National price ranges
Bob Vila: vertical platform lift $5,000 to $20,000 including labor.
When it is worth it
- The rise is too high for a ramp to fit at 1:12 (a 30 in porch would need 30 ft of ramp plus landings).
- A wheelchair user needs independent access.
When to try something else first
- The rise is small and there is room for a ramp, which has no motor to maintain.
What moves the price
- Lift height and enclosure.
- Concrete pad and electrical circuit.
- Indoor versus outdoor rating and permits.
DIY or hire it out
Not a DIY job.
Tax note. IRS Publication 502 lists this among home changes that usually do not raise a home's value, so the cost can count as a medical expense if you itemize and total medical costs pass 7.5% of adjusted gross income:
Installing porch lifts and other forms of lifts (but elevators generally add value to the house).
(IRS Publication 502, 2025)
Where this shows up in the home check
Keepstead suggests this fix when one of these checks fails. Run the home check to see whether it is a priority for your home.
- At least one entrance can be used without climbing steps (entrance and steps)
Frequently asked questions
Does VA HISA pay for a porch lift?
No. VA's HISA page lists porch lifts among excluded items; VA SAH or SHA grants may fund lifts for eligible veterans.
Is a porch lift tax deductible?
IRS Publication 502 lists porch lifts among improvements that generally do not increase home value, so the cost can count as a medical expense above the 7.5% of AGI threshold.