Mini-split installation costs $2,000 to $5,000 for a typical single-zone system, with a national average around $3,000.1 HomeGuide puts installed single-zone systems at $2,500 to $6,000, and Fixr’s national average runs higher at $6,357.23 Prices below are national averages* for 2026.
*National averages, not local quotes. Your price depends on zones, BTU capacity, mounting style, and whether you need electrical work.
$3,000
typical average, Angi
$2,000 – $5,000
single-zone installed, Angi
$6,357
national average, Fixr
$250 – $400
typical permit, Angi
Why the averages disagree: Angi’s $3,000 reflects a basic 12,000 BTU single-zone install; Fixr’s $6,357 blends in multi-zone systems, our reading of both pages.13 Scope also differs in the zone tables below: Fixr’s per-zone figures are unit-only pricing, while HomeGuide’s include installation, our reading.23
Cost by number of zones
| Zones | Angi | HomeGuide | Fixr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $500 – $5,000 | $2,500 – $6,000 | $958 – $1,742 (unit only) |
| 2 | $1,400 – $7,700 | $4,500 – $8,000 | $2,206 – $4,014 (unit only) |
| 3 | — | $6,500 – $15,000+ (multi-zone) | $2,598 – $4,726 (unit only) |
| 5 | $4,800 – $18,000 | — | — |
Extra indoor air handlers run $400 to $1,800 each (Angi).1
Cost by BTU size (Angi)
| Capacity | Cost |
|---|---|
| 6,000 BTU | $450 – $1,600 |
| 9,000 BTU | $600 – $2,300 |
| 36,000 BTU | $1,800 – $6,000 |
| 42,000 BTU | $3,000 – $8,000 |
HomeGuide frames the middle by tonnage: a 1- to 2-ton system (12,000 to 24,000 BTU) runs $3,500 to $8,000 installed.2
Cost by mounting style, per zone (HomeGuide)
| Mount | Per zone | Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Wall-mounted | $2,500 – $5,000 | Most popular, cheapest |
| Floor-mounted | $3,000 – $5,000 | Limited upper wall space |
| Ceiling cassette | $3,500 – $6,000 | Open rooms |
| Concealed duct | $4,000 – $7,500 | Hidden, short ducts |
Labor, permits, and electrical
HVAC labor runs $300 to $1,500 (Angi), or $86 to $157 per hour (Fixr).13 Budget $250 to $400 for the permit (Angi), and $101 to $183 per hour if an electrician must add a dedicated circuit (Fixr).13
DIY vs pro
Pre-charged DIY mini-split kits with quick-connect line sets are the one realistic DIY path. Home Depot’s mini-split section lists current kit prices (plain link, not affiliate). Anything requiring refrigerant charging or hardwiring belongs with a licensed HVAC pro.
Related guides
HVAC Installation Cost
Heat Pump Cost
Electrician Cost
All cost guides
Sources
1. Angi — How Much Does It Cost to Install a Ductless Mini-Split AC?
2. HomeGuide — Ductless Mini-Split AC Cost
3. Fixr — Ductless Air Conditioner Installation Cost