lifeway Mobility also provides the option of test riding a stair lift before deciding to make a purchase, as we have showrooms in the following areas:
- Atlanta
- Baltimore
- Boston
- Chicagoland
- Colorado Springs
- Connecticut
- Denver
- Kansas City
- Los Angeles
- Minneapolis
- Northern CO
- Orange County, CA
- Philadelphia
- Los Angeles
- Minneapolis
- Northern CO
- Orange County, CA
- Philadelphia
- Pittsburgh
- San Diego
- San Francisco Bay Area
Cost of a Stairlift vs. Alternative Options
When compared to the cost of alternatives, such as remodeling to add a bathroom on the main floor level, moving to a single-story home, or a senior living facility, a stair lift can be one of the most cost effective solutions for individuals that can no longer safely navigate the stairs by foot.
If you were to move into a senior living facility, you would pay between $1,500-$4,000/month and assisted living facilities are even more expensive, ranging between $3,500-$10,500/month, according to assistedliving.org. The average cost of adding a bathroom can range between $15,000-$57,000, depending on size and construction needed, according to Architectural Digest.
Compared to the above alternatives, a stair lift is both the most affordable and convenient option! With the addition of a stair lift, you'll also gain the benefit of being able to stay in the home and community that you have grown to know and love.
We hope this guide has helped you gain a much better idea of how much a stair lift might cost for you, a family member, or friend, while also learning why pricing can differ so significantly.
Contact us to set-up a FREE in-home consultation to get an exact quote and better determine if a stair lift is the best option for you or your loved ones.
Additional Stair Lift Resources:
- Lifeway Mobility Stairlift Guide
- Compare Best Stair Lifts
- Stair Lift Reviews
- Stair Lift Installation