How Much Does Window Replacement Cost? (2023 Cost Guide)

It costs between $400 and $1,000+ to replace a window in your home, with the national average sitting around $630 per window. Still, the amount you’ll pay for a new set of windows will largely depend on the material, style, brand, and size you choose. Labor and the location of installation can also impact the overall cost. Read on to learn how window replacement pricing can vary across different specifications.

Our window contractors below provide excellent window replacement services. Review the services they offer and get a free estimate here:

Average Window Replacement Cost

Window Cost by Material

There are five common material types that window frames are typically manufactured out of. Each of the window material options varies in terms of price, longevity, and ease of installation. We’ve listed out their average life spans and upfront costs in the chart below.

Material	Life Span	Cost
Wood	15 – 20 years	$200 – $300
Vinyl	20 – 40 years	$250 – $500
Aluminum	40 – 50 years	$300 – $700
Fiberglass	80+ years	$350 – $700
Composite	20 – 40 years	$400 – $1,400

Wood Windows

Wood — most commonly pine, oak, and maple — is a traditional and cost-effective window frame material.  Most wood window options currently available cost around $200 to $300 per window. Homeowners who opt for wood should be aware of its susceptibility to warping, expanding, rotting, and discoloration based on the surrounding environment. Routine cleaning, sealing, and re-caulking can help preserve the quality of wood window frames.

Vinyl Windows

A standard vinyl window costs between $250 and $500, on average. Though slightly more expensive than wood, vinyl window frames are lower-maintenance, resilient to weather changes, and energy-efficient. Because of their hollow shape, vinyl window frames can be insulated to prevent unwanted airflow, ultimately saving you money on your monthly energy bill.

Aluminum Windows

Aluminum window frames are a long-lasting, lightweight option. Compared to wood and vinyl, however, aluminum windows are more expensive, costing $300 to $700 per window.  As a metal, aluminum has high thermal conductivity, making it a poor insulator.

Fiberglass Windows

Comparable in price to aluminum, fiberglass window frames generally cost between $350 and $700. Out of all material types, fiberglass has the longest lifespan and is prized for its durability and ease of installation.  Fiberglass is often available in wood-grain textures to mimic the aesthetics of a traditional wood frame, but with superior insulating properties.

Composite Windows

Composite window frames are the most expensive material option on the market, costing anywhere from $700 to $1,400+ per window. Compared to vinyl alternatives, composite windows offer nearly 200% better insulation, though have about the same lifespan.

Window Cost by Type

Aside from frame materials,  the style of window that you’re looking to replace will also factor into the overall cost. We’ve identified the most common window types and their average replacement costs below.

Style Type	Average Cost
Single-Hung Window: Opens vertically with a fixed upper sash and a bottom panel that moves up and down.	$280 – $600
Double-Hung Window: Opens vertically but both the upper and lower panels move up and down. Panels can also tilt outward for cleaning.	$300 – $600
Arched Window: Any window with rounded tops. Most don’t open or close for ventilation and exist more so for aesthetic purposes.	$340 – $900
Awning Window: A window that swings outward and is held shut with an interior latch.	$220 – $500
Bay Window:  Large three-paneled windows that extend beyond the main walls of the home, commonly used in nooks and alcoves.	$3,000 – $10,000
Bow Window: Similar to a bay window, but most feature at least four window panels.	$3,000 – $10,000
Casement Window: Standard split-pane frame with panels that swing out or sideways to open.	$400 – $900
Egress Window: Below-ground level windows, typically used as escape options in basements	$2,000 – $5,000
Glass Block Window: Accent windows using frosted glass blocks, typically seen in bathrooms, that allow for natural light flow and privacy.	$400 – $1,200
Garden Window: A miniature by-like window that is typically used as a shelf for plants or simply to expand a room. Commonly seen above kitchen sinks.	$1,000 – $4,000
Jalousie Window: Simple slat style that opens similarly to blinds by tilting to the side, allowing for airflow.	$150 – $350
Picture Window: Large, fixed windows, usually used for statement views in a room. Most are single-paned and extend across entire walls.	$350 – $795
Skylight Window: Typically located on the ceiling on the top level of a home, allowing natural light to permeate from above during daylight hours.	$1,000 – $2,500
Storm Window: Secondary exterior windows that are installed on top of interior frames for an added layer of protection against heavy rain and wind. Common in coastal regions.	$80 – $200
Sliding Window: Dual-paned, horizontal windows that open with a single sliding motion.	$400 – $900
Transom Window: Small accent windows typically adorning the front door or other main entryways.	$140 – $300

Labor and Installation Costs

In addition to the amount you’ll spend on the window itself, you’ll also need to consider labor costs. Unless you have prior experience with window installation, we always recommend hiring a professional service provider to replace and fit new windows in your home. That being said, homeowners should expect to pay $30 to $50 per hour of labor during the installation process. When you work with a licensed contractor, labor costs will oftentimes be included in a flat-rate estimate. The average installation time of a physical window is about 30 minutes, though removal and repair of the rough opening can add to that timeframe.

Consider contacting one of the window contractors below to get an estimate on window replacement for your home.

How to Calculate Window Replacement Cost

Selecting the best window replacement option for your home begins with pinpointing your preferred material and style. If you’re on a budget, we recommend prioritizing material over style. While aesthetics are important, lower-end material sacrifices quality and longevity. You’ll save more money by investing in the proper material for your home by focusing on longevity rather than appearance.

Next, you’ll need to identify exactly how many windows are in need of replacement. The more windows being replaced, the more expensive the service will be. Some providers, like Champion Windows, offer bundled discounts for homeowners that purchase more than two replacement windows at a time.

Lastly, you’ll need to roll labor costs into your estimate. We strongly recommend hiring a professional window installation technician rather than attempting to replace your windows yourself.

Other Factors to Consider to Calculate a Window Replacement Cost

Though material and window type are the two most important constituents of the total cost of a window replacement, there are a few other factors that play into the amount due. Here’s an overview of other details to consider when budgeting for a window replacement, whether you’re upgrading one or multiple.

Window Location in Home

Ease of installation may influence the total cost of labor when considering a window replacement. Windows that are more easily accessible, like on ground-floor levels, will likely cost less to install than those on second or higher levels. Windows above ground level will sometimes require hoisting, craning, or scaffolding, depending on the complexity of the installation.

Glass Type, Size, and Panes

Like frame material, not all window glass is created equal. Naturally, the larger the window glass, the more expensive it will be. Thickness is also worth considering, as glass is typically available in cuts ranging from ⅛” to 1 inch thick. The thickness of the glass you select will determine the type of frame needed.

House Age and Location

Replacing existing windows in an older home will likely be more expensive than replacing contemporary windows. Older homes typically have non-standard window sizes and may require you to follow other architectural regulations based on the preservation needs of the home. Original windows in older properties will likely require a bit of a preliminary facelift before a replacement can proceed. Stripping of rotting or damaged sashes, casings, molding, and more will add to the total replacement cost.

Energy-Efficient Replacement Window Cost

Energy-efficient windows are specially designed to prevent heated or cooled air from entering or escaping your home. According to the Department of Energy, prioritizing energy-efficient window features can save homeowners anywhere from $125 to $465 per year in utility expenses. The efficiency of your replacement windows ultimately boils down to the framing, glazing, gas fills and spacers, and pane type.

Dual-pane or triple-pane window glass offers the most energy-efficient replacement option as they often have inert argon gas between each pane to create optimal insulation. As for framing material, fiberglass and composite frames are the most thermally resistant, however, they are among the most expensive.

If you’re interested in investing in the energy efficiency of your windows, the best way to explore viable options is to look for Energy Star and NFRC labels. These energy performance labels are backed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for their energy-efficient qualities.

Full-Frame Installation Cost vs. Retrofit Replacement Cost

A full-frame window replacement costs about 10-15% more than a retrofit installation. The key differentiator here is that a full-frame replacement required the removal of the entire window frame and sash. With a retrofit, however, only the window sash is replaced. The surrounding frame and trim are left intact. Full-frame replacements, therefore, are more labor and material intensive than a retrofit.

DIY vs. Professional Window Replacement Cost

Though attempting to replace your windows yourself might seem like a feasible way to cut out labor costs, sacrificing quality for upfront contractor fees will only leave you paying more in the long run. Hiring a professional to handle your window replacement also bundles a handful of extraneous costs, like dumping and haul-away fees, that you’ll be left to pay out of pocket if you go the DIY route. Without extensive experience in removal and installation, attempting to swap out your own frames can lead to secondary structural damage, water infiltration, poor energy efficiency, and more money out the window.

How Often Should You Replace Windows?

On average, standard residential windows last between 15 to 30 years, so if you have windows that are approaching the two-decade mark, it may be time to consider upgrading. Signs to look for when considering if your windows are due for replacement include:

• Drafts
• Condensation or visible moisture 
• Thermal changes to the material
• Cracking, warping, or rotting
• Poor functionality
• Audible outside noise

How to Save Money on Window Replacements

Saving money on window replacements has everything to do with the state of your home’s existing windows, the bells and whistles of your replacement windows, and the quality of installation. Here’s a step-by-step look at how to save money when replacing your windows:

1. Be sure that repairs won’t offer the same solution as a replacement. In most cases, it ends up being more cost-effective in the long run to replace an old or defective window rather than pay for a temporary repair.
2. Consider investing in energy-efficient options in order to save money in the long term.
3. Take into account the ROI of a window replacement should you ever decide to sell your home.
4. Compare window service providers and generate a custom quote with more than one company to accurately weigh your options.

The Best Window Replacement Brands

As we’ve covered, the cost of a window replacement, no matter the brand you go with, will vary depending on your material and style specifications, the age of your home, the location of the window, and warranty length. We recommend scheduling an in-home consultation with at least two window brands to get a clear sense of your options.

Here are our top three window brand recommendations: 

Window Brand	Superlative	Offered Frame Materials	Installation Services
Renewal by Andersen	Best Value	Wood, Vinyl, Fiberglass	Replacements & New Construction
Champion	Best Customization	Vinyl	Replacements & New Construction
Power Home Remodeling	Best for Exterior Upgrades	Fiberglass	Replacements & New Construction

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