How Much Does Window Replacement Cost in 2024?

A window replacement costs around $670 on average, with most homeowners spending somewhere between $310 and $1,330.

Windows are a crucial part of one’s home, and you should get them replaced when they’re worn beyond repair. Although a window replacement costs around $670, most homeowners can expect to pay anywhere between $310 to $1,330 for a window replacement.

Getting your windows replaced by a professional can add an additional $50 per hour or around $110 to $290 per window in labor costs, depending on the type of window, its size, and other factors, like whether you’re getting a retrofit window replacement or a full-frame one.

During a retrofit replacement, the installer replaces the window sash (the part that holds the glass). In a full-frame replacement, the installer tears out the old window and replaces it with a brand-new one.

In this pricing guide you’ll find:

Average Window Replacement Costs

National Average Cost$670
Typical Price Range$310 – $1,330
Extreme Low-End Cost$120
Extreme High-End Cost$6,580

While most window replacements cost between $310 to $1,330 – with an average of $670 – homeowners can spend as little as $120 or as much as $6,580 for a window replacement.

Why does window replacement cost vary so widely? A general rule of thumb is that the bigger and more elaborate the windows, the more expensive they are to replace. To save money on your window replacement, you can:

  • Use cheaper materials for the window frame or sash
  • Buy a replacement window from a budget window brand
  • Replace fewer windows
  • Use only standard window sizes
  • Look out for rebates from both window replacement companies and your state or local city government
  • Get quotes from multiple window replacement companies to find a contractor that fits your budget

There are other factors that can affect window replacement cost, including the window’s location, your geographical area, window treatments, and your home’s age. A homeowner in a historical district that needs to replace multiple bay windows will end up spending more than a suburban homeowner who only needs one small single-hung window replaced.

Window Replacement Cost Estimator by Frame Material

persons replacing a window
Photo Credit: Industrial Photograph / Canva Pro / License

Window frames – the structure separating the glass and your home’s walls – can be made of many different materials. There are a few that enhance the durability of a window, but they usually come with a higher price tag.

Vinyl

Vinyl is the most popular window frame material because it’s a good insulator, low-maintenance, and quite durable while still being relatively affordable. However, it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing. The cost of a vinyl window replacement is anywhere between $140 to $765 per frame.

Wood

Wood is a classic window frame material with a timeless look. While wood windows are more energy-efficient than vinyl windows, they’re not the most durable. They cost around $195 to $1,210 per window to replace. If you live in a historical district, you may be forced to use wooden windows in your home to preserve the area’s aesthetics.

Fiberglass

At $585 to $1,430 per unit, fiberglass windows are by far the most expensive to replace, but this high price tag comes with many benefits. Fiberglass window frames are not only energy efficient; they are also more aesthetically pleasing and more durable than your typical vinyl window.

Aluminum

On the flip side, we have aluminum windows. A typical aluminum window replacement costs between $80 to $460 per unit, but it can get more expensive than that depending on how big or complicated your windows are. Aluminum frames cost the least to replace but they’re also the least durable and least energy-efficient.

Composite

Composite windows marry PVC polymers and wood fibers to get the best of both worlds. They are as durable and energy-efficient as vinyl while still offering the aesthetic appeal of wood. They’re more expensive to replace than either type at around $340 to $1,240 per unit, but they’re not as expensive as fiberglass.

Window Replacement Cost Estimator by Window Type

Windows come in all shapes and sizes. Some, like bay, bow, and egress windows, are bigger and more elaborate than your average window. Bay and bow windows also have more panes than many standard windows. Because of this, they can be much more expensive than a standard single- or double-hung window. Different types of windows are also more difficult to install, which drives up the cost.

These are some of the common window types you’ll come across and their associated costs:

Window TypeCost Range Per Window
Arched$345 – $925
Awning$295 – $655
Bay$985 – $2,450
Bow$1,300 – $3,380
Casement$155 – $970
Circle$250 – $825
Double-hung$250 – $975
Egress$2,445 – $5,265
Folding$835 – $2,200
Garden$1,050 – $4,000
Glass Block$415 – $1,000
Hopper$200 – $665
Jalousie$175 – $410
Picture$200 – $775
Single-hung$115 – $410
Skylight$800 – $2,200
Sliding$180 – $870
Storm$125 – $415
Tilt-out$350 – $1,500
Transom$160 – $365
Custom$300 – $3,000

Arched

Replacing an arched window costs around $345 to $925 per unit. Arched windows can add some decorative flair to your home with their rounded tops, and they can stand alone or be added above an existing window.

Awning

Awning windows have a hinge on top and are opened by pushing the bottom outwards, creating a rain-resistant awning. The price of an awning window replacement is between $295 to $655 per piece.

Bay and Bow

These types of windows protrude outwards from the outside of your home, providing extra space for shelving and seating inside. The difference between a bay and a bow window lies in the number of glass panes used. 

Bay windows use three panes of glass: a center pane and two others attached at a 30-45 degree angle on either end of the center pane. A bay window costs around $985 to $2,450 to replace. 

Bow windows use at least five window panes instead of the bow window’s three. This makes them more expensive to replace. Replacement bow windows cost between $1,300 to $3,380 per window.

Casement

Casement windows have a hinge on one side and are opened using a hand crank. Awning and hopper windows are both types of casement windows. The cost to replace one of these ranges from $155 to $970.

Circle

Circular or round windows cost around $250 to $825 to replace. They are primarily used as decoration and can be half-circle, full-circle, oval, or elliptical windows.

Double-hung

Like the single-hung window, these windows are some of the most common types you’ll find. Although they look pretty similar to single-hung windows, double-hung windows have movable upper and lower sashes. They are easier to clean and provide more ventilation, but double-hung windows cost more to replace than a single-hung window at around $195 to $635 per unit.

Egress

Egress windows are large windows installed in finished basements. They double as an exit in case of an emergency and are often required by the law to be installed. Because they need to be big enough for a person to pass through them, the cost of egress window replacement is more expensive than most windows at $2,445 to $5,265 per window.

Folding

Folding windows are a type of custom window installation. They are made of multiple window panes that fold like an accordion along a track. They are also called pass-through windows and cost anywhere from $835 to $2,200 to replace.

Garden

Similar to bay windows, garden windows jut out from your home’s exterior, creating a shelf. Although they are much smaller than bay windows, they also provide some much-needed space, usually for houseplants. Garden windows cost around $1,050 to $4,000 per unit to replace.

Glass Block

A glass block window costs around $410 to $1,235 per unit to replace, and it is a popular choice for bathrooms because it lets light in while maintaining your privacy.

Hopper

Hopper windows have a hinge at the bottom and open inward, much like the inverse of an awning window. Replacing a hopper window costs between $200 to $665.

Jalousie

Made of slats of glass that are opened using a lever, jalousie windows function like blinds. They’re often found in hotter areas and are used to control the airflow coming into a room. The cost to replace a jalousie window ranges from $175 to $410.

Picture

Many picture windows consist of one large rectangular pane and often can’t be opened at all. They are great for letting natural light in. A picture window costs anywhere from $200 to $775 to replace.

Single-hung

Single-hung windows are one of the most popular types of windows. Although they have an upper and bottom sash, only the bottom one can be moved. They are less expensive than their double-hung counterparts. A single-hung window costs around $115 to $410 to replace.

Skylight

Placed on roofs and ceilings, skylights allow natural light to enter your home even if you’re limited on exterior wall space. They can also be used to brighten up harder-to-reach areas away from an exterior wall, like hallways and bathrooms. Because of where they’re installed and the difficulty involved, replacing skylights costs more than the average window, ranging from $800 to $2,200 per piece.

Sliding

Unlike casement windows, these windows are set along a track and have to be slid from side to side to open. Replacing a sliding window costs around $180 to $870 per unit.

Storm

Instead of being a standalone window, many storm windows are just additional panes of glass installed to existing windows. They can be permanent or temporary, and they make existing windows more energy-efficient. Homeowners looking to replace their storm windows pay around $125 to $415 per piece.

Tilt-out

These windows can be of any style as long as their sashes are able to detach from the top corners and tilt inwards toward the interior of the home. Tilt-out windows were designed to make it easier for homeowners to clean them. Their replacement cost ranges from $350 to $1,500 per window.

Transom

Installed around door frames, transom windows add visual appeal to a home while also letting natural light inside. Replacement transom windows cost around $160 to $365.

Custom

Any type of window that isn’t a standard size or shape is a custom build. Replacing a custom window is usually more expensive than replacing a standard window, with an average cost ranging from $300 to $3,000. However, this price can easily shoot up if you have a very big window or one that is particularly difficult to install. 

Other Factors That Affect Cost

The type of window, its size, and the material it’s made of are not the only factors that influence the cost of a window replacement project. Here are some other cost factors that could be reflected in your bill:

Labor Costs

On average, homeowners spend anywhere from $110 to $290 per window or around $50 per hour on labor for a window replacement. However, expect to pay more in labor costs for custom windows, complicated window styles, or bigger windows.

Full-Frame vs. Retrofit Replacement

If your window frame is in good condition, you can opt for a retrofit window replacement. Instead of replacing the whole window, the installer only replaces the window sash. Since it only replaces part of the window, a retrofit replacement can save you up to 15%-20%. However, this type of window replacement isn’t ideal if your frame and trim are too damaged or if you want to change your window’s style.

In those situations, you’d have to go with a full-frame window replacement. This replaces everything, including your window’s frame. Full-frame replacements are better suited for windows that are severely damaged, as a retrofit replacement can’t solve issues with the window frame or trim.

Window Location

Windows in the foyer, dining room, bedroom, and bathroom all have similar average replacement costs because windows in these are of the house are usually standard-sized. They cost around $300 to $1,000 to replace.

Some kitchens have different window styles that are more expensive to replace, like garden windows. Because of this, the average cost of a kitchen window replacement can be as low as $300 or as high as $2,500.

Windows that are slightly underground – i.e. the basement – can also cost more to replace if you are replacing a small window with an egress window because the latter is much bigger. The average basement window costs $235 to $900 to replace, while a basement egress window replacement costs $1,300 to $3,250.

Windows on the upper floors of a house are more expensive to replace than the ones on the first floor. The higher you go, the more it costs because it takes more effort and additional equipment to replace these windows. 

Your House’s Age

Windows in older homes – around 70 years old or more – usually cost more because their windows don’t quite match the sizes and styles of modern windows. The window replacement cost can also be more expensive because of the need for additional repairs, building code updates, insulation, and historic district codes that require their residents to stick to a specific type of window. Replacing the windows on a historic home can double or even triple the cost.

Glass Type and Treatments

There are many types of window glass, and they can have different treatments applied to them. These windows can increase energy efficiency and provide additional benefits. But these added perks come at a price, driving up the overall window replacement cost.

The most common types of window glass are:

  • Double-glazed, whose insulation muffles noise and maintains comfortable temperatures inside your home.
  • Tempered, which is the most capable of withstanding the forces of nature, like wind, debris, and harsh weather.
Glass TypeCost Range Per Window
Double-glazed$140 – $510
Tempered$200 – $860

The types of treated windows are:

  • Low emissivity-coated, also called low e-coated, which can prevent too much ultraviolet and infrared light from passing through the glass and into your home. They also prevent heat from escaping your home. They don’t block out the sunlight.
  • Tinted, whose layer of solar window film protects you and your family from ultraviolet light, sun glare, and heat loss.
  • Laminated, which is similar to double-glazed glass with a few more benefits.
Glass TreatmentCost Range Per Window
Low emissivity-coated$325 – $985
Tinted$150 – $2,930
Laminated$190 – $865

The prices here are for standard 24-inch by 32-inch and 48-inch by 72-inch double-hung windows.

Number of Glass Panes

Windows can have one, two, or three glass panes, with additional glass panes driving up the window replacement cost. Additional glass panes act as extra insulation, preventing heat loss in colder temperatures, blocking additional heat from coming in during warm days, and muffling noise.

Number of Glass PanesCost Range Per Window
Single-pane glass$160 – $390
Double-pane glass$425 – $950
Triple-pane glass$500 – $1,865

Window Brand

The cost of your window replacement can vary greatly depending on the brand you choose. High-end brands cost more, but they often have the most styles to choose from. These brands usually also have additional benefits, such as higher Energy Star ratings. If you don’t need these extra features, you can opt for a cheaper brand instead.

Here are a few window brands and a price range for their products. However, these prices may be different depending on your location and what products are in stock with installers in your area.

BrandCost Range
JELD-WEN$95 – $1,750
Andersen$95 – $2,700
Pella$275 – $2,105
Castle Windows$300 – $500
Champion Windows$400 – $850
Marvin$250 – $1,500
Kolbe$250 – $950
Ply Gem$50 – $360
ReliaBilt$75 – $840
Simonton$140 – $360
Weather Shield$250 – $1,200
Milgard$200 – $600
Harvey$500 – $1,350
Atrium$200 – $850
Thompson Creek$600 – $3,000

Cleanup

Although many window installers include cleanup and disposal in their labor fees, some charge for it separately. If it’s not included, expect to pay $60 to $130 on top of the cost of your window replacement project.

If you’re getting your windows replaced, you might want to have a pro do these services for you, too.

Insulation

When replacing a window, you might need to have insulation installed in the gaps around it. This will help regulate the temperature in your home and costs around $3 to $20 per square foot to install.

Window Repairs

Maybe some of your windows are in good enough condition to only need a repair. Professional window repair costs less than a replacement, ranging from $170 to $565, with an average cost of $360.

Siding and Drywall Repairs and Replacement

Before replacing your windows, you may need to repair damage to the surrounding siding and drywall. In the worst-case scenario, you may need to replace them along with your windows.

The average siding repair cost ranges from $214 to $1,468, or around $630 on average. Professional siding replacement costs you between $2.33 and $15.33 per square foot for installation.

Averaging $445, the cost of drywall repair ranges from $250 to $765. If it’s too damaged, you can have a pro replace your drywall for around $1,920, although the average cost is between $975 to $2,370.

Awning Repairs

A storm that has damaged your windows badly enough to need replacement probably also wrecked your awnings. Between $255 to $1,110 is the awning repair price for homeowners across the nation, with an average cost of $680.

Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost

The tools and materials needed for a DIY double-hung window replacement cost around $700 to $1,325, including a standard vinyl replacement window. 

DIY Equipment RequiredAverage Cost
Replacement vinyl window$140 – $765
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$700 – $1,325

Since the average cost of a professional window replacement ranges from $310 to $1,330, DIY window replacement can end up costing about the same or even more. In addition, DIY window replacement requires an intermediate amount of home improvement experience to pull it off. 

This is only for a standard window on the first floor, too; replacing bay, bow, and similar elaborate window styles or windows on higher floors will be more expensive, take more time, and be more dangerous. Pros have all of the tools, materials, and knowledge needed to replace a window, so hiring a pro would be the smarter option.

Cost of Replacing Windows by Location

Generally, homeowners in colder areas can expect to pay more for their window replacement because they need more energy-efficient windows. It could be because of the need for additional glass panes, more insulating framing materials, special window treatments, special glass, or all of the above.

Some areas have local ordinances that force homeowners to use only a specific type of window style or material. This is especially true for homes in historic districts that want to preserve a specific aesthetic.

The cost of window replacement varies per area due to labor costs, supply chains, and regional pricing differences. To find out how much you can expect to pay for a window replacement, contact a pro near you for the most accurate prices.

FAQ About Replacement Windows

Is it cheaper to replace all of your windows at once?

In the long run, yes. It’s usually cheaper to replace your windows all at once than to replace them one at a time. Window manufacturers often offer better deals on bulk orders. The cost of the window replacement itself doesn’t go up by much because some overhead costs stay the same regardless of how many windows are installed.

When is it cheapest to replace windows?

If you’re looking to save money on your window replacement, try to time it in the summer or winter. Spring and fall are the busiest time of the year for window companies, and the demand drives up the price. During the off-season, window companies may offer special promotions to entice customers.

How often should windows be replaced?

In the best conditions, a properly installed window can last from 15 to 20 years. However, if your windows look like they’re not in the best shape, you should consider replacing them no matter how old they are.

The signs you should look out for include:

• Higher than usual energy bills
• Difficulty closing or opening your window
• Draft inside your room
• Water getting inside your home

Is replacing your windows really worth it?

Replacing your windows can lower your energy bills in the long run through better insulation and fewer leaks. New windows can also improve your curb appeal; nobody likes shabby windows. Lastly, replacing windows today can save you money in the future on window repairs and repairs for other parts of your home that were affected by your leaky and broken windows.

Can you replace your windows DIY?

While you can replace your windows if you’re confident in your abilities, it’s better to leave window replacements to the pros. Improperly replaced windows can be fitted incorrectly, letting outside elements into your home. 

Pros are more knowledgeable than the average homeowner when it comes to replacing windows; they can take care of problems like mold, keep your property in line with building codes, and buy windows at a cheaper price. Windows replaced by a pro also come with warranties.

DIY or Hire a Pro to Replace a Window? 

Windows are some of the most important parts of your home, as they protect you from the elements and let natural light inside safely. Although the overall cost of a window replacement can be a little pricy, it’s worth the investment for a safe, more energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing home. Find a window pro near you that can help with all your window replacement needs.

Note: Window Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.

Main Photo Credit: Andersen Windows / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0

Janine Caayao

Janine Caayao has always been fascinated with growing plants, from fruits and veggies to bonsai trees and orchids. Now, she’s interested in urban gardening with her family. She loves finding new tips and tricks to keep their plants thriving.