How Much Does a New Lawn Mower Cost?

In 2026, the national average cost of a new lawn mower is $1,640. Most homeowners spend between $80 and $3,200, with the spread driven by mower type, yard size, and added features.

New Lawn Mower Costs: What Determines the Price?

The type of mower you choose is the primary driver of cost, with new lawn mowers ranging from $60 for a basic reel mower up to $17,000 for a high-end zero-turn model. Here is a breakdown of how costs vary by mower type.

Reel Mower

Reel mowers are the most affordable option, starting as low as $60 for basic models and rising to $400 for more feature-rich versions. They are powered entirely by your walking motion, which makes them lightweight, compact, and environmentally friendly, but also less practical for large lawns.

Walk-Behind Mower

Walk-behind mowers average $360 and come in two varieties: push models, which rely on your effort to move them, and self-propelled models, which use a transmission and are available in single-speed or variable-speed configurations.

Gas or Electric

Electric walk-behind mowers range from $80 for a basic corded model to $2,000 for a high-end battery-powered machine, with an average around $240, while self-propelled electric models run $340 to $830. 

Gas-powered walk-behind mowers offer greater mobility since there is no cord or battery limit to manage, with manual push models priced between $140 and $570 and self-propelled gas models ranging from $170 to $2,100.

Riding Mower

Riding mowers average around $2,500 and are built to cover larger terrain than walk-behind models, which is why they are almost always gas-powered. They come with a steering wheel and optional attachments such as a clippings bag, and are available in three styles, each with its own cost range: lawn tractor, zero-turn, and rear engine.

Lawn Tractor Mower

Lawn tractor mowers are priced between $1,350 and $4,000 and are steered with a conventional wheel, making them stable on slopes. They support a wide range of attachments, including trailers, snowplows, and dethatchers, which adds versatility beyond basic mowing.

Rear Engine Mower

Rear engine mowers average $2,000, with lower-end models starting around $1,300 and higher-end machines reaching around $4,500. They use a steering wheel like lawn tractors but are smaller and less powerful, so they cannot support heavy attachments such as snowplows.

Zero-Turn Mower

Zero-turn mowers average $3,200, though premium models can reach $15,000, making them the most expensive riding mower style. They are controlled by two lap bars rather than a steering wheel, which enables a zero-degree turn radius and faster mowing, though the lap-bar system does require some practice to master.

Robot Mower

A basic robot mower starts at around $1,500, with elaborate models climbing into the several-thousand-dollar range. They operate autonomously and typically include tech-forward features like collision sensors and app compatibility, but their shorter run time and narrower cutting width make them a better fit for smaller lawns.

New Lawn Mower Cost Breakdown: What Affects the Price?

Here are several considerations to weigh before deciding which lawn mower to purchase.

Riding or Walk-Behind

Walk-behind mowers cost less than riding mowers, but riding mowers cover ground faster because they do not depend on your physical effort to move. Before choosing based on price alone, consider whether the time and energy you would spend with a walk-behind is a worthwhile trade-off for the lower upfront cost.

Special Features

Some mowers come with extra features to ease use. The more add-on features, the higher the cost of the mower.

• Washout port: This port allows for a hose connection to better clean the undercarriage of the motor after each use.

• Electric start: On gas models, this feature allows you to turn the mower on with the touch of a button.

• Folding handle: A handle that can tuck away after each use, minimizing storage space.

• Universal battery: Some models have an interchangeable battery that can be used for a variety of compatible garden tools, such as leaf blowers and chainsaws.

• Hour meter: On riding mowers, this meter tells you how long the mower has run and when it’s time for an oil change.

• Comfort: Several higher-end riding mowers have cup holders and ergonomic, high-back seats.

• Cruise control: Just like your car, some riding mowers allow you to set a speed and simply coast.

How You Can Save Money on a New Lawn Mower

Once you know what kind of lawn mower you wish to purchase, look for a used one in excellent condition, from places such as Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or at local yard sales. In addition, keep an eye out for sales at home improvement stores, which typically take place over some holidays such as President’s Day or on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Lawn Mower Questions and Answers

If additional questions arise, answer each question from a high-level point of view and, where possible, include an internal link to a page that covers the topic in greater detail. Include part of the question in the answer and keep it to one paragraph or brief list per section. Only use what’s applicable, using the below as a guide for what types to include over an exact directive. 

How do I know how powerful a lawn mower I need?

The voltage equates to the amount of energy the motor can handle. If you have a large lawn with tall grass, you should seek out a higher voltage machine. Here’s the breakdown of different types of electric mowers and their average voltages.

• Push mowers: 18V to 80V, up to two acres (1/4 acre to 2 acres)

• Self-propelled and riding mowers: 40V to 120V, up to 3 acres

• Riding mowers: 50V to 120V, up to 3 acres

• Robot mowers: 18V to 40V, up to 1 acre

How much does a lawn mowing service cost?

If determining which lawn mower to purchase is making your head spin and you’d prefer to sit back and rewatch “The Sopranos,” you can hire a local lawn mowing service, which will set you back about $45 per week, on average, though the price will depend on the size of your yard. Contact local lawn mowing services to get a quote.

Which brands are the least expensive?

For walk-behind mowers, brands that offer more affordable price points include Black + Decker, Ryobi, and PowerSmart, with their most expensive mower offerings coming in under $1,000. Husqvarna and John Deere manufacture budget-friendly riding mowers, starting at around $1,500.