250 Gallon Propane Tank Cost: Buy, Install & Refill
The compact residential tank size, best for cooking, water heating, and supplemental heat (not whole-home). Full pricing, dimensions, and the right use case.
Latest EIA residential propane price
Source: EIA SHOPP residential propane survey. Current data is the final release of the 2025/26 heating season (week ending 30 March 2026). EIA pauses weekly publication April-September; next release expected October 2026. Refreshed 26 May 2026.
250-Gallon Tank: Cost Summary
Tank only (new)
$600 - $1,000
ASME-rated steel
Tank only (refurbished)
$400 - $700
Inspected, recertified
Full install (above-ground)
$800 - $1,800
Tank + labour + line + permit
Full install (underground)
$2,200 - $3,800
Plus excavation + coating
Annual rental (if not buying)
$75 - $125/year
Plus $0.25-$0.45/gal markup
Refill at national avg
$535 (200 gal)
Range $436 (TX) to $830 (HI)
250-Gallon Tank Specs
| Length (above-ground horizontal) | ~7 ft 10 in (94 inches) |
| Width / diameter | ~30 inches |
| Height (with dome) | ~38 inches |
| Weight empty | ~480 lbs |
| Weight full (200 gal) | ~1,330 lbs |
| Usable propane (80% rule) | 200 gallons |
| Setback from buildings | 10 feet (NFPA 58) |
| Manufacturer lifespan | 30-40 years |
When 250 Gallons is the Right Choice
- Cooking + water heating only. 200-400 gal/year. One fill per year is typical.
- Cabin or seasonal property. Light usage. The smaller tank avoids carrying surplus fuel year-round.
- Supplemental heat. Gas fireplace + cooking + water heater. Annual usage 400-600 gal; refill twice a year.
- Tight site. The 7'10" length fits behind a fence or in a corner where a 500-gallon tank wouldn't.
- Low-volume backup. Lightly-used standby generator. Plenty for ~50 hours of run-time at half load.
Avoid 250 gallons for whole-home heating in any climate cooler than the deep South. The frequent fills get expensive (delivery surcharges, lost time) and the tank often runs low at the worst moments.
250-Gallon Tank FAQ
How much does a 250-gallon propane tank cost?
A 250-gallon propane tank costs $600 to $1,000 for the tank alone, $800 to $1,800 fully installed above-ground, and $2,200 to $3,800 fully installed underground. A refill at the national average ($2.67/gal × 200 usable gallons) costs about $535. Cheapest state (Texas, $2.18/gal) refill: $436. Most expensive (Hawaii, $4.15/gal) refill: $830.
Is a 250-gallon tank big enough for whole-home heating?
Only in mild climates and small homes. A 250-gallon tank holds 200 usable gallons. For whole-home heating in a 2,000 sqft home in moderate climate, that lasts about 6-8 weeks during heating season. You would refill 4-6 times per heating season, which most homeowners find inconvenient. 250 gallons works well for cooking + water heating + supplemental heat (a propane fireplace or backup furnace), typical annual usage 200-400 gallons for those use cases.
What are the dimensions of a 250-gallon propane tank?
A standard 250-gallon residential tank is approximately 7 feet 10 inches long, 30 inches wide, and 38 inches tall. It weighs about 480 pounds empty and 1,330 pounds full. Setback requirement is 10 feet from buildings (NFPA 58). The compact size makes it the easiest residential tank to site in tight yards.
How long does a 250-gallon propane tank last?
Depends entirely on use. For cooking + water heating only: 200-400 gallons/year, so a 250-gallon tank fill lasts 6-12 months. For supplemental heating use: 400-600 gallons/year, lasts 4-6 months per fill. For whole-home heating: 800-1,200 gallons/year, lasts only 6-10 weeks per fill (impractical, upsize to 500 gallons).