How Much Do Windows Cost? (Updated for 2023)

Are you worried about how much windows cost? You’re not alone. While they are an investment, new windows will last you anywhere from 20 to 50 years. Plus, modern replacement windows will help you save on energy bills. From what goes into the cost to how much you can expect to pay, here is everything you need to know about how much replacement windows cost.

Average Window Installation Costs

The national average cost for replacement windows is $425 dollars, including installation. However, the cost of windows can range from $300 to $750 for a single standard double-hung vinyl window. The price for other window materials, sizes, and styles can range from $150 to $4500. You can expect to pay anywhere from $3,500 to $13,000 to replace all of your windows.

What Determines Window Replacement Costs?

The cost of window replacement can vary widely depending on several factors. Most homeowners know that style, size, and material all contribute to the overall price, but some factors can be surprising. For example, your location and the age of your home can increase window costs. Here are all of the factors that determine how much new windows cost.

Frame Material

One of the biggest cost factors is the window frame material, each offering different advantages at various price points. Prices by material do not include installation.

• Vinyl – Affordable, energy-efficient, and durable, vinyl is the most popular choice for replacement windows. Vinyl windows will last 20 to 30 years and are virtually maintenance-free. Expect to pay between $150 and $1,000, depending on the other considerations.
• Fiberglass – Fiberglass windows are growing in popularity because they offer better durability than vinyl windows while only costing 15 to 30 percent more. They usually last at least 50 years, a sizable increase over vinyl options. Expect to pay between $400 and $1,500 per fiberglass window.
• Composite – The most durable window material, composite frames are made from a mix of wood fiber and PVC polymers. They offer the look and feel of wood with the maintenance-free durability of vinyl or fiberglass. Composite windows will last about 40 years and cost anywhere from $350 to $1,400 each.
• Wood – Wood frames offer a classic look that can highlight the beauty and style of any home. However, they need more upkeep than other frame materials and will only last 15 to 20 years on average. Wood windows cost anywhere from $200 to $1,350.
• Aluminum – Although aluminum windows only cost $75 to $400 per window, they are very inefficient. While they will last 40 to 50 years, they do require some maintenance. If you go with aluminum, expect to spend more on heating and cooling. Because of this, many installers and even some manufacturers have stopped offering them.

Window Type and Size

The window type also impacts the total cost. Classic single and double-hung windows are usually the least expensive, while other types of windows cost more. The size of the glass also matters, with larger windows costing more. Arches and geometric windows are usually the most expensive since they require the most customization.

Labor and Installation

Another major cost factor is window installation. Aside from the labor, costs will vary depending on how much work is needed. Replacing one window with another similar style is the least expensive. Installing a new bay, bow, or garden window is more expensive because it may require additional construction. The window’s location can also impact the installation price, with hard-to-reach areas costing more.

Number of Glass Panes

Although single-pane windows exist, most replacement windows have at least two panes of glass. Double-pane windows had two panels of gas for better insulation. Triple pane options are also available. While the number of glass panes increases the cost, they offer better sound protection and improve your energy efficiency.

Energy-Efficient Options

While even most economy windows include basic energy-saving features, there are some incredible energy-saving options available today. Energy-efficient windows vary by manufacturer, but they usually include at least frame insulation, gas fills, and glass coatings. Insulation helps stop the outside air from coming through the window frame. Gas fills slow down how fast heat or cold comes through the glass. Interior and exterior coatings that actually stop heat and cold from going through the glass almost entirely. Obviously, the better the efficiency, the higher the window cost.

Total Number of Windows

The number of windows will also impact your cost. Most replacement window companies offer volume discounts. However, you will get the best savings if several windows are the exact same size and style. It is less expensive to manufacture four identical windows than four separate sizes and styles.

Age of Your Home

The age of your home plays a role in the total cost of windows for two reasons. First, and most importantly, older homes are more likely to need repairs. It might be necessary to replace the wood framing, sub-sill, apron, or portions of the wall. Secondarily, historical homes often have specific window requirements. They are more likely to need custom sizes and styles and look best with wood or composite windows. In either case, installation is normally more expensive in older homes.

Your Location

It may seem odd, but your location can also impact the total cost. Local labor rates can be a factor, but weather and building codes are what can really affect the cost. Colder regions may require more frame insulation or specific glass coatings. Whereas UV coatings and energy-efficient options might be needed in warmers areas.

Brand or Manufacturer

Lastly, the brand or manufacturer also affects replacement window costs. While popular brands offer quality windows, they usually cost more. Some installers do their own manufacturing or use white-label manufacturing services to offer similar quality at a lower price. The price difference will vary depending on all of the other factors.

Window Replacement Cost by Type

With many different styles available, the total cost varied depending on the type of window. Here are the average costs for the most common window styles.

Double-Hung

The standard in replacement windows, expect to pay $300 to $750 each. The biggest factors in cost are the size and energy-efficient options. Both sections of double-hung windows open, offering more flexibility and making it easy to clean both the inside and the outside.

Single-Hung

Single-hung replacement windows cost between $150 and $600. Like double-hung, cost factors are size and energy efficiency. Only one portion of single-hung windows opens, usually the lower half. This makes them a little more difficult to clean.

Awning

Awning windows cost $400 to $750 and open outward at an angle. Important cost factors include size and installation. Although they are similar to vent windows, awnings are larger.

Bay

Because of the size and number of glass panes, bay windows cost between $1,200 and $3,800. Energy-efficient options can also increase the total price. They extend outside your home and have three or four glass sections. Replacing an existing bay window is less expensive than installing a new one.

Bow

Bow windows cost from $1,400 to $4,200, with size and the number of glass sections determining the price. Similar to bay, bow windows have at least four glass sections of equal size. It is also less expensive to replace an existing bow window than install one.

Casement

An increasingly popular option, casement windows range from $250 to $850. Traditionally casement windows either do not open or crank outward. However, some modern styles will open outward, open like an awning window, or both. The window size and opening options are the key cost considerations.

Garden

Garden windows are popular in kitchens and are perfect for herb gardens or plants. They extend outside your home and usually have at least four glass sections. Depending on the glass sections and installation factors, they can cost $1,000 to $4,000.

Picture

Most picture windows cost $340 to $800, but custom sizes might cost more. They have one large glass section that does not open. The cost is usually determined by the overall size and efficiency options.

Sliding

Another window style gaining popularity, slider windows cost anywhere from $320 to $1,300. Installation and energy-efficient options are the biggest cost factors. Instead of opening up and down, sliding windows move side to side.

Specialty

Specialty windows are usually custom-made for specific spaces in your home. They include geometric shapes, arches, and any other non-standard window size. Depending on the size and manufacturing considerations, they can range from $350 to $4,500 or more.

Additional Replacement Window Cost Considerations

In addition to the cost factors and prices outlined above, there are a few other expenses to consider when replacing your windows.

Cleanup and Disposal – Nearly all windows quotes will include a cleanup and disposal cost. Depending on the number of windows and other factors, this could be a fixed cost or an hourly rate. The cost covers removing and disposing of your old windows and then cleaning your home inside and outside after installation. Flat fees are usually $250 to $500, while hourly rates are usually around $50 per hour.

Insulation and Weatherproofing – Another standard charge is adding insulation or weatherproofing around the window. This improves the efficiency of your windows and prevents drafts. You can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $20 per square foot.

Structural Repairs – Although not always needed, structural repairs can also drive up the cost of replacement windows. Window replacement contractors will include repairs in their quote whenever possible, but sometimes they won’t know it’s needed until they start installing your windows. Common repairs include replacing the wood framing, siding, or drywall.