How Much Does Window Replacement Cost in 2026?
By Michael JohnsonUpdated 8 sources comparedHow we estimate
A standard replacement window typically costs $450 to $1,500 installed, and about $900 is a fair national average for a vinyl double-hung or sliding unit. Replacing 10 windows usually costs $4,500 to $15,000. The price depends mostly on the frame material, the window style and whether the installer reuses the old frame (insert) or replaces it (full-frame).
- Typical cost
- $450–$1,500
- National average
- $900
- Full range
- $300–$8,000
The typical range covers one standard-size double-hung, single-hung, sliding or casement window with a vinyl frame and double-pane low-E glass, installed as an insert; fiberglass, wood, full-frame installs and bay or bow units cost more. Prices are per window, installed.
How we got these numbers
National guides disagree more on windows than on most projects, because some report the cheapest basic units and others report premium brands. HomeGuide puts a single-hung window at $450 to $1,500 installed, with a $900 average. Forbes Home reports an $800 average. Pella, a manufacturer, cites $800 to $1,600 for installed vinyl. This Old House's 2026 homeowner survey is the low outlier at $517 per window. Remodeling magazine's 2025 Cost vs Value report is the high one: $22,073 for a 10-window vinyl project, about $2,200 per window with full contractor overhead. We use the middle of the per-window averages ($900) and the range where most sources overlap ($450 to $1,500) for a standard vinyl window.
Estimate your cost
Enter how many standard windows and bay or bow units you're replacing, then choose the frame material and installation method.
Ranges come from the sources listed at the end of this guide. The labor portion is adjusted for your state with BEA price data. Your final price depends on site conditions and local codes.
Window replacement cost by type
Installed price per window. HomeGuide gives ranges; Forbes Home gives single averages.
| Window type | HomeGuide range | Forbes Home average | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-hung | $300–$2,100 | ~$500 | Only the bottom sash moves; usually the cheapest |
| Double-hung | $350–$2,500 | ~$600 | Both sashes tilt in for cleaning; most common |
| Sliding | $300–$2,300 | ~$1,000 | Good for wide, short openings |
| Picture (fixed) | $300–$1,300 | ~$875 | No moving parts; large sizes cost more |
| Casement | $400–$3,000 | ~$800 | Crank hardware; seals tightly |
| Awning | $400–$2,000 | ~$550 | Hinged at top; often over sinks |
| Bay | $2,000–$6,000 | ~$2,000 | Three-unit projecting assembly |
| Bow | $3,000–$8,000+ | ~$2,500 | Four or more curved units |
This Old House's survey found much flatter pricing across styles ($474 to $551 per window, bay included). That may reflect respondents replacing mostly smaller, simpler units. For bay and bow windows, expect the HomeGuide ranges. They usually need structural support, roofing over the projection and interior finish work.
Cost by frame material
| Frame material | HomeGuide | Pella | Forbes Home | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | $175–$1,000 | — | $400–$700 | Mild climates, budget jobs |
| Vinyl | $200–$1,500 | $800–$1,600 | $450–$900 | Best value; low maintenance |
| Fiberglass | $400–$2,000 | $1,100–$2,200 | $450–$1,100 | Strength, stability in hot or cold climates |
| Composite | $400–$2,300 | — | $600–$2,500 | Wood look with less upkeep |
| Wood / wood-clad | $800–$3,800 | $1,100–$2,200+ | $550–$1,950 | Historic homes, custom looks |
In our calculator, fiberglass runs about 1.35 times vinyl and wood about 1.8 times. Those factors are in line with the midpoint ratios in these sources: about 1.15 to 1.4 times vinyl for fiberglass and about 1.4 to 2.7 times for wood.
Insert vs. full-frame installation
- Insert (pocket) replacement slides a new window into the existing frame. It's faster, keeps interior trim and siding intact, and costs less. You lose a little glass area.
- Full-frame replacement removes the old frame down to the rough opening. The installer can inspect for rot, add flashing and insulation, and keep the full glass size. It costs more in labor and trim work.
Angi's 2026 estimates, as reported by This Old House, put installation at $100 to $400 per window for inserts and $180 to $1,500 for full-frame. Pella also notes full-frame "generally costs more." Our calculator applies a 1.5× factor for full-frame. The roughly $590 difference between the two installation midpoints adds about half to a typical $900 to $1,200 window.
Choose full-frame if the frames are rotted, out of square or leaking. Also choose it when you're changing the window size or style, or when the house is getting new siding anyway.
Whole-house cost by number of windows
Using $450 to $1,500 per standard vinyl window (HomeGuide):
| Windows replaced | Typical total |
|---|---|
| 1 | $450–$1,500 |
| 5 | $2,250–$7,500 |
| 10 | $4,500–$15,000 |
| 15 | $6,750–$22,500 |
| 20 | $9,000–$30,000 |
| 25 | $11,250–$37,500 |
| 30 | $13,500–$45,000 |
For comparison, Forbes Home lists $4,000 to $7,000 for 6–10 double-hung vinyl windows and $10,000 to $15,000 for 16–20. It notes those figures may not include all labor. Cost vs Value puts a 10-window job at $22,073 in vinyl and $26,781 in wood. This Old House's survey average project was $7,183 for about seven windows.
Labor vs. materials
HomeGuide splits a replacement window at 65%–75% for the unit and 25%–35% for labor, with installation running $100 to $500 per window. Forbes Home cites $150 to $300 per window for standard installs. We use a labor share of 30%, the middle of HomeGuide's range. Full-frame, second-story and custom installs push the labor share higher.
What drives the price up or down
- Frame material. Moving from vinyl to wood can nearly double the price per window.
- Glass package. Forbes Home's averages: single-pane $440, double-pane $815, triple-pane $1,300. HomeGuide says low-E coatings add 10%–20% to the window price.
- Size and custom shapes. Non-standard sizes, arches and large picture units are made to order.
- Installation method. See insert vs. full-frame above.
- Access. Second- and third-story windows need ladders or staging and take longer.
- Rot and repairs. HomeGuide prices siding rot repair at $2 to $14 per square foot, and a new or enlarged opening at $500 to $2,000 per window.
- Brand. Premium lines cost more than entry-level ones in the same frame material. Compare quotes on the same specification rather than by brand name.
Window replacement cost by state
Labor is about 30% of a typical window job, so state differences are smaller than for remodeling projects. The table starts with our national per-window range compiled from the sources above. It then adjusts only the labor portion by each state's BEA Regional Price Parity.
| State | Typical range | Average | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $440–$1,450 | $870 | -3.0% |
| Alaska | $450–$1,500 | $900 | +0.5% |
| Arizona | $450–$1,500 | $900 | +0.3% |
| Arkansas | $430–$1,450 | $860 | -4.0% |
| California | $470–$1,550 | $930 | +3.8% |
| Colorado | $450–$1,500 | $900 | +0.4% |
| Connecticut | $450–$1,500 | $910 | +1.1% |
| Delaware | $450–$1,500 | $900 | -0.2% |
| District of Columbia | $460–$1,550 | $930 | +3.2% |
| Florida | $450–$1,500 | $910 | +1.0% |
| Georgia | $450–$1,500 | $890 | -1.0% |
| Hawaii | $460–$1,550 | $920 | +2.6% |
| Idaho | $440–$1,450 | $880 | -2.6% |
| Illinois | $450–$1,500 | $900 | -0.3% |
| Indiana | $440–$1,450 | $880 | -2.3% |
| Iowa | $430–$1,450 | $870 | -3.4% |
| Kansas | $440–$1,450 | $870 | -3.0% |
| Kentucky | $440–$1,450 | $870 | -2.9% |
| Louisiana | $430–$1,450 | $870 | -3.5% |
| Maine | $450–$1,500 | $890 | -0.9% |
| Maryland | $460–$1,500 | $910 | +1.2% |
| Massachusetts | $460–$1,550 | $920 | +2.5% |
| Michigan | $440–$1,450 | $880 | -1.7% |
| Minnesota | $450–$1,500 | $900 | -0.5% |
| Mississippi | $430–$1,450 | $870 | -3.8% |
| Missouri | $440–$1,450 | $880 | -2.5% |
| Montana | $440–$1,450 | $870 | -2.9% |
| Nebraska | $440–$1,450 | $870 | -2.9% |
| Nevada | $450–$1,500 | $890 | -0.9% |
| New Hampshire | $460–$1,500 | $910 | +1.6% |
| New Jersey | $460–$1,550 | $920 | +2.7% |
| New Mexico | $440–$1,450 | $870 | -2.9% |
| New York | $460–$1,550 | $920 | +2.3% |
| North Carolina | $440–$1,450 | $880 | -1.8% |
| North Dakota | $430–$1,450 | $870 | -3.4% |
| Ohio | $440–$1,450 | $880 | -2.5% |
| Oklahoma | $430–$1,450 | $870 | -3.5% |
| Oregon | $460–$1,500 | $910 | +1.4% |
| Pennsylvania | $450–$1,500 | $890 | -0.8% |
| Rhode Island | $450–$1,500 | $900 | +0.4% |
| South Carolina | $440–$1,450 | $880 | -2.0% |
| South Dakota | $430–$1,450 | $870 | -3.6% |
| Tennessee | $440–$1,450 | $880 | -2.2% |
| Texas | $450–$1,500 | $890 | -0.8% |
| Utah | $440–$1,500 | $890 | -1.5% |
| Vermont | $450–$1,500 | $890 | -1.0% |
| Virginia | $450–$1,500 | $900 | +0.2% |
| Washington | $460–$1,550 | $920 | +2.6% |
| West Virginia | $440–$1,450 | $870 | -3.1% |
| Wisconsin | $440–$1,450 | $880 | -2.1% |
| Wyoming | $440–$1,450 | $880 | -2.8% |
Repair vs. replace, and DIY vs. pro
Replacement isn't always necessary. HomeGuide prices glass-only replacement at $150 to $500 per pane, which fixes a fogged or cracked insulated unit when the frame is sound. Replace the whole window when frames are rotted or warped, sashes won't stay open, there are drafts you can't fix with weatherstripping, or the unit is single-pane.
Experienced DIYers can install insert windows on a first floor. A poorly flashed window can leak into the wall for years before you notice, though. Hire a pro for full-frame work, upper floors, bay or bow units and any change to the opening size, which may need a permit and a header. If your home was built before 1978, window replacement disturbs painted surfaces that may contain lead. Under the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting rule, contractors must be lead-safe certified.
How to save money
- Don't count on the federal tax credit in 2026. The Section 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit paid 30% of the cost of ENERGY STAR Most Efficient windows, up to $600 a year. The IRS confirms it's not allowed for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Windows installed in 2025 can still be claimed on your 2025 return using Form 5695. Many ranking pages still advertise the $600 credit as current.
- Look for local rebates instead. Use the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder to check utility and state programs by ZIP code.
- Choose vinyl insert windows where frames are sound. It's the lowest-cost combination in every source.
- Prioritize. Replace the worst windows first. Single-pane units and rotted frames give the most benefit per dollar.
- Ask for quantity pricing. Ask each installer to price 5, 10 and all windows. Doing several windows in one visit avoids paying for repeat setup and trip time.
- Get three quotes on the same specification: same frame material, glass package (U-factor and SHGC), and installation method.
Better windows help, but they're one part of a home's comfort. If drafts are severe, an HVAC or insulation upgrade may matter as much. See our heat pump installation cost and HVAC replacement cost guides.
How to compare contractor quotes
A fair window quote should state:
- Brand, product line, frame material and color for each window, plus the window schedule (location, size, style).
- Glass package: double- or triple-pane, low-E, gas fill, and the NFRC-rated U-factor and SHGC.
- Installation method (insert or full-frame) for each opening, and how they flash and insulate.
- Interior and exterior trim work, such as aluminum capping, new casing or caulk only.
- Removal and disposal of old windows, and lead-safe practices if the home is pre-1978.
- Permits, the warranty on the product and on the labor, and who handles warranty claims.
Red flags: "today only" discounts, prices that only appear after a long in-home presentation, refusal to itemize per window, and vague glass specs.
Hidden and extra costs people forget
- Rot repair on sills and framing found during removal: $2 to $14 per square foot (HomeGuide).
- Permits: Forbes Home cites $50 to $100 per window on average; changing the opening size raises it.
- Exterior trim capping or new casing if insert windows leave gaps.
- Interior paint and drywall touch-up after full-frame work.
- Window treatments that no longer fit.
- Egress requirements: a bedroom window replacement may need to meet egress size, and HomeGuide prices egress windows at $3,000 to $7,000.
- Roof flashing for bay or bow windows. If your roof is due too, see our roof replacement cost guide.
Is window replacement worth it at resale?
Remodeling's 2025 Cost vs Value report estimates vinyl window replacement recoups about 75.5% of its cost at resale, and wood about 70.1%.
Bottom line
Expect to pay about $450 to $1,500 per standard window installed, and roughly $900 on average, which puts a 10-window job at $4,500 to $15,000. Vinyl insert windows are the budget choice. Fiberglass, wood, full-frame installation and bay or bow units each add substantially. The federal 25C tax credit no longer applies to windows installed after 2025, so check local rebates and compare at least three itemized quotes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard price for window replacement?
A standard vinyl double-hung or sliding replacement window typically costs $450 to $1,500 installed, and about $900 is a reasonable average across the national guides we compiled (HomeGuide, Forbes Home, Pella, This Old House). Fiberglass and wood units run higher, and bay or bow windows cost $2,000 to $8,000 each.
How much does it cost to replace all the windows in a house?
At $450 to $1,500 per standard vinyl window, 10 windows cost about $4,500 to $15,000 and 20 windows about $9,000 to $30,000 (HomeGuide). Remodeling magazine's 2025 Cost vs Value report prices a 10-window vinyl replacement at $22,073 and a wood one at $26,781, which reflects full contractor pricing with premium units.
Is there a federal tax credit for replacement windows in 2026?
No. The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C), which paid 30% of the cost of qualifying ENERGY STAR Most Efficient windows up to $600 a year, ended under Public Law 119-21. The IRS says the credit is not allowed for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Windows installed in 2025 can still be claimed on a 2025 return; check state and utility rebates for newer projects.
Is full-frame replacement more expensive than insert replacement?
Yes. An insert (pocket) window fits inside the existing frame, while full-frame replacement removes the frame and often the trim down to the rough opening. Angi's estimates, as reported by This Old House, put installation at $100 to $400 per window for inserts versus $180 to $1,500 for full-frame work. Full-frame is the right call when the old frame is rotted or out of square.
Which window type is the cheapest to replace?
Single-hung, picture (fixed) and basic sliding windows are usually the least expensive. HomeGuide lists single-hung at $300 to $2,100 and picture windows at $300 to $1,300 installed. Casement and awning windows cost more because of their crank hardware, and bay and bow windows are the most expensive at $2,000 to $8,000.
Are window prices going up in 2026?
Modestly, according to the data available. This Old House's homeowner survey average rose from about $491 per window in late 2025 to $517 in 2026, roughly 5%. Quotes still vary far more by frame material, size and installation method than by year.
How much is labor to install a replacement window?
HomeGuide puts installation labor at $100 to $500 per window, or about 25%–35% of the total, and Forbes Home cites $150 to $300 per window for standard installs. Second-story windows, full-frame removal, custom sizes and rot repair push labor higher.
Sources
We compared these sources to build the QuoteRuler range. State figures adjust the labor portion (30% of the total) using the BEA Regional Price Parities.
- Window Replacement Cost — HomeGuide. Used for: Single-hung installed $450–$1,500 (avg. $900, min $300, max $8,000); whole-house table 1–30 windows; installed price by type (double-hung $350–$2,500, casement $400–$3,000, sliding $300–$2,300, picture $300–$1,300, bay $2,000–$6,000, bow $3,000–$8,000+); by frame material (aluminum $175–$1,000, vinyl $200–$1,500, fiberglass $400–$2,000, composite $400–$2,300, wood $800–$3,800); labor $100–$500 per window, 25%–35% of total; new opening $500–$2,000; rot repair $2–$14/sq ft; low-E adds 10%–20%.
- Replacement Window Cost in 2026 — Pella. Used for: Manufacturer's national installed averages per window (updated Oct 2026): vinyl $800–$1,600, fiberglass $1,100–$2,200, wood $1,100–$2,200+; full-frame generally costs more than insert.
- Window Replacement Cost (2025) — Forbes Home. Used for: Average $800 (low $300, high $3,000); cost by number of windows; average by type (double-hung ~$600, casement ~$800, sliding ~$1,000, picture ~$875, bay ~$2,000, bow ~$2,500); by material (vinyl $450–$900, fiberglass $450–$1,100, wood $550–$1,950, aluminum $400–$700); labor $150–$300 per window; permits $50–$100 per window (audited May 2025).
- How Much Does Window Replacement Cost? (2026) — This Old House. Used for: 2026 homeowner survey: $517 per window, $7,183 per project (avg. seven windows); by material (aluminum $453 to fiberglass $564) and style ($474–$551); late-2025 comparison $491 per window.
- Full-Frame vs. Insert Window Replacement — This Old House. Used for: Installation cost per window citing Angi 2026 estimates: insert $100–$400, full-frame $180–$1,500 (basis for the full-frame multiplier).
- Cost vs Value Report 2025 — National — Remodeling / Journal of Light Construction (Zonda). Used for: Window replacement, vinyl $22,073 (75.5% recouped); wood $26,781 (70.1%); 10-window project scope per Opendoor's summary of the report.
- FAQs for modification of sections 25C, 25D, 25E, 30C, 30D, 45L, 45W, and 179D under Public Law 119-21 (OBBB) — IRS. Used for: 25C credit not allowed for any property placed in service after December 31, 2025.
- Federal Tax Credits: Windows and Skylights — ENERGY STAR. Used for: Former credit terms: 30% up to $600 for ENERGY STAR Most Efficient windows, purchased and installed Jan 1, 2023–Dec 31, 2025; principal residence only.
- Regional Price Parities by State, 2023 — U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Used for: state cost adjustments.