How Much Does It Really Cost to Own a Lawnmower Per Year?

Nothing compares to the fragrance of freshly mowed grass on a Saturday morning. It’s the standard suburban dream. You notice a sparkling new machine at the hardware shop, check the price, and think, “That’s not bad.” This item will pay for itself inside a year!”But then reality strikes.” You have petrol to buy, blades to sharpen, and that strange engine noise that always appears when the grass is tallest.

If you’ve ever looked in your garage and wondered how much it truly costs to own a lawnmower each year, you’re not alone. Most individuals consider the sticker price when making a purchase, but the “true” cost is a marathon rather than a sprint.

Between the initial purchase, periodic tune-ups, and the inevitable maintenance, that “bargain” mower may be chewing a larger hole in your wallet than you realize.

The Initial Investment: More Than Just a Sticker Price

We need to talk about the entry price. The type of mower you choose sets the stage for all subsequent expenses. A basic manual mower costs less than $100, or you may spend five figures on a commercial-grade beast that essentially drives itself.

In 2026, the market has switched dramatically toward battery-powered choices, but gas remains a dominant force on larger properties. Here’s what you’re looking at as a starting point:

Average Purchase Prices in 2026

Most homeowners with a conventional quarter-acre property spend between $300 and $700. If you’re searching for something that won’t cause you back pain, such as a self-propelled model, expect to pay more. For more information on current pricing patterns, LawnStarter offers a good summary of market rates.

Breaking Down the Yearly Running Costs

Once the mower is in your shed, the clock begins to tick. Running a mower costs money, whether you use “liquid gold” (gasoline) or plug it into a wall outlet.

Fuel Expenses (Gasoline)

If you remain with a classic gas engine, fuel is your most frequent expense. For a standard half-acre yard, you’ll probably use between half a gallon and a gallon per mow. If you mow once a week during the 30-week growing season, you’ll need approximately 20 to 30 gallons of petrol every year.

• Annual Gas Cost: $60 – $120 (depending on local prices and lawn size).

Electricity Expenses (Electric/Battery)

One of the most significant benefits of the electric revolution is how inexpensive it is to “refuel.” Charging a high-capacity lithium-ion battery is quite inexpensive. In fact, most users discover that the electricity cost is virtually negligible—typically less than $5 for the full season.

However, the true “fuel” expense for electric mowers is the battery itself, which will be discussed in the maintenance section.

• Annual Electricity Cost: $2 – $10.

Annual Maintenance: What You’ll Actually Spend

This is when the “hidden” element of the annual expense of owning a lawnmower comes into play. Starts to appear. A mower is a machine with moving parts that will fail if not properly maintained.

The Standard Tune-Up

For a gas mower, an annual tune-up is non-negotiable. This typically includes:

• Oil Change: $10 – $15 for the oil.
• Air Filter: $5 – $15.
• Spark Plug: $3 – $8.
• Blade Sharpening: $15 – $25 (if done professionally).

If you do this yourself, you can keep the cost around $40 to $60. If you take it to a local shop, expect to pay $80 to $150 for labor and parts.

Battery Replacement (The Electric Catch)

Electric mowers are “low maintenance,” but not “no maintenance.” While there is no need for oil or spark plugs, lithium-ion batteries have a shelf life—most last between three and five years. A replacement battery for a 40V or 60V mower can cost between $150 and $350.

• Pro-rated Yearly Cost: $50 – $90.

Maintenance Comparison Table

Unexpected Repair Costs: When Things Go Wrong?

We have all been there. You strike a buried rock, or your mower won’t start after sitting all winter. These are not “scheduled” charges, but they occur frequently enough that you should plan for them. According to HomeGuide’s repair data, the typical repair visit in 2026 is roughly $175.

Common repairs include:

• Carburetor Cleaning/Replacement: $50 – $120. (Usually caused by leaving old gas in the tank over winter).
• Bent Crankshaft: $200 – $500. (The “I hit a stump” special).
• Drive Belt Replacement: $60 – $100.
• Tire Repairs (Riding Mowers): $30 – $75 per tire.

If you are handy, you can save a lot here. However, if you need to get a 500-pound riding mower to a dealer, the “pickup and delivery” fee alone can cost $50 to $100 before they even turn a wrench.

How Long Does a Lawnmower Last?

To genuinely address the question, how much does it cost to own a lawnmower annually? Look at the machine’s lifespan. If you buy a $400 mower and it lasts ten years, your “ownership cost” will be $40 each year plus maintenance. If it dies in three years, that’s $133 each year.

• Gas Push Mowers: 8 to 12 years. These are simple machines. If you change the oil, the engine will likely outlast the deck (the metal frame).
• Electric Mowers: 7 to 10 years. The motors are incredibly durable, but the electronics and battery tech can become obsolete or fail over time.
• Riding Mowers: 10 to 15 years (or 1,000 to 1,500 hours). These are built for the long haul, but they require consistent maintenance to reach those milestones.

Depreciation: The Silent Cost

A mower, like a car, loses value after you drive it off the lot. A riding mower depreciates at a rate of approximately 14% each year. While this may not appear to be an “out-of-pocket” expense, it is important if you intend to trade it in or sell it on the used market.

Hidden Costs You Might Not Have Considered

Storage Space

Unless you want your expensive machine to corrode in the rain, you’ll need a shed or garage area. If you don’t already have one, a basic 4×7 resin shed will cost between $400 and $800. If you pay for a storage locker for your large riding mower during the off-season, your annual price will increase by hundreds of dollars.

Winterization

In colder climates, you cannot simply park the mower in October and forget about it. You need a gasoline stabilizer ($10) or drain the tank. For electric mowers, bring the batteries inside so that freezing temperatures do not destroy the cells.

Protective Gear

Do not overlook the extras. A decent pair of ear protectors, safety glasses, and sturdy boots is required. You may also want a mower cover ($30) or a shed ramp ($50).

Is It Cheaper to Hire a Pro?

This is the million-dollar question. If a mower costs $500 per year (all-in), and lawn service costs $1,500, you’ll save $1,000. But is $1,000 worth 40+ hours of labor?

In 2026, the average professional mows for a standard yard is about $45 to $75 per visit.

• Professional Service (30 weeks): $1,350 – $2,250 per year.
• DIY Ownership (Amortized): $400 – $600 per year.

While DIY is certainly less expensive in terms of raw materials, you must do the job yourself. If you value your time at $30 per hour, the “cost” of your labor (say, 1.5 hours per week) increases the DIY cost by $1,350. Suddenly, the pro appears less pricey.

The “Real” Annual Price Tag

So, let’s wrap this up. How much does it really cost to own a lawnmower per year? If you are a typical homeowner with a gas push mower, you can expect to spend roughly $150 to $250 annually, combining fuel, maintenance parts, and the amortized cost of the machine itself. If you step up to a riding mower, that number jumps closer to $450 to $600 per year.

Owning a mower is a commitment. It’s not just a purchase; it’s a partnership with a machine that needs food, a haircut (blade sharpening), and a warm place to sleep.