Keepstead

How much does a stair lift cost?

The single biggest price driver is the shape of the staircase. A straight flight takes a stock rail cut to length; any turn, landing or curve needs a rail bent to fit that one staircase, which is why curved lifts cost several times more and rarely resell.

National price ranges

Straight stair lift, installed

Professional, per staircase. Source: Fixr: Stairlift Prices, January 31, 2025 (range by type).

$2,000–$8,000

Curved stair lift, installed

Professional, per staircase. Source: Fixr: Stairlift Prices, January 31, 2025 (range by type).

$8,000–$20,000

Fixr: straight stairlift $2,000 to $8,000 installed; all stairlifts average $4,000; refurbished $1,500 to $2,500.

When it is worth it

  • The bedroom or only full bathroom is upstairs and climbing is already a struggle or a fall risk.
  • The person can still transfer safely from a seat on their own; a stair lift does not help someone who cannot sit and stand without help.
  • Moving the bedroom downstairs is impossible or would cost more.

When to try something else first

  • Daily life can move to one floor. A first-floor bedroom avoids the stairs entirely.
  • The person uses a wheelchair at the top and bottom: you would need a wheelchair on each floor, or a platform lift or elevator instead.

What moves the price

  • Straight or curved rail; number of turns and landings.
  • Extras: powered swivel seat, folding rail at the bottom (for a doorway nearby), heavier weight rating, outdoor rating.
  • New or reconditioned: Fixr lists refurbished stair lifts at $1,500 to $2,500 installed.
  • Electrical: most run on batteries charged at the rail ends and need a nearby outlet.

DIY or hire it out

Not a DIY job. Get at least two quotes and ask about the rail length, battery backup, warranty on the motor and batteries, and buy-back or removal terms.

Tax note. IRS Publication 502 lists this among home changes that usually do not raise a home's value, so the cost can count as a medical expense if you itemize and total medical costs pass 7.5% of adjusted gross income:

Installing porch lifts and other forms of lifts (but elevators generally add value to the house). (IRS Publication 502, 2025)

Where this shows up in the home check

Keepstead suggests this fix when one of these checks fails. Run the home check to see whether it is a priority for your home.

  • The stairs are easy to climb today, or bed, bath and kitchen are all on one floor (hallways and stairs)

Frequently asked questions

Does insurance cover a stair lift?

Original Medicare's equipment benefit lists items such as walkers, wheelchairs and hospital beds, not stair lifts. VA HISA excludes stair glides, though VA SAH or SHA grants can fund adaptations for eligible veterans; some state Medicaid waivers cover lifts.

Can a stair lift be reused if we move?

A straight rail can sometimes be shortened for another straight staircase; curved rails are made for one staircase and rarely transfer.

Guidance sources

  1. Medicare.gov: Durable medical equipment (DME) coverage (accessed 2026-10-17)
  2. VA Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service: Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) (2025-02-12)

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