How Much Does It Cost to Get a 20-lb Propane Tank Filled?
Filling a 20-pound propane tank typically costs $13 to $25 in the US. The price depends mainly on the retailer’s per-gallon rate, usually $2.80 to $4.00, and on how much fuel your tank actually takes. A full 20-lb tank holds about 4.7 gallons.
What does a 20-lb propane refill cost at each retailer?
Warehouse clubs are usually cheapest, and hardware or truck-rental chains cost a bit more. Prices vary by location and change over time, so treat these as typical ranges, not quotes.
We cover the main question in depth in How Much Is It to Fill a Propane Tank? Costs by Size.
| Where | Typical price per gallon | Typical cost for a full 20-lb tank | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costco or BJ’s Wholesale | $2.80–$3.10 | $13–$15 | Active membership required |
| U-Haul | $3.00–$4.00 | $14–$19 | No membership; more than 1,200 locations |
| Tractor Supply Co. | Varies by store (some list about $4.19) | Roughly $15–$20 | Charged by the exact gallon, in-store only |
| Exchange cage (for comparison) | Not by the gallon | $20–$25 | Tank often holds only about 15 lb |
Why do prices differ so much?
The per-gallon rate is the main driver, and it reflects local wholesale propane prices, the retailer’s markup and your region. Rural and cold-climate areas often pay more in winter, when demand rises.
The pricing method matters too. Some stores charge a flat fee for any 20-lb fill. Others meter the fuel and charge by the gallon, so a half-empty tank costs about half as much.
A worked example
Say a store charges $3.50 per gallon. A completely empty 20-lb tank takes about 4.7 gallons, so the fill costs roughly $16.45 (4.7 × $3.50). If your tank still has a quarter left, you add about 3.5 gallons and pay about $12.25 at a metered station.
At a flat-fee location, you would pay the full price even if the tank were partly full, so metered pricing favors people who refill before running dry.
Is refilling cheaper than exchanging?
Yes, refilling is usually cheaper. A refill generally runs $13 to $20, while an exchange commonly costs $20 to $25.
Exchange tanks are often filled with only about 15 pounds of propane rather than 20, so the cost per pound is higher still. The trade-off is convenience: exchange cages are open at grocery and convenience stores, and many refill stations have limited hours or need an attendant.
What extra costs can show up?
- Membership fees: Costco and BJ’s require a paid membership.
- Minimum or flat fees: Some stations charge a set price no matter how empty the tank is.
- Expired tank: A 20-lb cylinder generally must be recertified or replaced about 12 years after its manufacture date. Recertification or a new tank adds cost, and many stations will refuse to fill an expired tank. A new refillable tank can run about $28 or more.
- Damaged tank: Heavy rust, dents or a faulty valve can lead to a refusal.
Tips before you pay
- Check the date stamp. It is on the collar of the tank, shown as month and year. If it is more than 12 years old, ask about recertification before you drive.
- Ask whether pricing is by the gallon or flat. Call ahead; this matters most when the tank is not empty.
- Compare the per-gallon rate, not just the total. Divide the price by gallons pumped to see what you really paid.
- Weigh the tank if unsure. An empty 20-lb tank weighs about 17 pounds (the “tare weight,” stamped on the collar as TW). A full one is near 37 pounds.
- Refill before it is bone dry. It avoids a mid-cookout surprise, and with metered pricing you pay only for what you add.
- Transport it upright and secured. Keep the car ventilated and go straight home.
FAQ
– How much does Walmart charge to refill propane?
Walmart generally does not refill propane tanks; most stores offer exchange cages instead. Exchange prices are usually in the $20 to $25 range for a 20-lb tank, but they vary by store.
– How much does it cost to fill a 100-lb propane tank?
A 100-lb cylinder typically costs $60 to $120 to fill. It holds about 23.6 gallons, so the final price depends on the per-gallon rate and how empty the tank is.
– How much does a 30-lb propane tank refill cost?
A 30-lb tank typically costs $22 to $35 to fill. It holds about 7.1 gallons, so it follows the same per-gallon pricing as a 20-lb tank.
– Can you refill a 20-lb tank that is not empty?
Yes, a partly full tank can be topped up. At stations that charge by the gallon you pay only for the fuel added, while flat-fee stations may charge the full price.
