The average cost to install a freight elevator is between $65,000 and $150,000. Make sure to calculate the square footage required, as well as any other necessary dimensions. Real-life horror story: A Chicago auto shop got hit with $18k in steel reinforcements when their 1930s concrete couldn't handle vibrations. That "cheap" unit? Might cost you double in upkeep. It all depends on your building and what you need. As you go up in capacity and features, the prices for mid-range and heavy-duty models also go up. Hydraulic models typically cost $20,000-$60,000, while advanced MRL systems can exceed $180,000.