Well – it depends.

A home owner that uses air for a few tools and maybe an occasional pain job could be served by something like one of these from Home Depot:

Husky Model VT6314HDRB – 3,2 HP, 60 Gallon Compressor (Rebuilt) for $399 including shipping. “This compressor offers a solid cast iron, twin cylinder compressor pump for extreme durability. It also offers 135 PSI maximum pressure and air delivery 11.5/10.2 SCFM @ 40/90 PSI. It has a space saving vertical design that is perfect for your home, garage, or work shop.”

If you’re looking for a bit more, Home Depot Model HS7810 is a “solid cast iron, oil-lubricated pump for extreme durability. Offers 175 PSI maximum pressure and air delivery 12.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI. The unit has an 80 gallon ASME code tank for more stored power.” The price is $1,079 including shipping.

Both of these units will run on 240 Volt (standard residential current)

If you’re making a living with air, you’ll definitely want to go to a commercial grade screw type compressor but the prices will start at $5,000+ and go up quickly.

Filters and dryers are all over the place as well. Northern Tools has a filter/regulator combo for $49.99. To get a “hobbyist” grade dryer you’ll need to pay another $100.

Professional grade dryer/filter units are in the thousands.

Another resource is Harbor Freight (there’s on in Tampa). They carry a lot of stuff from “one-time-use” throw away up to some pretty decent equipment. They have a PUMA compressor for $499 that has some pretty decent specifications (Air delivery: 12.9 CFM @ 40 PSI; 11.4 CFM @ 90 PSI) and I know several guys on the site swear by their “purple” HVLP guns.

I’m sure others will chime in. In the end, your budget may dictate.

Good Luck,
Glenn