Also, a backflow cutoff is required by law, as are permits, inspections, etc.
San Jose has setback requirements, requires a concrete pad (for hardwired installations), and charges various fees:
https://www.sanjoseca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument?id=4499...
It wouldn't surprise me if you could get a deal on "new generator; free installation" though.
Hire an electrician to install it for you? Between markups and labor, easily several hundred bucks at the very least. A thousand is entirely plausible.
Ignorance is expensive, knowing how things like electricity and plumbing work will save you money and help make life more fulfilling.
If you get lucky and find an inexpensive electrician AND the inlet you want to install is located very close to the panel (minimal drilling, short wire, etc.), you can probably get it done for less than $1000, but probably not a whole lot less.