How much should a 3-ton AC unit cost installed?

How much a 3-ton AC unit should cost installed in 2026 depends on brand, SEER efficiency, and region, but average installed cost is 3,500 to 6,500 dollars for standard 14 to 16 SEER single or two-stage unit, and 6,000 to 10,000 dollars for high efficiency 18 to 22 SEER variable speed unit, including outdoor condenser, indoor evaporator coil, labor, refrigerant, and permit. For budget brands like Goodman GSX14 14 SEER single stage, installed cost is 3,000 to 4,500 dollars for 3-ton. For mid-range brands like Trane XR14 14 SEER and XR16 17 SEER two-stage, Carrier Comfort 16 SEER, and Lennox ML14XC1, installed cost is 4,000 to 6,500 dollars for 3-ton including new coil. For premium variable speed high efficiency like Trane XV20i 22 SEER, Lennox XC20 20 SEER, and Carrier Infinity 21 SEER, installed cost is 6,500 to 10,000 dollars for 3-ton, plus furnace if replacing as package at 8,000 to 14,000 dollars total. Costs vary by region: high cost areas like California and Northeast cost 15 to 20 percent more than South and Midwest. Additional costs include new line set at 300 to 600 dollars, electrical disconnect at 150 to 300 dollars, and permit at 100 to 300 dollars. Always get 3 quotes and ensure contractor performs Manual J load calculation.