How Much Does Window Installation Cost?

Window Cost by Frame Material

The material you choose for the window frames affects the price as much as the style. Vinyl is the most common type, closely followed by wood. Other types include composite, aluminum, and fiberglass.

Vinyl Windows 

Vinyl windows cost $250 to $600 and require little maintenance. They're also extremely durable; changes in humidity don't cause them to swell or shrink. Most manufacturers stand behind their products with strong warranties, sometimes even lifetime warranties. Their greatest drawback is that they're not as sturdy or attractive as wood.

Wood Windows

Wood frames cost $1,300 on average and require regular maintenance. If you fail to repaint and finish wood units, they become susceptible to the elements.

The work and money can be worth it for wood's classic, authentic, and architectural appeal. That's why some historical neighborhoods have covenants requiring wood framing.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass units cost an average of $750 each, including installation. This material is more durable than vinyl with similar insulation properties. It is less common because of its price.

Aluminum or Metal

Aluminum can range anywhere from $400 to $1,200 or more for large or high-end varieties. Though aluminum is still available, it's far less popular than other types since it's tough to paint, doesn't insulate well, and typically costs more than vinyl or composite.

Composite

Composite windows cost between $300 and $1,100. This style attempts to capture the best of both worlds by mixing PVC polymers with wood fiber to create a strong, attractive frame.

Window Installation Cost by Type

The type of windows you want to install impact cost because of the amount and type of materials used and how complex the windows are to fit correctly. Fixed, single-hung, and double-hung windows are the most common and least expensive, while custom, bow, bay, and egress windows cost the most.

Insulated, Energy-Efficient Window Costs

Thermally-insulated, energy-efficient windows run anywhere from $120 to $1,200 or more. Labor adds $200 to $800 each. Usually, the higher the price, the more energy-efficient the windows are. You will have a higher initial investment, but you will save on energy costs in the long run, depending on your climate. 

"Casement windows are the most energy-efficient style you can buy (aside from fixed windows). This is because the units have a strong seal on all four sides when closed, which keeps air out,” says Cati O’Keefe, Expert Home Building & Sustainability Contributor. “Consider using these windows on areas of your house that are not protected by roof overhangs, the topography of your site, or trees."

Replacing windows for better thermal insulation with Energy Star-rated varieties helps you save on your utility bills and may help you qualify for local or federal energy rebates.

• Windows account for 25%–30% of your home's heat loss.

• Low-E coatings add 10%–15% to the cost but reduce infrared heat in the summer, lowering your air conditioning bill.

• Vinyl, wood, and fiberglass are much better insulators than aluminum.

Any frame material type or design can include high-efficiency glass and Low-E coatings. Talk with your contractor to determine which type suits your climate.

Cost to Install Multiple Windows

The more windows you install at one time, the less you'll pay per window. Some window installers offer special deals, such as “install three, get one free.” Some offer packages, like a special reduced per-window price if you have all of the windows replaced on one side of your home or one floor. 

Installing multiple windows can reduce labor costs per window and minimize travel time, cost, and waste disposal.

Window Costs by Brand

Many window brands specialize in certain styles, types, or frame materials. While cost ranges widely (even within the same brand), you'll find that some focus on affordability and mass production while others focus on high-end, custom installations.

Average Labor Cost to Install New Windows

Labor runs $30 to $50 per hour. Most contractors bid at a flat rate with labor included, but you can estimate 1 1/2 hours for each basic project. Complex configurations, custom work, and older homes might require up to six hours each.

Other Window Cost Factors

There are many other factors to consider when planning a budget for new windows. Considerations like glass type, size, which floor of the house the window is going in, and many other factors impact the total price.  

Glass Type

Glass type impacts both the installation cost and long-term energy costs. Single-pane windows are the least expensive but have the worst insulating properties, so they cost the most in terms of energy use and carbon footprint.

When comparing the pros and cons of double-pane windows, note that you can save up to 24% in cold climates during the winter and up to 18% in hot climates during the summer. You'll pay more for double-pane windows, but they will pay for themselves over time; Double-pane windows cost more to install but cost less in energy wastage. A triple-pane window runs for 15% to 40% more than a double-pane one, but it further reduces heat loss.

Size

The bigger the window, the more it costs. Bathroom windows are often the least expensive, as they tend to be small, often sized at 1-1/2-by-2-by-3 feet. 

Living room windows are often more expensive because they're larger, and because this is where the family entertains or spends most of its time, these windows are decorative and functional. While a window can be any size, a standard picture window is often 6 feet by 6 feet. This is also where you'll commonly find bay or bow windows, which are large, tall windows made from multiple sheets of glass and are expensive to install.

Second or Third Floor

Be aware that units above the first floor may be more expensive because of access issues. The second floor and higher require additional equipment, such as scaffolding, ladders, and safety harnesses. Not only does the cost of equipment increase the price, but the project will also require more labor. 

Large Units & Window Wells

Window walls range from $700 to $1,600 per linear foot for the materials and installation. These are excellent additions to highlight views and scenery but require the right structural supports.

New Construction vs. Replacement

New construction windows run anywhere from $85 to $1,400. Designed for new construction and during remodels where the stud-framing is exposed, they attach directly to the studs via a flange called a nail fin frame.

Replacement windows cost $300 to $2,100 depending on the size, installation requirements, and material. Specialty types, such as glass-block and large-picture styles, can run upwards of $2,500 or more.

Full-Frame vs. Inserts or Retrofits

Full-frame windows are about 10% to 15% more than a retrofit style. Expect to pay an additional $50 to $100 per unit for installation prices.

• Retrofit, also called inserts, uses the existing frame and trim for a quicker job.

• Full-frame types require removing the old frame and putting in a new frame and trim. New trim requires staining after the installation to match your current trim.

Installing a Window in an Existing Wall

While you can expect to spend anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000, or more, per window, no two projects are the same. This type of work requires a combination of framing, siding, finishing work, and sometimes electrical and plumbing rerouting.

Factors that affect new installations in existing walls include:

• The price to reroute electrical runs from $150–$500.

• Framing costs $1,000–$3,000.

• Insulation installation costs $1,100–$2,500.

• Trim repair costs range from $300–$1,000.

• Siding repair pricing runs from $350–$1,350.

• Drywall installation costs about $2 per square foot.