How Much Does Window Replacement Cost? 2026 Price Guide
Window replacement costs $300 to $1,200 per window fully installed in 2026, with most homeowners paying $400 to $800 per window for a standard double-hung vinyl unit. For a whole house with 10 to 15 windows, total project costs commonly run $5,000 to $15,000. Material choice, window type, and whether the frames need full replacement or a simpler pocket insert are the biggest drivers of where you land in that range.
Before calling anyone, run your numbers through the window replacement cost calculator. Enter window count, material, and location, and you will have a realistic range to hold contractors to.
Average cost by window type
| Window type | Unit cost (installed) |
|---|---|
| Double-hung | $300 to $900 |
| Casement | $400 to $1,100 |
| Bay or bow | $1,200 to $3,500 |
| Slider | $350 to $900 |
| Awning | $400 to $1,000 |
| Picture window | $250 to $800 |
| Skylight | $900 to $2,400 |
How Is Window Replacement Cost Calculated?
The calculator on this site starts from a baseline of $450 to $900 for a standard vinyl double-hung window, then layers on three multipliers: frame material, window type, and installation method. Material moves the number most. Vinyl is the baseline, fiberglass runs about 1.4 times that, and wood runs about 1.6 times. Window type multiplies on top of material: a casement or picture window adds roughly 20 percent over a standard double-hung, and a bay or bow window runs about 2.5 times a standard unit because it is a structural build-out, not just a glass swap. Installation method adds a final 30 percent for full-frame work over a pocket insert, and a ZIP code adjustment scales the whole total to local contractor rates.
- Frame material. Vinyl is the most affordable choice at $300 to $900 installed. Wood runs $600 to $1,500. Fiberglass sits between $500 to $1,400. Aluminum tends to be mid-range but less energy-efficient.
- Glass package. Double-pane with low-e coating is the standard baseline now. Triple-pane or argon gas fills add $50 to $200 per window, which adds up fast on a whole-house job.
- Window size. Larger openings mean more material and more labor. An oversized picture window can cost twice as much as a standard bedroom window.
- Installation complexity. Pocket or insert replacement is cheaper than full-frame replacement, which involves removing trim and siding.
- Labor market. Contractors in coastal metros charge 20 to 40 percent more than those in rural or lower cost-of-living areas.
- Number of windows. Replacing 10 or more windows at once usually lowers the per-unit cost. One crew, one trip, one cleanup.
What is the average cost to replace 10 windows in a house?
Ten standard double-hung vinyl windows in a medium-sized home run $4,000 to $9,000 fully installed. The low end assumes pocket replacements on sound existing frames with mid-grade vinyl. The high end is what full-frame work looks like: premium vinyl or fiberglass, a high-labor-cost market, or both. Many contractors discount 10 to 15 percent off the per-unit price on orders of 10 or more windows, since they mobilize once and spread that fixed cost over more work. For estimates broken out by home size, see the whole-house guide linked below.
Is it worth replacing 20 year old windows?
In most cases, yes. Windows from 2005 or earlier are likely single-pane or older double-pane units without modern low-e coatings and gas fills. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that replacing single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR-certified double-pane low-e units saves $100 to $465 per year in heating and cooling costs, or $1,000 to $4,650 over 10 years. Add lower maintenance, better comfort, and resale value, and the math on genuinely old windows usually favors replacement. A 20-year-old window that is still sealed, operating correctly, and rot-free may have some life left, depending on build quality; a contractor can check your existing frames before you commit to anything.
How much does Home Depot charge per window to install?
Home Depot's installation program uses third-party contractors and charges $100 to $300 per window in installation fees on top of the window purchase price. A standard double-hung vinyl unit runs $150 to $400, putting the combined cost at $250 to $700 per window. Competitive for pocket replacements, but independent licensed contractors often land at similar or lower prices and give you more say over scheduling and product selection.
How much does Lowes charge to install windows?
Lowe's charges $100 to $250 per window in installation fees for standard replacements, covering both the unit and labor through partner contractors. Independent installers often match or beat that, particularly on projects of five or more windows. Ask every contractor whether their quote includes removal of old windows, interior casing, exterior caulking, and disposal. Skip that question and you are comparing prices for different jobs.
Labor vs. material split
| Cost component | Typical share | Dollar range per window |
|---|---|---|
| Window unit (material) | 50 to 65% | $150 to $700 |
| Labor (installation) | 35 to 50% | $100 to $400 |
When to replace vs. repair a window
Not every failing window needs full replacement. Small cracks in a single-pane window can sometimes be reglazed, and a broken lock or worn weatherstripping can be fixed for under $50. Replacement makes more sense with fogged or condensation-filled sealed units (a failed seal stays failed), frames with visible rot or structural damage, windows that no longer lock securely, or any single-pane window in a cold climate.
Bottom line
Most homeowners pay $400 to $800 per window fully installed for a standard vinyl double-hung replacement. Larger windows, premium materials, and full-frame replacements push costs higher. Get itemized quotes from at least three licensed contractors before signing anything.
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FAQs
How much does it cost to replace one window?
Most homeowners pay $400 to $800 per window fully installed for a standard vinyl double-hung unit, though the full range runs $300 to $1,200 depending on material and type.
Does the price include removal of the old window?
A complete labor quote should include removing and disposing of the old unit. Confirm this is included before comparing bids, since it is the item contractors most often leave off.
Why do contractor quotes vary so much for the same window?
Overhead, local labor rates, and how a contractor prices pocket versus full-frame work all differ. Getting three itemized quotes is the only reliable way to see the spread.