Single hung windows are one of the most common types of windows you’ll find all over the country. They’re also one of the cheapest windows to install in your home. Installing a single hung window costs around $440 per window on average. Most homeowners can expect to pay from $245 to $635 per new single hung window.
Having a single hung window installed professionally will cost you around $65 to $130 in labor fees, depending on your window’s size.
This pricing guide talks about:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Size
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Single Hung Window Replacement Cost
- Related Services
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Single Hung Window Costs
| National Average Cost | $440 |
| Typical Price Range | $245 – $635 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $4,400 |
A single hung window installation costs around $440 on average or anywhere between $245 to $635 per window. You can multiply that cost if you need to install more than one window. For example, most homes have something like 10 windows, and installing or replacing 10 single hung windows at once would cost around $4,400 total.
If you want to save money on your single hung window home improvement project, you can:
- Install smaller windows
- Buy windows made with budget-friendly materials
- Install fewer windows
- Use windows from budget-friendly brands and product lines
- Get quotes from multiple contractors and find one that fits your budget
Aside from a window’s size, other factors such as its planned location, your geographical area, and window treatments can all affect the cost of a single hung window. You can expect to pay more for a single hung window installation if you plan to have it installed on the upper floors of your home compared to the first floor.
Single Hung Window Cost Estimator by Size
Used in architecture as far back as the 17th century, single hung windows come in many standard sizes. A standard single hung window can be as narrow as 24 inches or as wide as 48 inches, and as short as 36 inches or as tall as 72 inches. However, since this type of window only has one movable sash – the upper sash is fixed and cannot be opened – a single hung window’s opening is only half of its total height.
A bigger window costs more to install because installing it takes more effort and time, especially if you’ll be installing it on the second story or higher. You’ll also be paying more for the actual unit itself.
Here is a list of prices that you can expect to pay to install a single hung window, based on the window’s width. Note that taller windows will generally be more expensive than shorter windows of the same width.
| Single Hung Window Width | Cost Range |
| 24 inches | $195 – $420 |
| 28 inches | $225 – $450 |
| 32 inches | $260 – $470 |
| 40 inches | $285 – $490 |
| 44 inches | $295 – $540 |
| 48 inches | $200 – $640 |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
Although window size is a big factor in determining the cost of a single hung window installation, it’s not the only factor that you need to consider. A window’s frame material, glass and glass treatments, physical location, brand, and labor costs can affect the price of your project.
Window Frame Material
Single hung windows can be made of different materials. Each window frame material has its own strengths and weaknesses, with some materials being generally better quality than others. However, these materials drive up the price of your single hung window installation.
Vinyl Single Hung Windows
Vinyl is the most common window frame material. Costing as little as $160 or as much as $1,650, vinyl single hung windows are not the most affordable, but they are one of the cheaper types of single hung materials. They are chosen for their insulating properties, low maintenance, and durability.
Wood Single Hung Windows
Costing anywhere from $305 to $3,150, wood is the most expensive window frame material. Wooden windows offer a timeless look that can be customized to your heart’s content. However, they’re not as durable as other materials and need more maintenance, too.
Fiberglass Single Hung Windows
Fiberglass windows are some of the most durable and energy-efficient windows. They also don’t require a lot of maintenance. Fiberglass single hung windows are more expensive than most other windows with an average cost range of $290 to $2,150.
Composite Single Hung Windows
Combining the beauty of wood and the durability of vinyl, composite single hung windows cost around $275 to $1,575 per unit. They are as energy efficient as vinyl, too.
Aluminum Single Hung Windows
Aluminum is the cheapest window frame material, costing around $100 to $700 per unit. While it doesn’t dent or scratch easily, aluminum is not very energy efficient, making aluminum single hung windows unideal for homes in colder climates.
Window Glass
As a homeowner, you can choose to have special glass and window treatments for your single hung windows. Your window’s glass can be double-glazed, tempered, low-e-coated, tinted, or laminated. These special features help increase your single hung window’s energy efficiency and can save you money in the long run, but they will drive up its upfront cost significantly.
You can also get additional glass panes for your single hung windows – up to three total – to make them even more insulating. Like getting special glass, adding glass panes to your single hung windows will make them more expensive.
Physical Location
Single hung windows get more expensive to install the higher the floor you plan to install them on. This is because it’s more dangerous, more difficult, and requires extra equipment to install a window on an upper floor. Naturally, first-floor windows are the cheapest to install.
Window Brand
Another big factor that can affect the cost of your new single hung windows is the brand you choose to buy. Different window brands offer their products at different price points, some with extra features and higher Energy Star ratings.
The price of a single hung window can even vary within a brand depending on the product line it comes from, as many brands offer multiple product lines with different materials and features.
Here are some window brands that offer single hung windows and their price ranges. Keep in mind that these prices might differ from what you can find in your area due to logistics and geographic location.
| Window Brand | Single Hung Window Cost Range |
| Alside | $365 – $425 |
| Andersen | $440 – $780 |
| CertainTeed/MI | $455 – $700 |
| JELD-WEN | $110 – $1,270 |
| Marvin | $425 – $480 |
| Milgard | $520 – $695 |
| Pella | $200 – $1,955 |
| Ply Gem | $180 – $445 |
| Simonton | $490 – $660 |
Labor Cost
Because single-hung windows are pretty simple and straightforward to install, the labor cost isn’t as high as that of a bay or bow window. Homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $65 to $130 per window in labor costs.
A standard single hung window can take around one to two hours to install, so that can give you an idea of how much to pay if the pro you hire gives you an hourly rate. Of course, labor costs also depend on the size of the window and the location you want to install it.
Single Hung Window Replacement Cost
If you just need to replace one single hung window, then you’re in luck. Window replacement is more affordable than window installation, especially if you’re replacing windows of the same size. On average, replacing a single hung window costs between $115 to $410.
Related Services
If you’re getting a new single hung window installed or having an old one replaced, then you might be thinking about these related services, too.
Window Replacement and Repair
Don’t neglect your other windows, or else your new single hung window will stand out in a negative way. Getting your windows replaced costs anywhere from $310 to $1,330 depending on the type of window, although most homeowners pay around $670 to replace their old and broken windows.
If your windows only have minor damage, then repairing them might be the better option for you. Professional window repairs cost less than both window installation and replacement, with prices between $170 and $565. Most window repairs cost around $360.
Insulation
If you’re getting a new single hung window, you may need to have the gaps around it insulated to keep your home’s temperature from fluctuating too much. Installing window insulation costs around $3 to $20 per square foot.
Siding
A new single hung window can enhance your curb appeal, so you might be interested in boosting it further with new siding. Aside from that, pros will most likely need to mess with your siding when they install your new single hung window. Replacing siding costs around $2.33 to $15.33 per square foot, while siding repair projects can cost anywhere between $214 to $1,468 or around $630 on average.
Drywall
If the window installers need to touch up your siding, they probably need to touch up your drywall, too. New drywall installation typically costs $975 to $2,370, or an average of $1,920, but you will probably end up spending less if you only need a small area replaced. If you only need repairs for your drywall, it can run you about $445, but the cost of an average drywall repair job ranges between $250 to $765.
House Painting
Spruce up your home’s exterior even more with a fresh coat of paint. You can get a pro to paint the outside of your home for anywhere between $2,191 and $4,505, although most whole-house painting projects cost around $3,348 on average.
Single Hung Window Cost vs. Other Window Types
Single hung windows are some of the most common types of windows, so you might be interested in getting a window that’s a bit different. Maybe you just want to see your options. In any case, see the table below to compare the costs of different types of windows.
| Window Type | Typical Price Range |
| Arched window | $345 – $925 |
| Awning window | $295 – $655 |
| Bay window | $1,125 – $4,790 |
| Bow window | $2,190 – $6,140 |
| Casement window | $155 – $970 |
| Circle window | $250 – $825 |
| Double hung window | $250 – $975 |
| Egress window | $2,445 – $5,265 |
| Folding window | $835 – $2,200 |
| Garden window | $1,050 – $4,000 |
| Glass block window | $410 – $1,235 |
| Hopper window | $200 – $665 |
| Jalousie window | $165 – $400 |
| Picture window | $200 – $775 |
| Skylight window | $800 – $2,200 |
| Sliding window | $180 – $870 |
| Storm window | $125 – $415 |
| Tilt-out window | $350 – $1,500 |
| Transom window | $160 – $365 |
| Single-pane window | $160 – $390 |
| Double-pane window | $425 – $950 |
| Triple-pane window | $500 – $1,865 |
| Custom window | $300 – $3,000 |
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
The cost to install a new window DIY in an already existing window opening is around $720 to $2,210, including the cost of a new vinyl single hung window, tools, and materials. See our article “How to Install a Replacement Window DIY” for step-by-step instructions to guide you.
| DIY Equipment Required | Average Cost |
| Vinyl single hung window | $160 – $1,650 |
| Caulk gun | $6 |
| Caulk | $3 |
| Cordless drill | $120 |
| Hammer | $18 |
| Nails | $12 |
| Finishing Nails | $6 |
| Putty knife | $10 |
| Utility knife | $12 |
| Tape measure | $18 |
| Pry bar | $15 |
| Level | $35 |
| Work gloves | $18 |
| Safety glasses | $14 |
| Paintbrush | $10 |
| Trim paint | $55 |
| Oscillating tool | $140 |
| Fiberglass insulation | $25 |
| Expanding foam | $10 |
| Shims | $2 |
| Wood filler | $15 |
| Hearing protection | $16 |
| Total DIY Cost | $720 – $2,210 |
If we compare the DIY cost and the professional cost, the total cost of a DIY single hung window installation is more expensive than the average price of a professional installation, which typically ranges from $245 to $635. Because window installation also requires an intermediate level of home improvement skill and a lot of time, it’s not recommended for homeowners to install their own windows, especially if they have to buy a lot of the tools to pull it off.
This table doesn’t include window installation on higher floors either; you can add the cost of a ladder and scaffolding to this DIY cost if you plan to install a single hung window on the second floor or higher. Installing windows on higher floors is also more dangerous, so it’s best to leave that to a window installation pro.
Professionals typically also offer a warranty on their window installations.
Cost of Single Hung Window Installation by Location
Like most window-related services, homeowners living in colder areas will likely need to pay more for their single hung window installation project because they need to pay for energy-efficient upgrades. These upgrades can include extra glass panes and special window treatments.
Your single hung window installation’s cost also depends on where you live. For example, urban areas will usually have more expensive prices than rural areas. The area you live in also has different labor costs and local supply chains that affect the cost. Lastly, you might live in a historical area that requires you to have a certain type of window style.
FAQ About Single Hung Windows
Single hung windows are some of the cheapest window options you have as a homeowner because of how simple they are. They don’t have many moving parts; they just have one movable sash.
This simplicity also makes them more energy-efficient, because fewer moving parts mean fewer places for air to leak out and for outside temperatures to seep in. Lastly, because single hung windows only have one movable sash, they are more secure; only the bottom sash needs to be locked.
Compared to something like a double hung window, single hung windows are worse for air flow because you can only open half of the window. They’re also more difficult to clean.
Most single hung windows don’t have tilt-out sashes, so you have to be inside your home to clean your windows’ interior and outside to clean the exterior. This can be dangerous if your single hung windows are on the second story or above.
Some single hung windows have sashes that tilt out, but this only applies to the movable bottom sash. While you can clean the exterior of the lower sash easily, you still have to reach your arm outside to clean the exterior of the top sash.
The key difference between single and double hung windows is that double hung windows have two movable sashes instead of just one. They have their own strengths and weaknesses, but they are both good options for your home.
Like most windows, they typically last 15 to 20 years. They can last longer than that, but that’s only possible with good maintenance.
DIY or Hire a Pro to Install Your Single Hung Windows?
Single hung windows are simple, effective, easy to find and install, and inexpensive. They’re a great option for homeowners who aren’t looking for anything overly fancy. If you want to get a new single hung window for your own home, you should contact a window installation pro near you today.
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