How much does window replacement cost? 2024 update

Window replacement costs typically range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars once you pay for the product, installation, tax and other variables, such as permits. While that is a substantial amount of money, upgrading your windows has a high return on investment.

The Department of Energy cites that heat gain and loss through damaged, drafty or otherwise underperforming windows is responsible for 25%–30% of your monthly heating and cooling costs. In addition to lowering your bills, high-quality windows can increase your comfort and boost your home’s curb appeal — all great reasons to invest in window replacement.

After reviewing the best window brands and surveying 1,500 homeowners about what they paid for their windows, we know that costs depend on many factors, including window style and customizations, but the figures below can help you get a better idea of what price range to expect.

How much does window replacement cost?

Standard vinyl window replacement — including the product, permits, installation labor and estimated tax — costs an average of $910–$1,490, and standard wood window replacement costs an average of $1,400–$2,567, according to prices we gathered from Home Depot. This accounts for common window types such as double-hung or single-hung windows.

Larger, more intricate windows, such as bay windows, can cost several thousands of dollars. Vinyl bay windows cost between $4,750 and $6,000 at Home Depot, whereas wood bay windows cost between $8,000 and $11,000 from this retailer.

Cost by window type

Seeing costs by type of window can give you a better idea of what to expect.

Cost by top window brand

We surveyed homeowners in October 2023 to see how much they paid for window replacement. According to the responses, those who had one to five windows replaced most often spent $5,000–$10,000 in total. Those who had six to 10 windows replaced spent roughly $13,000–$17,000. Respondents who had more than 11 new windows replaced spent about $20,000–$29,000.

The table below highlights the cost differences by top window brand.

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What factors contribute to the cost of window replacement?

The window price estimate you see online may be drastically different from the actual cost of your project, depending on the features and customizations you want. The following factors will influence your window replacement cost.

Frame material

The window frame material you choose plays a big role in the price. The most popular window materials are vinyl, fiberglass and wood, though some brands also sell aluminum or composite framing.

• Aluminum: Aluminum windows are typically the most budget-friendly option. It’s a strong material that doesn’t usually warp; however, it’s not very energy-efficient and is prone to rusting, so brands usually charge the least for this material.
• Vinyl: Vinyl is the next most affordable option and the material most homes have. Vinyl is durable, long-lasting and low-maintenance, but it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing. If that’s not something you care about, you can save a lot of money by going with a simple vinyl window.
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass is a more mid-tier option, though it can still be a big jump in cost from vinyl. Fiberglass windows cost more due to the strength and energy efficiency of fiberglass.
• Composite: Composite windows are often made from a blend of wood fibers and polymers. Depending on the customizations you select, they can cost slightly less or slightly more than wood options.
• Wood: Wood is typically the most expensive window material. Most homeowners choose wood for the classic look and elevated curb appeal, but it’ll cost you — and not just upfront. Not only are wood windows more expensive to purchase initially, but they can come with expensive repairs down the line, as wood is prone to cracking and rotting.

The infographic below highlights the average costs of wood frame windows.

Customization, window style and other factors

Here are some other factors that play a role in window replacement costs:

• Customizations: A standard window is cheaper than a custom window. Customizations can include upgrading hardware, adding weatherproofing or changing grid configuration.
• Glass type: Having window glass frosted or tinted drives up the price, as does adding energy-saving coatings.
• Location: Your geographical location and the window’s location impact cost. Home improvement services are often more expensive around metropolitan areas. In addition, replacing a window on a second story or higher, or in a difficult-to-reach area, usually costs more.
• Number of window panes: Many older homes have single-pane windows, but houses today typically have double-pane windows or even triple-pane windows. Panes refer to the layers of glass a window has. The more layers you have, the more efficient your window is. 
• Permits: Some states and municipalities require you to obtain a particular type of construction permit before starting a window replacement project.
• Window style: Smaller, more common window types are more cost-effective than larger, more intricately designed or uncommon window styles. Awning, casement, double-hung and single-hung windows are typically more affordable than bay and bow windows.
• Window size: The larger the window, the more materials and labor are involved, so the more the project will cost.

Professional vs. DIY window installation

If you’re trying to skim some money off replacing your windows, you may be tempted to purchase them from a window manufacturer and install them yourself. We certainly understand wanting to save money, but we don’t recommend DIY window installation for a few reasons.

Not having your windows installed by a licensed professional could void your manufacturer’s warranty. Many window manufacturers won’t accept any warranty claims for damaged or malfunctioning window parts that you installed yourself because they can claim the issue is due to improper installation.

Second, window replacement can be a much bigger project than expected. Just removing your existing windows can easily damage your wall or window casing, and you need to properly dispose of your old windows. Installing new windows, especially if they’re large or oddly shaped, can be physically demanding and time-consuming to do correctly. You also need several tools — such as a high-quality power drill, pry bar and caulking gun — that some homeowners may not have around the house.

Lastly, not hiring a professional window installer from the start can cost you more in the long run. If your windows aren’t installed and sealed perfectly, you can end up with moisture, mold and air leakage that affects your entire home and requires costly window repair. Depending on how severe the air leakage is, your HVAC system may end up working so hard to control the temperature of your home that you end up paying excessively high energy bills.

How can you save money on window replacement costs?

Window replacement costs a substantial amount of money, but there are a few ways to save. Try these tips:

• Buy in bulk: If you know you’ll need to eventually replace 10 windows in your home, it’s more cost-effective to buy them all at once than to purchase a few now and a few later. If you can afford the upfront investment, buying in bulk not only saves you in labor costs, but some window replacement companies will also give you a deal.
• Check for sales: Some window companies and home improvement retailers regularly advertise discounts on their websites.
• Claim a tax credit: If a window is Energy Star-certified, you can claim 30% (up to $600) of the window’s cost in the year of installation.
• Look for low-interest financing: Many window replacement brands offer financing options either in-house or through a third party. You can also talk to your bank about a home equity loan or other loan type that allows you to make monthly payments you’re comfortable with.
• Retrofit rather than replace: If you’re replacing a window simply because the glass is damaged, it’s far more affordable to have the glass replaced instead of the entire window unit.
• Wait for the offseason: Window installers are busiest during months with comfortable temperatures because it’s a job that requires windows to be open for at least a few hours. If you live in a temperate area, or you don’t mind being cold for a day or two, opt for replacing your windows in winter, when installers are looking for work.

Final take: Be ready to spend money upfront to get a greater return on investment

Expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars for window replacement, depending on the variables above. While there are ways to smartly cut costs, it’s best to not skimp on installing high-quality windows or attempt to do it yourself.

While the upfront costs might seem like a lot, window replacement has one of the highest returns on investment of any home improvement project — as much as a 61%–69% recoup if you sell your home, according to the Remodeling 2023 Cost vs. Value Report*.

That, combined with the savings you get from upgrading to energy-efficient windows, makes window replacement a worthwhile investment.

*© 2023 Zonda Media, a Delaware Corporation. Complete data from the Remodeling 2023 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.