Window Replacement Cost In 2024

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Alright, so the window replacement cost range in 2024 is $400 to $4000 for a mid sized double hung window with installation. Now, this massive price range doesn’t tell us much, so let’s break it down by material. There are five main frame materials in the window and doos space - these are vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, composite, and wood. In addition, I will other factors that affect cost, including company bids, installation, and my list of additional price determiners. Enjoy and let me know if you have any additional questions.

Dan K. - Site Editor

Window Replacement Cost : Vinyl

First up are vinyl windows, which account for nearly 70% of all new and replacement windows sold in the United States today. The price range here is $400 to roughly $1400 - basically no real difference from 2023. However, I should say that between 2020 and 2023, there was a significant increase that I might put at 20 to 25% - which was pretty brutal.

Now, at the low end of this price range would be a window you purchase at Home Depot or Lowes for say $250 and pay a hand man $150 to install. At the high end of this range would be a Polaris UltraWeld, for example, that you purchase for $1000 from a certified dealer and then pay a certified installer $400 for new construction installation.

Between these low end and high end price points would be obviously everything else - brands like Silverline up to Cascade to Feldco up to Champion to Window Nation to Okna, etc. In 2024, the average window replacement cost for a vinyl window is probably $1000 per window fully installed. My rule of thumb is $200 for insert installation and $400 for new construction installation.

One note on vinyl and return on investment. Low end or cheap vinyl windows (and there are literally hundreds of these manufacturers in the United States) will not provide good return on investment. So do keep this in mind.

Fiberglass Window Cost

Fiberglass windows are a significant step up in price from vinyl, typically 30% to 40% more. Fiberglass is a stronger and more durable option that many homeowners prefer due to its slightly better appearance, longevity, and because a fiberglass window can be painted. However, this price point often puts them out of the reach of many homeowners.

My own opinion is that a good mid range or premium vinyl window offers the better return on investment for most homeowners, unless you plan to live in your home long term (your forever home). In these case, fiberglass should definitely be in the mix of bids.

Aluminum And Composite Windows

Aluminum and composite windows will typically run 20% more than the cost of fiberglass, but these two materials account for a relatively small percentage of the market. Aluminum windows do have a place in the hot climates like Houston and elsewhere. Composite windows are a bit of a grab bag in terms of price - the best known composite is the Renewal by Andersen which can run $2000 to $4000 per window. I tend to think they are quite a bit overpriced, but they remain a popular brand that has high name recognition.

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Wood Window Replacement Cost

By far the most expensive material on the market is wood windows, which often come with an exterior aluminum or vinyl cladding. The 2024 window replacement cost for wood windows ranges from say $1800 to $4000 fully installed. Wood windows do come with some serious disadvantages, certainly cost being one of them. Wood windows do require periodic staining and/or maintenance, and they often achieve some of the least impressive energy efficiency numbers especially over time. Most wood windows come with a 20 to 25 year warranty, and this is a good way to think about how long the window manufacturers expect them to last.

Company Bids And Price Quotes

Okay so let’s talk about some other factors that affect cost. Perhaps the most important is company bids. Companies can bid out projects any way they see fit and I see wild discrepancies on price - even amongst companies bidding out the exact same project with the exact same window. It’s the reason I always urge homeowners to collect multiple bids - and to tell each company that comes out that you are collecting 4 to 5 bids before you make any decision. This often prevents the sort of swing-for-the-fences price quotes that I often hear about.

Installation Costs

Another big cost factor is installation. As a general rule, the windows and or doors should account for two thirds of the project price and installation should account the final third. Now, while I gave a rough estimate of $200 for insert installation and $400 for new construction or full frame installation, there are lots of factors that can drive this price point up or down. The biggest factor is the overall condition of your frames and sills. If you do have an older home and there is some question as to the proper installation method, do yourself a favor and just keep collecting bids until you find the consensus amongst local companies as to the proper installation technique for your home.

Additional Cost Factors

Other factors that will increase your project price point include the following — if you have any large configurations or specialty style windows like ovals, eyebrows, garden windows etc., the size of your windows, if you want exterior or interior frame colors, your homes exterior material, vinyl or aluminum capping on the exterior window surrounds, if you need any specialty glass, any glass package upgrades you want, lead removal fees, and adding grids to your windows.

There are additional factors that can drive price, but this is a great laundry list and I think it illustrates how difficult it is to answer the question of how much should a window cost. You need those multiple bids from local companies to compare apples to apples, and to find the best window at the best price from the best company.