A wide range of costs are involved when purchasing a portable or fixed ladder, depending on what the homeowner wants. A small portable telescoping ladder will typically range between $100 and $200. Depending on the type of stairs, a fixed attic staircase or a pulldown attic staircase can cost up to $1,000. Among the attic staircase options, electric pull-down stairs have the highest price. It is possible to spend more than $3,000 on these attic stairs.