How Much Does Window Replacement Cost? (2024 Data)

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A new set of replacement windows can give a home a much-needed face-lift. The national average window replacement cost is typically $280 per window, or between $180 and $409.

When a home’s windows stop opening and closing properly or if they’re letting in cold air, it may be time for replacement windows. Knowing the overall cost of the best replacement windows can help keep homeowners within the project’s budget and avoid any surprise costs down the road.

So, how much does window replacement cost? According to Angi, the average window replacement cost is between $180 and $409 per window, and the national average cost of window replacement is around $280 per window, depending on window frame material and glass type, window size, and energy efficiency.

A graph showing the national average and cost range for window replacement.
Photo: bobvila.com

Factors in Calculating Window Replacement Cost

Those wondering “How much does it cost to replace a window?” might be surprised by how much the answer can vary. There are many factors that go into calculating window prices, including the frame material, type of glass, location of the window, the overall age of the house, and cost differences between full-frame replacement and retrofit replacement. Window replacement cost is also dependent on the geographic location of the home and a warm or cold climate.

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Frame Material 

When replacing windows, homeowners will first need to choose a window frame material. The most common window frame materials are vinyl, wood, fiberglass, aluminum, and composite.

  • Aluminum frames can cost anywhere from $75 to $400 per window, with most homeowners paying around $275. However, aluminum frames don’t insulate as well as other materials.
  • Composite frames run between $300 and $1,200 per window, or an average of $900. They are the most durable and are constructed of a mix of PVC polymers and wood fiber for maintenance-free frames.
  • Fiberglass frames run approximately 15 percent to 30 percent more than vinyl frames. Per window, the national average cost of window replacement with fiberglass windows is $1,250, or between $500 and $1,500. Fiberglass frames are more durable than vinyl and have similar insulation properties.
  • Vinyl frames are the most popular and have an average price range from $100 to $900 per window and an average cost of $550. Vinyl is one of the most affordable, durable, and energy-efficient varieties.
  • Wood frames run from $150 to $1,300, or $800 on average. Wood frames offer a classic architectural look, and some areas may require wood frames if the home is located in a historic district or is a historic landmark. “If it is a historic home, then you need to maintain the aesthetics of the home,” explains Wayne Owczarzac, owner of Mr. Handyman in Wheaton, Illinois. Wood frames are an easy option to maintain the historical look of a home.
A graph showing the window replacement cost by frame material.
Photo: bobvila.com

Window Size and Type

Different window types affect the overall cost of window replacement. Before installing replacement windows, homeowners will want to consider the window’s size, function, and look. Each window type serves a specific purpose. Generally, the larger the window, the more the replacement window cost will increase. Each window type and its average replacement cost is discussed in more detail in a section below.

Window Size Average Cost (Materials and Labor)
Small $150 to $4,000
Medium $150 to $4,000
Large $160 to $4,000

Home Size

The cost of window replacement depends in part on the number of windows that will be replaced. The larger the home, the more windows it is likely to have. The average number of windows in a home is 10. Assuming that all of the windows are replaced at once, this would mean the average cost of replacing a home’s windows is around $2,000 to $11,500.

Number of Windows Average Cost (Materials and Labor)
1 $200 to $1,150
5 $1,000 to $5,750
10 $2,000 to $11,500
15 $3,000 to $17,250
20 $4,000 to $23,000
25 $5,000 to $28,750

Window Location

Window locations can affect total window replacement cost, as replacement in some areas will result in additional costs per window.

Location Average Cost (Materials and Labor)
Basement $200 to $5,000
Bathroom $300 to $1,000
Bedroom $300 to $1,000
Dining room $300 to $1,000
Kitchen $300 to $1,500
  • Basement window replacement costs depend on the window type. Small windows that are just large enough to let in natural light are relatively cheap to replace. However, egress windows, which provide additional escape routes out of a house in case of an emergency, can be pricier, as they often involve clearing the ground outside of the window.
  • Bathroom windows tend to be relatively small and close to the ceiling for privacy reasons, which can make them less costly to replace.
  • Bedroom windows may be required to be large enough for a person to escape through in case of an emergency. Master bedrooms commonly have large picture windows, and these tend to be the most costly to replace.
  • Dining room windows often have large picture, bay, or bow windows, which can mean replacement will be double or triple the normal cost.
  • Kitchen windows are most commonly placed above the sink, or there may be several accent windows throughout. Costs will depend on the size and location of these windows.

Replacing windows on an upper floor of a house increases the overall time of window installation and requires additional equipment and labor, therefore increasing the total cost of window replacement.

Glass Size and Type 

Window glass replacement cost will depend on what kind of glass is used. Some types of glass in replacement windows can help lower utility bills and boost energy efficiency. Paying for window tinting costs can help homeowners reduce harmful UV rays in their home, and impact-resistant glass may be recommended depending on the house’s geographic location. Depending on the location and age of the home, tempered or safety glass may be required by law.

Glass Type Average Cost per Square Foot (Materials Only)
Double-glazed $3 to $6
Insulated $10 to $20
Tempered $12 to $14

Number of Glass Panes

Windows can have anywhere from one to three panes. Windows with multiple glass panes will generally cost more to replace, but they are also more energy efficient because they include extra layers of glass as well as a protective gas for insulation. A single pane costs between $100 and $350 to replace, but a double-pane window replacement costs $280 to $1,500.

Panes Average Replacement Cost (Materials and Labor)
Single $100 to $350
Double $280 to $1,500
Triple $300 to $2,700

Window Brand

As with many products, window prices vary greatly depending on the brand. For example, when customers are comparing Renewal by Andersen vs. Pella for replacement windows, these companies have similar prices to each other but may be pricey compared to other brands on the market. Andersen and Pella have wide ranges. Andersen windows cost between $215 to $3,000 and Pella windows cost $100 to $3,000 per window. Other popular brands include Jeld-Wen, Marvin, Window World, Feldco, Alside, and Simonton.

Window Brand Average Cost (Materials Only)
Alside $100 to $1,500
Andersen $215 to $3,000
Feldco $100 to $1,200
Marvin $215 to $4,000
Pella $100 to $3,000
Simonton $250 to $2,700
Window World $200 to $1,200

Labor

On average, the labor cost for window replacement is between $55 and $65 per hour or $100 to $300 per window. Urban areas with a higher cost of living usually have higher labor costs. The more windows a homeowner replaces at once, the more they’ll likely save. Labor costs are also usually higher for a home that requires custom replacement windows to match historical architecture.

House Age

Homeowners with homes older than 70 years will usually have to double or triple projected pricing. Older homes come with unique challenges, such as unusual window sizes, which can necessitate choosing custom windows as well as repairing or replacing damaged or rotting trim, matching the historical architecture, removing counterweights, upgrading to current building codes, and filling in empty space with insulation.

Geographic Location 

The geographic location of the home can significantly impact the cost of window replacement. Local ordinances and codes could dictate the type of frame and glass that are required for window replacement in each area. If the home is located in a cold climate, budgeting for the cost of triple-pane windows may be the best option for optimal insulation and energy efficiency. If the home is located in a warmer climate, the homeowner may only need to budget for the cost of double-pane windows, as this type of window will usually provide adequate insulation and protection.

Additional Costs and Considerations

When homeowners are budgeting for window replacement cost, there are additional cost factors and considerations to keep in mind. Labor prices can vary due to window size, location, and the level of expertise required to correctly install custom windows. Structural repairs, insulation, waterproofing, job location, and disposal and cleanup costs can add to the total window replacement cost. A window replacement cost estimator can take these factors into account and give homeowners an idea of what they might pay.

Full-Frame vs. Retrofit

The difference between full-frame window replacement and retrofit replacement is a nail fin, which is a flange around the edge for attaching the frame directly to the studs and is found in new construction. In general, it’s recommended to use retrofit windows for existing homes.

Installation of retrofit or replacement windows costs between $100 and $300 each on average for labor, compared to $180 to $1,500 each for full-frame windows. The additional cost comes from the replacement of the entire window frame in addition to the window. Full-frame replacement is recommended for new construction projects, in existing buildings when stripping the walls to the studs, or for a remodel due to wall and window damage.

Structural Repairs

Removing and repairing damaged or rotted wood frames can also add to window replacement cost. This total can change after the initial estimate as a result of the contractor not knowing exactly what will need to be replaced or repaired until they get a good look at the structure when they start replacing the windows. Repairing trim, siding, or drywall can also drive up the cost of window replacement. Siding repair is likely to cost between $214 and $1,468, and drywall repair costs $250 to $765.

Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Including some energy-efficient upgrades as part of a window replacement can add to the up-front cost but may result in energy savings down the road. One common option is weatherstripping. This is the process of attaching foam, felt, or rubber tubes around the window to make it airtight.

Insulation and weatherproofing involve inserting insulation in the gaps surrounding a window. The cost of this work averages $3 to $20 per square foot. However, some of this cost may be recouped in energy savings.

Laminating glass has a similar effect as double glazing with the added benefit of protection from moisture. Low-e coating can result in a 50 percent reduction in heat loss. Tinting, which can also be installed for privacy, blocks sunlight coming in through the window and can help keep the home cool on sunny days.

  1. Laminate: $60 to $300 per window
  2. Low-e coating: $300 to $1,000 per window
  3. Tint: $50 to $1,650 per window
  4. Weatherstripping: $150 to $450 per window
Disposal and Cleanup

Disposal and cleanup costs are sometimes taken into account when a contractor estimates labor costs, and sometimes they are added as a separate charge of $55 to $65 per hour. Window replacement professionals can remove all job-related debris and clean all interior and exterior work areas.

Ongoing Maintenance

After replacement windows are installed, they may require some maintenance to keep them in good shape. The nature of the maintenance will depend on the window frame material.

Aluminum, wood, and sometimes vinyl may need to be repainted occasionally both inside and out. Regular window cleaning is also a good idea for all windows and can be done by a professional or by the homeowner. Exterior windows on the upper floors of the home may be best washed by a professional window cleaning company for safety. Lastly, any damage to the windowpane or frame could result in costly repairs. Steel, wood, and aluminum windows are some of the most durable, while vinyl has a more frequent need for repairs.

Customizations

It’s worth considering having any add-ons or customizations installed at the time of window replacement for convenience and reduced costs. Window treatments including blinds and shades are popular options and cost between $600 and $1,000. Screens can allow the windows to be left open without the risk of welcoming insects or wildlife into the home. Window screen replacement costs about $70 to $200 per window.

If the window trim is looking worse for wear, it may be worth having it replaced. The cost for window trimming materials is between $1 and $10 per linear foot. Lastly, for those who live in areas prone to hurricanes or other severe storms, shutters can provide protection and peace of mind. The cost per window for hurricane shutters is typically between $2,300 and $7,900.

A window is on the ground in the foreground, waiting to be installed by a worked dressed in blue in the background.
Photo: depositphotos.com

Replacement Costs by Type of Window

There are many options to choose from when homeowners are deciding to replace windows. The two main factors that affect window replacement cost are window frame material and window design. When choosing a replacement window for a home, the homeowner will want to consider where the window will be located, how often the window will be opened, and what the function of the window will be.

Window Type Cost (Materials Only)
Arched $350 to $1,000
Awning $400 to $950
Bay $900 to $7,100
Bow $1,500 to $6,500
Casement $150 to $1,000
Circle $250 to $825
Custom $1,000 and up
Double-hung $150 to $650
Egress $100 to $700
Energy-efficient $120 to $1,500
Fixed $400 to $950
Floor-to-ceiling $700 to $5,000
Folding $500 to $900
Garden $500 to $2,400
Glass block $60 to $840
Hopper $150 to $650
Jalousie $170 to $380
Picture $65 to $700
Pocket $100 to $400
Single-hung $100 to $400
Skylight $900 to $2,500
Sliding $150 to $800
Storm $90 to $400
Transom $200 to $650

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Arched

Arched windows usually cost $350 to $1,000 on average. An arched window is a rounded-top window that is added to other window types for additional design aesthetics.

Awning

Awning windows can run from $400 to $950 per window. Awning windows work well in rainy climates because of the way the window creates a water-resistant awning when opened. These windows open via a crank that doubles as a lock and

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