A replacement window costs $234–$1,224 but usually averages closer to $729 per window.* Window replacement costs depend on multiple factors, such as window style, functionality, and customization. Although often pricey, the best window brands elevate your home’s appeal, lower energy costs, and could last for the next 15–20 years. Learn how much you can expect to pay in our guide.

*Cost information in this article was calculated using RSMeans data from Gordian™. RSMeans is a construction cost database used by thousands of contractors to generate their project pricing.

Average Window Replacement Cost

The national average cost of a replacement window is $729, but it commonly ranges from $234–$1,224.

We surveyed 1,000 homeowners and found that 61% reported paying $500 or less per replacement window. The final price varies based on window style, material, and customization options. A simple, standard-size window, such as a double-hung window, could cost as low as $147. More intricate types of windows, such as bay and bow windows, could cost into the thousands.

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Factors That Affect Window Replacement Costs

Several choices you make in the buying process affect how much you’ll pay. The main cost factors include the following:

• Window type
• Glass type
• Energy efficiency
• Framing material
• Installation labor
• Window brand
• Number of replacement windows

Let’s break down how each of these factors impacts pricing. We’ll also examine how additional cost factors, such as window location and your home’s age, can affect your final cost.

How Much Do Different Types of Windows Cost?

Different types of windows are more expensive than others. Below are the most common window types and their average costs.

• Arched ($273–$1,675): Arched windows have a semi-circle above a rectangular base and often serve as a focal point for a home’s design.
• Awning ($395–$1,100): These windows have a top-hinge design that offers ventilation and rain protection when opened. 
• Bay and bow ($910–$6,750): While bay windows typically have a 3D three-pane design, bow windows incorporate a more curved design. 
• Casement ($315–$1,825): Casement windows use a hand crank to open like a door, typically from left to right.
• Custom ($405–$1,125): Custom windows are designed to fit your space and vary in function and design depending on the style you choose.
• Double-hung ($147–$950): A double-hung window opens from the top or bottom for maximum ventilation and costs slightly more compared to single-hung windows. 
• Egress ($270–$674): Egress windows are specialty windows designed for your home’s basement, serving as emergency exits in habitable spaces such as a basement or attic.
• Glass block ($54–$683: A popular choice for bathroom windows, glass block windows offer excellent lighting and privacy.
• Picture ($237–$1,750): Picture windows, sometimes called fixed windows, come in a single framed glass sheet that’s usually customized for a home’s design. 
• Single-hung ($107–$1,800): Single-hung windows have a movable bottom sash and a fixed upper sash, making them great security options for bottom-floor installations.
• Skylight ($135–$1,625): Skylight windows sit on your home’s ceilings to provide natural light in areas it may not otherwise reach.
• Sliding ($310–$1,575): Sliding windows open horizontally to the left and right on a fixed track. 
• Storm ($64–$445): Storm windows have additional glass panes around existing windows to protect them from inclement weather and provide further insulation.
• Transom ($330–$690): Transom windows sit above another window or door on top of a horizontal beam, called a transom. They can be decorative or functional and vary in shape and style.

Source: RSMeans data from Gordian™

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How Much Do Different Glass Types Cost?

The type of glass you choose impacts pricing, but going cheaper may cost you in the long run. Glass types that cost more up-front, such as multi-paned or glazed, can provide a significant return on investment due to higher energy efficiency that lowers your electricity bills. 

According to the Efficient Windows Collaborative, double-pane windows are the most popular choice among homeowners because they are both inexpensive and energy efficient. Double-pane windows cost $219–$1,950 each. For additional protection, you can opt for triple-pane glass windows, which usually range from $700–$1,050 per window.

Homeowners can add specialty glass for extra safety and privacy. We’ll list a few options below:

• Frosted glass: This glass offers semiopaque views, allowing sunlight to travel through your window while blurring the view into your home. 
• Laminated glass: This glass option contains resin for added durability, making it up to five times stronger than normal glass. 
• Tempered (or safety) glass: This glass offers better protection than laminated glass and blocks debris damage caused by inclement and extreme weather.

Cost by Window Glass Type

Below is an overview of the average material costs associated with replacing each window glass type.

Source: RSMeans data from Gordian™

How Much Do Energy-Efficient Options Cost?

Installing Energy Star-certified windows will improve your home’s energy efficiency and maximize energy savings. These products are recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for their energy efficiency. These products are also tested independently by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), a non-profit organization that grades windows’ insulation and efficiency performance. The NFRC also has a website with exact specs for every window manufacturer.

According to Energy Star, using its certified windows will lower your household energy bills by an average of 12% per year. Upgrading non-certified single-pane windows will save you $101–$583 per year and $27–$197 per year for double-paned. Energy Star products carry energy performance rating designations, making it easier to select the best options for your home’s needs. 

Energy-Efficient Window Treatments

Homeowners can also opt for glass with special coatings that block ultraviolet (UV) rays. Low-emissivity coatings (low-e) help control how heat moves through window panes. Low-e exterior glass coatings prevent heat from entering your home without blocking sunlight. The UV blocking also protects floors, furniture, and art from sun bleaching. In fact, the Department of Energy states that although windows with low-e coatings cost about 10%–15% more, energy loss reduction improves by 30%–50%.

Tinted windows are a cheaper alternative to low-e windows. They use solar window film to block UV rays. They’re similar to car window tinting but are less noticeable and don’t hinder your home’s aesthetics.

Ask This Old House How To Replace Your Windows Video

In this video, Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva discusses selecting and installing energy-efficient replacement windows.

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How Much Do Different Window Framing Materials Cost?

Window framing material is exactly what it sounds like: the structure between the window’s glass and the walls around it. This material affects the window’s appearance, cost, energy efficiency, and maintenance level. 

• Aluminum ($64–$1,800): Aluminum is a strong, lightweight metal that resists bending and warping but offers little energy-efficient benefits. 
• Composite ($650–$1,460): Composite frames blend wood fibers and polymers, matching vinyl’s durability and energy efficiency but costing more than wood.
• Fiberglass ($107–$910): Fiberglass window frames are as energy-efficient as vinyl and as sturdy as aluminum but are one of the most expensive window replacement materials. 
• Vinyl ($219–$2,025): Vinyl window frames are the most common option due to their durability and affordability, although they’re not necessarily the most attractive choice.
• Wood ($325–$1,825): Classic wooden windows don’t expand or contract with heat but may require costly window repairs since they can crack, peel, and warp.

Compare Window Frame Materials

Consider the maintenance each window frame type requires. Some materials, such as vinyl, may allow for do-it-yourself (DIY) repairs. But more high-end materials, such as wood, will cost more over time due to professional assistance. Below is a breakdown of window frame costs for material only.

Source: RSMeans data from Gordian™

Retrofit Replacement Cost vs. Full-Frame Cost

Homeowners can keep replacement window costs low by opting for retrofit installations. This type of installation uses the existing window frame and trim and only involves removing the window sash. A retrofit installation can reduce window installation costs by up to 20%. If your current window frame and trim are in excellent condition, this replacement option will work best. 

A full-frame installation could double the cost per window. In this replacement process, the window sash, trim, and frame are removed and replaced with new parts. The window frame and trim must then be stained to match the existing trim. A full-frame replacement is required if your current trim and frame are in poor condition. See a breakdown of window parts below, as illustrated in our How To Replace a Window article.

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What Are the Labor Costs for Window Replacement?

Along with the actual window cost, you should also factor in the labor cost. We recommend using a professional installer for most projects. Window installation experts have experience with proper window installation and can identify any performance issues. Professional installers are also familiar with local codes and regulations, ensuring your new windows meet all standards and requirements. 

When it comes to labor costs, homeowners can expect to pay an average of $36–$153 per window. More complicated installations, such as oversized and specialty windows, can increase labor costs. While a standard installation takes about an hour, large jobs could last six hours or more.

What Are Window Replacement Costs by Brand?

Replacement window costs vary widely depending on your chosen type, material, and customizations. You’ll pay top dollar for premium brands, such as Andersen or Pella, and high-end styles and materials. Homeowners could also choose replacement-only window installers, such as Renewal by Andersen, to lower their overall investment. 

Request quotes from installers to get estimates for your window replacement project. Below is a list of some of the best window brands and their average prices.

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How Much Does It Cost To Replace Multiple Windows?

Many window replacement companies offer discounts and savings when replacing several windows simultaneously. Therefore, many homeowners opt to replace all their home windows at once. Most windows are installed at the same time, so they often require replacement around the same time anyway.

Note that prices listed throughout this guide are per window. Your windows project will likely involve replacing multiple windows. We recommend working with a local contractor to create a full project budget in order to get an accurate estimate. According to our homeowners survey, 47% of respondents paid between $500 and $3,000 for their entire windows project. Keep this price range in mind when planning your window upgrades. If your project is larger, you may get a discount.

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Additional Window Replacement Cost Considerations

In addition to the window type, frame material, and labor, the following factors can impact your window installation cost.

• Home age: A home’s age can increase labor costs, as older homes sometimes have non-standard window sizes or structural issues that require more careful installation.
• Insulation/weatherproofing: Additional insulation, such as unique spacing systems or weatherproofing, will increase your cost per window. 
• Location: Ground floor windows require less labor to replace than basement or upstairs windows, decreasing installation costs.
• Replacement versus new installation: Replacing your home’s windows is less expensive than installing them during new construction.

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How To Know It’s Time To Replace Your Windows

In many cases, you can tell when windows should be replaced. You’ll see signs of worn window frames, cracked panes, or feel air leaks. Other signs, such as elevated noise or higher energy bills, could also indicate a need for new windows. Below are the most common signs you need to replace your windows.

• Condensation: If you notice water droplets accumulating on the window’s surface or in between the window panes, the seal might be broken. 
• Damaged frames: Damaged or decaying frames cause moisture buildup, leading to water damage, rotting, and mold. If the glass is still in great shape, you may be able to replace just the window frame rather than the whole window.
• Difficult to operate: If you have difficulty opening or closing your window, it may be due to improper installation, a warped or rotted window frame, or your home’s foundation settling. 
• Drafts: The Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that homeowners could achieve 5%–30% in potential annual energy savings by reducing drafts. Properly sealed new windows will eliminate chilly drafts during winter and expel excess heat and humidity in summer.
• Higher energy bills: Higher monthly utility bills might indicate the need for window replacement. Twenty-four percent of our survey respondents noted unexplained energy cost increases, motivating them to replace their windows. 
• Noise infiltration: Old windows struggle to provide adequate sound insulation and absorb external noise. Although some soundproofing window solutions may help reduce the noise, they may only partially resolve the problem if the window is too old or damaged.

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How To Save Money on Replacement Window Costs

You have several options to lower your window replacement costs. Thanks to the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners can receive a federal tax credit for installing Energy Star-certified windows and skylights. According to Energy Star, you can claim up to 30% of installation costs for a maximum credit of $600. This credit applies to your primary residence and is available from January 2023 to December 31, 2032. 

Check with your local utility company for any rebates and incentives available. These credits are limited to Energy Star or energy-efficient windows that have been professionally installed. You may also receive rebates from the window installer companies. Some states offer tax credits and rebates for energy-efficient home improvements, including windows. You should check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DRISE) for available incentives in your state.

Homeowners could also choose affordable window replacement options and styles, such as vinyl double-hung windows, to keep budgets to a minimum. Although they don’t offer the visual appeal of wood or fiberglass, they provide good energy efficiency and affordability.

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Things To Ask Yourself Before Buying Replacement Windows

As you begin planning your window replacement project, remember that each aspect of the window’s design, material, and placement will affect your overall costs. Below are some questions to help you decide on your replacement windows’ major features, functionality, and design elements. 

When deciding on window type, you should consider:

• How do I need the window to function?
• What size window is being installed?
• Do I want the windows for style, energy efficiency, or both?
• What room are the windows being installed in? 
• How will they look in that room?

When choosing framing material, ask yourself:

• Can I repair the existing frame, or do I need frame replacement?
• Do the frames match my home’s style? 
• What are the typical weather patterns around my home? 
• How much maintenance do the frames require?

When selecting glass type, consider the following: 

• Do I need more energy-efficient glass to improve my home’s performance?
• Do I need weather-resistant glass?
• Do I need noise-reduction glass?
• Do I need windows tailored to safety and privacy?

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Our Conclusion

On average, window replacement costs around $729 per window. This price increases after selecting your preferred style, framing materials, and efficiency preferences. We recommend contacting at least three window companies to compare quotes, products, and warranty options to find the right windows for your home.

FAQ About Window Replacement Costs

Our Rating Methodology

The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our window ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, browsing product selections, analyzing window line specifications, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We then score each provider against our review standards for window variety, value, trustworthiness and transparency, window features, and customer service to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale. 

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.