National average
$1,047/window
Modernize, Aug. 21, 2026
Updated with August 2026 cost data
Window Replacement Cost Calculator & Guide 2026
Estimate your project, compare frame materials and understand the ratings that actually matter—using current cost datasets and primary technical sources.
- ✓Source-linked data
- ✓No email required
- ✓Independent guide
2026 national average
$1,047 / window
Typical range
$700–$1,400
Free planning tool
Get your window replacement estimate
Uses current 2026 installed-cost benchmarks. No email required.
Choose your project details and calculate to see a transparent planning range.
Current benchmarks
Average window replacement costs
Use more than one data point. A national average is useful for orientation, while your final quote depends on the exact window, glass, opening and installer scope.
Typical installed range
$700–$1,400
Per window; size/features/location vary
Project average
$7,348
Angi, Aug. 3, 2026
Typical labor
$100–$300
Per window; standard labor benchmark
Understand the quote
Most of the benchmark is the window itself
Modernize's national dataset separates its $1,047 average into roughly $897 of materials and $149 of labor. Treat those figures as a dataset breakdown—not a rule for every contractor.
Materials
$897
Window unit and associated material component in the source dataset.
Labor
$149
Average labor component reported by the same dataset.
Interactive comparison
Compare frame materials before you price brands
Material choice changes budget, maintenance and design. The figures below use the same current installed-cost dataset for a cleaner comparison.
2026 installed benchmark
$450–$850 / window
Strengths
- ✓ Lower upfront cost
- ✓ Low routine maintenance
- ✓ Widely available
Tradeoffs
- • Fewer premium customization options than wood
- • Performance varies by product line and climate
Longevity note: Longevity varies by product, climate, installation and exposure; verify the specific warranty. Also verify NFRC ratings and the local installed quote before buying.
Window styles
Style can change the budget as much as material
Projected bay and bow assemblies occupy a very different price band from common double-hung or sliding replacements.
Double-hung
$500–$1,400Two vertically moving sashes; common in traditional U.S. homes.
Best for
Familiar operation and flexible ventilation
Compare cost drivers →Casement
$500–$1,800Side-hinged sash that opens outward with a crank or handle.
Best for
Ventilation and a tight perimeter seal
Compare cost drivers →Sliding
$600–$1,500Horizontal moving panels with a wide viewing area.
Best for
Wide openings and simple operation
Compare cost drivers →Picture
$600–$1,900Fixed window with no operating sash.
Best for
Large views and daylight
Compare cost drivers →Bay
$1,700–$3,700Projected multi-panel assembly that can add interior ledge space.
Best for
Architectural impact and expanded views
Compare cost drivers →Bow
$1,810–$3,859Curved projected assembly made from multiple window units.
Best for
Panoramic views and premium exterior character
Compare cost drivers →Brand research
Compare the series—not just the logo
Manufacturer portfolios differ by product line. Use official material information, certified performance and local installed quotes before deciding.
Andersen
Andersen spans value-to-premium replacement options and uses different material systems by product line rather than one universal frame construction.
Notable lines
100 Series400 SeriesE-Series
Pella
Pella's current replacement catalog includes wood, fiberglass and vinyl options across multiple style and feature tiers.
Notable lines
Lifestyle SeriesImpervia250 Series
Marvin
Marvin focuses heavily on fiberglass and wood-based premium systems, with different interior/exterior material combinations by collection.
Notable lines
UltimateElevateEssentialModern
ENERGY STAR + NFRC
Use certified ratings, not vague “energy-efficient” claims
ENERGY STAR says certified windows are independently tested and verified through NFRC procedures. Its guidance also reports average energy-bill savings of up to 13% in the stated single-pane replacement comparison.
U-Factor
Heat transfer
Lower generally means better insulation
SHGC
Solar heat gain
Preferred level depends on climate and orientation
VT
Visible light
Higher means more daylight passes through
Air Leakage
Air infiltration
Lower means less air passes through the assembly
Decision library
Go deeper without losing the buying path
Each guide answers one distinct intent so pages support each other instead of competing for the same keyword.
2026 Cost Guide
Window Replacement Cost 2026: Current Prices & Cost Drivers
Use current national cost datasets as a planning benchmark, then narrow the estimate by window style, frame material, glass and location.
Read guide →Decision Guide
Window Repair vs Replacement: A Cost & Condition Decision Guide
Repair makes the most sense when the problem is localized and the surrounding frame remains sound; replacement becomes more compelling when failures are structural, repeated or whole-window performance is poor.
Read guide →Installation Guide
Window Replacement Installation Process: What Homeowners Should Expect
A quality replacement is more than setting a new unit in an opening. Water management, fit, insulation, fastening and finish work all affect performance.
Read guide →NFRC Label Guide
Window Ratings Explained: NFRC U-Factor, SHGC, VT & Air Leakage
The NFRC label gives comparable performance numbers for specific window configurations, helping you move beyond generic 'energy-efficient' marketing language.
Read guide →Material Cost Guide
Vinyl Window Replacement Cost 2026: Installed Price Guide
Vinyl remains the lower-cost major frame option in current national datasets, but the final installed price still depends heavily on style, glass and site conditions.
Read guide →Brand Comparison
Replacement Window Brands: Andersen, Pella & Marvin Compared
There is no single best brand for every home. Compare the exact series, material system, certified performance, warranty and installer—not just the logo.
Read guide →Quick answers
Window replacement FAQs
Concise answers first; source details stay visible elsewhere on the page.
What is the average cost to replace a window in 2026?
Modernize reports a national average of $1,047 per window in its 2026 dataset, while other datasets show wider ranges. Use that figure as a benchmark rather than a guaranteed quote.
How much is labor for window replacement?
Angi's 2026 guide lists typical labor at about $100–$300 per window for standard replacement work, with complex jobs potentially costing more.
Do ENERGY STAR windows save money?
ENERGY STAR reports average savings of up to 13% on household energy bills in the stated single-pane replacement comparison, but real savings vary by climate, home and installation.
Is a lower U-Factor better?
For insulation, yes: NFRC describes a lower U-Factor as better at keeping heat from escaping.