We split this expense into two phases, and started by getting the inlet installed - that was about 500 bucks, but made it extremely easy to borrow a generator. After our first storm that we borrowed one, we invested in our own, and spent about 700. But man being able to just throw the switch and plug in outside was worth every penny (and makes the generator-lender more confident that you won’t wreck theirs, imo!) That was a few years ago, so prices have probably gone up, but if you were looking to do which one first I’d say inlet. ETA our generator can run the furnace or heat pumps, fridge, lights, etc. Probably not the DW, washer or dryer, but that isn’t as essential as the others! We have an induction range, not sure if would run that but I have a single burner and a great toaster oven that we’d use instead.