Most homeowners pay $3,000 to $6,000
for a new straight stairlift, professionally installed. Curved stairlifts,
which use a custom-built rail, typically run $9,000 to $17,000.
Outdoor models cost more than comparable indoor units, and rentals for
short-term needs generally range from $150 to $500 per month.
Estimated ranges — your exact price depends on your staircase. Updated July 2026.
Stairlift pricing is one of the most common questions we get — and one of
the hardest to answer online, because no two staircases are the same.
Here's an honest breakdown of what stairlifts cost in 2026, what drives
the price up or down, and how to keep the cost manageable.
Stairlift Cost by Type
| Stairlift Type |
Typical Installed Cost |
Best For |
| Straight (new) |
$3,000 – $6,000 |
Standard straight staircase, no turns or landings |
| Curved (new) |
$9,000 – $17,000 |
Staircases with turns, curves, or intermediate landings |
| Outdoor |
$4,000 – $7,000+ (straight) |
Porch, deck, and exterior steps — weatherproof build |
| Used / pre-owned |
$2,900 – $4,500 |
Straight staircases, budget-conscious buyers |
| Rental |
$150 – $500 / month |
Short-term needs, including surgery recovery or visiting family |
What Bruno Stairlifts Cost at Altamira
Altamira is an authorized Bruno dealer — Bruno stairlifts are made in the
USA and carry a limited lifetime warranty on major components. Here's how
our most popular models typically price out, installed:
| Model |
Typical Range |
Highlights |
| Bruno Elan (straight) |
$3,000 – $6,000 |
#1-selling American-made straight stairlift; 300 lb capacity;
slim vertical rail |
| Bruno Elite (straight) |
$4,000 – $6,000 |
400 lb capacity; premium padded seat; power options available |
| Bruno Elite Curve |
$9,000 – $17,000 |
Custom rail built to your exact staircase; smoothest ride on curves |
Want the full model breakdown? See our stairlifts page →
What Actually Determines Your Price
- Straight vs. curved.
This is the single biggest factor. Straight lifts use a standard rail
cut to length; curved lifts require a rail custom-built to your exact
staircase — which is why they cost 2–3x more.
- Staircase length.
Longer staircases need more rail. Most quotes include a standard length,
often up to 16 feet, with per-foot charges beyond that.
- Indoor vs. outdoor.
Outdoor units use marine-grade materials, sealed electronics, and
weatherproof covers — expect to pay more than a comparable indoor lift.
- Options and upgrades.
Power swivel seats, power folding rails and footrests, larger seats, and
upholstery upgrades each add to the total.
- New vs. used vs. rental.
Pre-owned straight lifts save money but carry shorter warranties.
Rentals make sense for under a year of need — beyond that, buying almost
always wins. Curved lifts are rarely available used or as rentals because
the rail is custom.
Ongoing Costs to Know About
- Maintenance:
An annual service visit typically runs $100–$300 and keeps the lift
running smoothly. Some warranties may require maintenance.
- Batteries:
Stairlifts run on rechargeable batteries that keep working during power
outages. Expect replacement every few years at a modest cost.
- Electricity:
Negligible — a stairlift charging on standard household power costs only
a few dollars a year to run.
Ways to Lower the Cost
- VA HISA grant
— eligible veterans can receive up to $6,800 toward a stairlift and
other home accessibility modifications. See our VA HISA grant guide →
- Two straight lifts instead of one curved.
If your staircase is two straight runs joined by a landing, installing
two straight lifts can cost thousands less than a single curved lift —
if the user can safely transfer at the landing.
- Financing
— available on all Altamira products, spreading the cost into manageable
monthly payments.
- Tax deduction
— a stairlift installed for medical reasons may qualify as a deductible
medical expense; ask your tax professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a stairlift cost installed?
A new straight stairlift typically costs $3,000–$6,000 installed.
Curved stairlifts with a custom rail typically run $9,000–$17,000.
Professional installation is included in most dealer pricing.
Why are curved stairlifts so much more expensive?
Curved stairlifts require a rail that is custom-manufactured to your
staircase's exact turns, angles, and length. That custom fabrication —
not the chair — is what drives the higher price.
Does Medicare pay for a stairlift?
Traditional Medicare generally does not cover stairlifts. Some Medicare
Advantage plans, Medicaid waivers, and the VA's HISA grant, up to $6,800
for eligible veterans, may help cover the cost.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy a stairlift?
Rentals typically run $150–$500 per month plus installation and removal
fees. For needs longer than about a year, buying is almost always the
better value — and financing can keep monthly costs comparable to renting.
How long does stairlift installation take?
A straight stairlift is typically installed in a few hours. Curved
stairlifts take longer because the custom rail must be manufactured
first, then fitted to your staircase.
The only way to get your exact number is a quick look at your staircase.
Altamira offers a free, no-obligation in-home assessment and quote —
no pressure, just a real price.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
