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A fire pit turns a backyard into a gathering spot, and the budget ranges from a $200 store-bought bowl to a $5,000 custom build. Most homeowners spend in the low four figures for a built-in pit, with $300 to $5,000 covering the realistic range.
What you’re paying for
A portable pit is just the unit. A built-in pit adds materials, labor, a non-combustible base, and — for gas models — a gas line. The fuel type and whether it’s portable or permanent drive the price more than anything.
Cost by type
The table below shows typical pricing from a portable bowl to a custom gas pit.
Wood vs. gas
Wood-burning is cheaper to build and gives you the crackle and aroma of a real fire — but means smoke, ash, and ongoing wood. Gas (natural gas or propane) costs more, largely because of the burner and a gas line ($300–$2,000), but it lights instantly, produces no smoke, and is permitted in many areas where open wood fires aren’t. Check local fire codes either way.
Portable vs. built-in
A portable bowl ($200–$800) is the budget, no-commitment option — buy it, set it on a safe surface, done. A built-in masonry or gas pit ($1,500–$5,000) is permanent, more substantial, and integrates into a patio or seating area as a real outdoor-living feature. Pairs naturally with a paver patio or outdoor kitchen.
How to save on a fire pit
- Choose a portable bowl or DIY kit for the lowest cost.
- Go wood-burning to skip the gas-line expense (where codes allow).
- Build on an existing patio with a proper non-combustible base.
- Use concrete pavers or block instead of premium natural stone.
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fire pit / kit / materials | $200 – $3,000 | – |
| Labor (built-in) | $500 – $2,500 | – |
| Base / pad prep | $200 – $1,000 | – |
| Gas line (gas pits) | $300 – $2,000 | – |
| Surround / seating | varies | – |
| Option | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Portable / above-ground | $200 – $800 | Cheapest; no install |
| DIY stone kit | $400 – $1,500 | – |
| Custom masonry (wood-burning) | $1,500 – $5,000 | – |
| Gas fire pit (installed) | $1,500 – $5,000 | – |
| Gas line (add) | $300 – $2,000 | – |
What affects the price
- Portable vs. built-in A portable bowl needs no installation; a built-in masonry or gas pit is a real construction project.
- Fuel (wood vs. gas) Wood-burning is cheaper to build; gas costs more (and needs a line) but is cleaner and instant.
- Material Concrete pavers and block are affordable; natural stone is premium.
- Gas line Running natural gas or propane to the pit is the main added cost for gas models.
- Size & seating Larger pits and integrated seating walls increase the total.
Fire pit cost by state
Where you live can change the price as much as the options you pick. Labor is a big part of the bill, and construction workers are paid more in some states than others. A typical fire pit job costs about $350 to $5,900 in Hawaii (17% above the U.S. average). In Arkansas, it costs about $260 to $4,300 (15% below the U.S. average).
See the typical cost in all 50 states and D.C.
| State | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $260 – $4,400 |
| Alaska | $350 – $5,800 |
| Arizona | $290 – $4,800 |
| Arkansas | $260 – $4,300 |
| California | $340 – $5,600 |
| Colorado | $300 – $5,000 |
| Connecticut | $320 – $5,400 |
| Delaware | $290 – $4,900 |
| District of Columbia | $320 – $5,400 |
| Florida | $270 – $4,600 |
| Georgia | $280 – $4,600 |
| Hawaii | $350 – $5,900 |
| Idaho | $280 – $4,700 |
| Illinois | $350 – $5,800 |
| Indiana | $300 – $5,100 |
| Iowa | $290 – $4,900 |
| Kansas | $290 – $4,800 |
| Kentucky | $280 – $4,700 |
| Louisiana | $270 – $4,500 |
| Maine | $290 – $4,900 |
| Maryland | $300 – $5,000 |
| Massachusetts | $350 – $5,800 |
| Michigan | $300 – $5,000 |
| Minnesota | $330 – $5,500 |
| Mississippi | $260 – $4,400 |
| Missouri | $310 – $5,100 |
| Montana | $290 – $4,900 |
| Nebraska | $280 – $4,700 |
| Nevada | $310 – $5,200 |
| New Hampshire | $300 – $5,000 |
| New Jersey | $340 – $5,700 |
| New Mexico | $280 – $4,600 |
| New York | $330 – $5,500 |
| North Carolina | $270 – $4,500 |
| North Dakota | $300 – $5,100 |
| Ohio | $300 – $5,000 |
| Oklahoma | $270 – $4,600 |
| Oregon | $330 – $5,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $300 – $5,100 |
| Rhode Island | $310 – $5,200 |
| South Carolina | $270 – $4,600 |
| South Dakota | $270 – $4,500 |
| Tennessee | $280 – $4,600 |
| Texas | $270 – $4,600 |
| Utah | $280 – $4,700 |
| Vermont | $290 – $4,900 |
| Virginia | $290 – $4,800 |
| Washington | $350 – $5,800 |
| West Virginia | $290 – $4,800 |
| Wisconsin | $310 – $5,200 |
| Wyoming | $300 – $5,000 |
These are numbers to plan with, not quotes. Each one is this guide's U.S. range, adjusted for what construction workers earn in that state. See every state cost guide or how we estimate.
Common questions
- How much does a fire pit cost?
- A portable fire pit starts around $200, a DIY stone kit runs $400–$1,500, and a custom masonry or gas fire pit runs $1,500–$5,000 installed.
- Wood-burning vs. gas fire pit — which costs more?
- Wood-burning is cheaper to build. Gas costs more (the burner plus a gas line at $300–$2,000) but lights instantly, produces no smoke or ash, and is allowed in some areas where wood burning isn't.
- Is a built-in fire pit worth it over a portable one?
- A portable bowl is cheap, movable, and needs no install. A built-in masonry pit is permanent, sturdier, and adds more to your outdoor living space and curb appeal — at a higher price.
- Do I need a permit or gas line for a gas fire pit?
- Gas fire pits need a gas line run to them (and often a permit). Natural gas ties into your home supply; propane uses a tank. An above-ground propane bowl avoids the line.
- Does a fire pit add home value?
- A well-built fire pit enhances outdoor living and appeal, which can help a home show better, though it's a modest, enjoyment-driven investment rather than a major ROI project.
- Can I build a fire pit myself?
- Yes — a DIY stone or paver kit on a proper non-combustible base is a popular weekend project ($400–$1,500). Gas pits and gas lines should involve a pro.
How we estimate: These are typical U.S. prices for materials and for hiring a pro to install them. We checked them against the 2026 sources listed below (see how we get our numbers). Your price depends on where you live, the size of the job and the materials you pick. Get two or three written bids before you choose a contractor.
Sources
We checked the prices on this page against 2026 numbers from these sources: