Depends on what you want to power with your generator. If you're looking into a whole house transfer switch then it could get expensive. If you're just looking to power a small number of appliances then you could get by with a $400 generator and some extension cords. A big question to ask is if you plan to run your central AC, electric stove, electric heat, and electric water heater. If not then you can get by with small amount of money.
