Replacement window cost: what you'll pay per window
Replacement windows are quoted per window installed, so the math is simple once you know your frame-and-glass package and install type. Here's how the common options price out, what drives the number up, and how to make sure you're comparing apples to apples across bids.
Key takeaways
- Vinyl double-pane is the value default, about $450–$850 per window installed.
- Fiberglass ($700–$1,200) and wood-clad ($900–$1,700) cost more but last 30–40 years and look higher-end.
- A typical 12-window project in vinyl runs roughly $5,400–$10,200 before local labor adjustments.
- Full-frame replacement costs about 25% more than an insert (pocket) install but fixes rot and out-of-square openings.
- The federal 25C window tax credit expired December 31, 2025, for 2026, lean on utility rebates and long-term bill savings.
Cost by frame and glass
Pricing starts with the frame material and glass package, then adjusts for install type, size, and access. The ranges below are national installed costs per window; the town dashboards apply your local cost index.
| Frame | Installed $/window | Lifespan | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl, double-pane | $450–$850 | 20–30 yrs | Low-maintenance value default |
| Aluminum | $500–$1,000 | 25–35 yrs | Slim modern frames; want a thermal break in cold climates |
| Fiberglass | $700–$1,200 | 30–40 yrs | Strong and stable; holds paint |
| Wood-clad | $900–$1,700 | 30–40 yrs | Warm wood interior, weatherproof exterior; premium |
What drives the price
- Frame & glass package: vinyl vs. fiberglass vs. wood-clad, plus low-E coatings and gas fills, set the base price.
- Insert vs. full-frame: full-frame replacement (down to the studs) costs more but corrects rot and out-of-square openings.
- Size & shape: large, bay, or custom-shaped windows cost well above a standard double-hung.
- Story & access: second-story and hard-to-reach windows add labor and equipment.
Glass that pays you back
In a heating climate, the glass package is the part that matters most for comfort and bills. Look for low-E coatings, a warm-edge spacer, and a U-factor around 0.22 or lower (the ENERGY STAR Northern-zone target). Better glass cuts the cold-window downdraft and trims the winter heat loss that drives energy use.
New low-E windows typically save on the order of $150–$400 a year over old single-pane or failed double-pane units, on top of the comfort and noise improvement.
Frequently asked questions
How much do replacement windows cost?
Are triple-pane windows worth it?
Is there a federal tax credit for windows in 2026?
See the numbers for your town
These ranges are national. Open a dashboard to see windows prices modeled for your town, with a live estimator and local factors.
Cost figures in this guide are modeled national ranges for general planning, not quotes. Local pricing varies, always get an on-site assessment from a licensed pro before you commit. Evergreen guide