Stair Lifts · Materials and methods · Updated November 2026
Straight vs. Curved Stair Lifts: Cost and Differences
The shape of your staircase decides most of the price. A straight stair lift costs $2,000–$9,000 installed, while a curved lift costs $10,350–$25,000, according to national cost data.
Which one do you need?
If your stairs run in one straight line from bottom to top with no landing or turn, a straight lift will work. If the stairs turn, have a landing partway up, or curve, you need a curved lift, or in some homes two straight lifts with a transfer at the landing.
Why curved lifts cost so much more
- Custom rail: a curved rail is measured and bent for your specific staircase, so it cannot be reused elsewhere.
- Lead time: custom rails usually take longer to make and install than straight ones.
- Little resale or rental value: because the rail is custom, curved lifts are rarely rented or sold used.
Cost comparison
| Type | Typical installed cost |
|---|---|
| Straight stair lift | $2,000–$9,000 |
| Curved stair lift | $10,350–$25,000 |
| Outdoor stair lift | $4,000–$25,000 |
| Battery-powered model | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Hardwired model | $4,000–$9,000 |
| Extra electrical or drywall work | $300–$2,600 (add-on) |
From our stair lift cost guide.
Features to compare
- Weight capacity and seat width.
- A swivel seat and footrest that fold out of the way.
- Battery backup so it works in a power outage.
- A folding or hinged rail if the bottom of the rail blocks a doorway.
- Call/send remotes at the top and bottom.
- Warranty on the motor, rail and battery, and who services it locally.
Cost figures are national ranges from the sources listed in our stair lifts cost guide, not a quote from FixFinch or any contractor.