How Much Should Window Replacement Cost?

Window replacements cost between $3,450 and $11,850 for the whole job; $7,350 is the national average. Budget around $750 per window for materials and installation combined.

My wife and I paid nearly $700 per window for double-pane casements when we built our home in Northern Indiana in 2022. That’s pretty much dead center in that range. That project showed me how quickly costs can escalate when outfitting an entire house.

Understanding these costs matters for budgeting and financing decisions. This guide covers all the important factors you need to consider when you’re getting your windows replaced.

Costs sourced from contractor estimates via Angi.

Table of Contents

1. Window replacement costs at a glance
2. Average costs
   1. By number of windows
3. By frame material
4. By style
   1. Standard window styles
   2. Specialty and architectural windows
5. By glass type
6. Labor and installation costs
   1. Full-frame vs. retrofit
7. Other factors that affect costs
   1. Window location in home
   2. Home age and structural considerations
   3. Project cleanup costs
8. Energy-efficient upgrades and potential savings
   1. Federal tax credits
9. How to pay
10. Is it worth the investment?
11. Money-saving tips
12. FAQ

Window replacement costs at a glance

Average window replacement costs

The $7,350 national average for replacement windows lines up with what I paid when we built. Some folks get away with $3,450 or so. Others, especially those upgrading to triple-pane or going with custom sizes, can blow past $11,850.

Each window costs around $750, with the most affordable option being around $300. Splurge on triple-pane glass or fiberglass frames, and $2,500 per window is totally normal.

Cost by number of windows

Bulk replacements often make financial sense since contractors charge similar overhead whether they’re installing five windows or 15.

Here’s what to budget based on project size:

• 6 – 8 windows: $4,500 – $6,000
• 8 – 12 windows: $6,000 – $9,000
• 12 – 16 windows: $9,000 – $12,000
• 16 – 20 windows: $12,000 – $15,000
• 20 – 24 windows: $15,000 – $18,000
• 25 windows: $18,000 – $20,000

For a three-bedroom house, plan on $6,000 to $12,000 to swap out all the windows.

Window replacement cost by frame material

Frame material drives both the sticker price and how many weekends you’ll spend on maintenance down the road.

Vinyl is where most homeowners tend to land: It’s inexpensive, durable, and you can essentially forget about it once it’s installed. Fiberglass runs pricier up front, but it might be worth it. Those frames last 40 years, easy, with zero warping or rot.

Wood is gorgeous; I’ll give it that. But you’re signing up for resealing and repainting duties every couple of years to keep out moisture.

Window replacement cost by style

Window style affects your budget as much as material choice. Standard designs cost far less than architectural features.

Standard window styles

• Single-hung: $100 – $400
• Double-hung: $150 – $650
• Casement: $150 – $1,000
• Awning: $400 – $950
• Picture: $50 – $700

Single-hung windows do the job in bedrooms and rooms where you don’t need much airflow control. Double-hung windows cost a bit more. The trade-off? You can open them from either end.

Casements swing outward on a crank, meaning plenty of airflow when open and a tight seal when closed. Energy efficiency is their strong suit.

Specialty and architectural windows

Bay and bow windows look sharp and give you a little extra square footage, but you’ll pay for that added complexity. Custom windows for nonstandard openings will stretch your budget even further.

Window replacement cost by glass type

Glass accounts for a significant portion of your window budget, and the type of panes you select determines how well your windows retain heat or keep out the cold.

Double-pane glass handles most situations well. That air pocket sandwiched between the two panes handles insulation duty without destroying your budget.

Live somewhere cold? Like, really cold? Triple-pane might make sense. You’re adding another layer of glass and one more air gap, which reduces heat loss by roughly 20% compared to a double-pane window.

Here’s a number that got my attention: The U.S. Department of Energy pegs windows at 25% to 30% of residential heating and cooling costs. Better glass pays for itself eventually.

Labor and installation costs

Straightforward installs run $100 to $300 per window in labor. First-floor windows with clear access? Those land on the cheaper end. Second-story windows or units requiring structural modifications can push labor costs to $600 or more per window.

Installation isn’t a great DIY project. You’re working with heavy glass, power tools, and building code requirements. A mistake could result in water damage, drafts, or a window that won’t stay closed.

Full-frame vs. retrofit replacement

You’ll face a choice between two installation methods, each with different price tags.

1. Full-frame replacement: $200 to $1,500 per window (removes entire frame, best for damaged frames or upgrades)
2. Retrofit/pocket replacement: $100 to $300 per window (fits into existing frame, faster and less expensive)

Full-frame is exactly what it sounds like. The crew rips out the glass, the frame, the trim; everything comes out until you’re looking at bare studs. Go this route when rot or warping has wrecked your existing frames. It’s also the right call when switching to a different window size or style.

Retrofit installation fits new windows into existing frames. The process takes less time and costs less money, but it only works when the current frame is structurally sound.

Other factors that affect costs

Window location in your home

Where the window sits matters for pricing:

• Basement (standard): $200 – $1,000
• Basement (egress): $2,000 – $5,000
• Kitchen: $300 – $1,500
• Bathroom: $300 – $1,000
• Bedroom: $300 – $1,000

Basement egress windows will set you back way more than standard ones. Code requires these bigger openings so people can escape in an emergency, and putting a new one in means cutting through your foundation.

Home age and structural considerations

Older homes present challenges that drive up costs. Your contractor might encounter:

• Nonstandard window sizes requiring custom orders
• Rotted framing that needs replacement before new windows go in
• Lead paint or asbestos requiring special handling
• Code compliance updates for electrical or egress

Budget an extra 25% to 50% for homes built before 1960.

Project cleanup costs

Most contractors include old window removal in their quotes. Not all of them, though, so I’d ask upfront. Disposal runs $55 to $65 hourly when billed separately. That adds up fast if you’re replacing a dozen windows!

Energy-efficient upgrades and potential savings

Want to squeeze more performance out of your new windows? These upgrades help:

Sure, none of these add-ons are cheap. However, the payoff appears on your utility bills, with savings of 7% to 15% on heating and cooling. On a $2,400 annual energy bill, that works out to $170 to $360 you’re not sending to the power company.

ENERGY STAR maintains a database of efficiency ratings if you want to compare specific models before buying.

Federal tax credits for energy-efficient windows

The federal tax credit of 30% up to $600 for energy-efficient windows ended on December 31, 2025. The Inflation Reduction Act originally had it running through 2032, but the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) changed that.

If you purchased and installed your window before then, you can still claim 30% of your window costs (not labor, just the products) up to $600 per year. One catch: Your windows must meet ENERGY STAR Most Efficient standards.

To claim the credit:

• Install ENERGY STAR-certified windows in your primary residence
• Ask your window supplier for the Qualified Manufacturer Identification Number (QMID)
• File IRS Form 5695 when you do your 2025 taxes

Your state, county, or local utility company may provide rebates for energy efficient upgrades, so be sure to check.

How to pay for window replacement

Replacing every window in your house can run $10,000 or more without much trouble. If dropping that kind of cash at once doesn’t work for you, financing can spread the payments out.

Home improvement loans make sense when you know exactly what the project will cost. You get a fixed amount, pay it back on a set schedule, and your house isn’t collateral.

Got equity built up? A home equity line of credit (HELOC) gives you more flexibility. You can draw what you need, when you need it. Figure is one HELOC lender worth checking, offering fast funding that can work well for home improvement timelines.

Prefer fixed monthly payments over a revolving credit line? A home equity loan hands you a lump sum instead. Not sure which route fits your situation? Our guide to home improvement loans vs. home equity loans breaks down the differences.

Is window replacement worth the investment?

Expect to get back 60% to 70% of your window investment when you sell the house. That’s better than most renovations. And while you’re still living there? Your heating bill drops, street noise fades, and you can stop fighting with windows that stick every time you try opening them.

Cold air leaking around the frame, fog caught between the panes, and wood that feels spongy when you press on it are the warning signs. Our breakdown of home improvements with the highest ROI covers which projects pay off best.

Tips for saving on window replacement

• Get multiple quotes. I’ve heard of contractors quoting $8,000 while the guy down the street wanted $12,000 for identical work. Get three bids minimum, and read the fine print to understand what’s actually included.
• Stick with standard sizes. Custom windows add 25% to 50% to your budget.
• Consider phased replacement. Fix the worst offenders first (e.g., those letting cold air in or barely holding together), and then circle back for the rest when you’ve saved up more.
• Time your project strategically. Window installers aren’t as booked up in the fall and winter. You might be able to land a better price and avoid the long wait.
• Search for rebates and tax credits. Even though the federal credit for ENERGY STAR windows ended in December 2025, ask about county, state, and utility rebates in your area.

FAQ

How long do replacement windows last?

Figure on 15 to 20 years for most quality windows, assuming you maintain them regularly. Fiberglass outlasts everything else. Wood sits at the opposite end. Skip a few years of maintenance, and you’ll be shopping for replacements sooner than you’d like.

Should I replace all my windows at once?

Doing them together usually saves money. Contractors quote flat-rate overhead whether they’re installing four windows or 14. Curb appeal matters too: Mismatched windows stand out to buyers, and not in a good way. That said, spreading the project across a couple of years works fine when the budget is tight.

What’s the best time of year to replace windows?

Fall and winter are typically best. People assume window work requires warm weather, so spring and summer get packed. Book in the off-season, and you’ll likely wait less time and maybe even pay less. Modern installation techniques handle cold-weather work without problems.

Can I replace windows myself?

Yes, technically, but should you? I wouldn’t, unless you have construction experience. Windows weigh more than people expect, measurements have zero margin for error, weatherproofing is finicky, and building codes add another layer of complexity. Get it wrong, and you’re dealing with drafts, water damage, or windows that won’t open or close properly.