How Much Does Electrical Box Replacement Cost in Los Angeles? [2025 Data]

The average electrical box replacement cost in Los Angeles is $1,990, with most homeowners spending between $795 and $3,189. On the low end, simple repairs or basic updates may run as little as $150, while major upgrades, like relocating the panel or upping the amperage of the system, can cost upwards of $6,400.

Your final price will depend on panel type, home age, labor rates, permitting, and whether your project requires additional services like rewiring or drywall repair. Here's what to expect when upgrading your electrical system in the City of Angels.

Electrical Panel Replacement Cost Factors

If you’re wondering whether to replace your electrical panel and what your budget could look like, these are the main factors to consider.

Size and Amperage

Many older homes in Los Angeles, especially those built before the 1970s, may still have outdated 60‑ or 100‑amp panels, which are not designed to handle the electrical demands of modern households. Upgrading to a minimum of 200‑amp service is often necessary for running central air conditioning, EV chargers, and appliances with higher energy consumption. Here’s a breakdown of panel amperage costs:

Panel Type

Your total cost to replace an electrical panel in Los Angeles depends largely on the type of panel you choose. Here are typical price ranges by type.

Labor

A licensed local electrician in Los Angeles will charge an average of $50 to $150 per hour with rates varying based on their experience, licensing level (journeyman versus master electrician), and the scope of the job. Depending on how complex the job is, labor costs for replacing an electrical panel usually range from $1,000 to $4,500. This type of project requires 20 to 30 hours of work and must be completed by a licensed professional electrician.

Permits and Inspections

The LA Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) charges between $100 and $500 for electrical permits when installing or replacing an electrical box. Refer to the LADBS online permit fee calculator to help determine what the permit fees will look like for your project.

Accessibility and Home Layout

Many homes in Los Angeles, especially older Craftsman, Spanish, or mid-century properties, have electrical panels located in tight garages, closets, or finished walls. If the panel is hard to reach or hidden behind drywall or stucco, expect higher labor costs to access and replace it safely.

Add-On Services

An electrical panel upgrade is the perfect opportunity to tackle related improvements, like finding a better location for the electrical panel in a more accessible or code-compliant area. In L.A., where older homes often have panels in tight or outdated spaces, your electrician may recommend these upgrades to boost both safety and long-term functionality.

• Move electric panel: $1,500–$4,000 

• Installing new drywall: $1.50–$3 per square foot

• Adding outlet: $125–$200

• Replacing faulty wiring: $600 to $4,500

Electrician Pro Costs

Hiring the right electrician is one of the most important parts of a successful panel upgrade. In Los Angeles, where permitting and building codes are strictly enforced, working with a licensed and insured electrician ensures your project is safe and compliant. 

Licensing and Insurance

Electricians in California must be licensed through the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). To perform electrical work, they need a C-10 Electrical Contractor license, which requires experience, testing, and insurance.

Reputable electricians in Los Angeles also carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation, which protects you in case of on-site injuries or damage. Always verify license status and insurance coverage before signing a contract.

Hourly Rates and Taxes

Electricians charge $50 to $150 per hour, depending on experience, certification, and the job's complexity. Master electricians and specialists in panel upgrades or high-voltage systems may charge on the higher end. While labor is the bulk of the cost, keep in mind that Los Angeles County sales tax (currently 9.5%) may apply to materials and equipment, and some electricians charge additional travel or service fees.

Tipping

While tipping is not expected for licensed trades like electricians, offering a 10% gratuity is a nice gesture for exceptional service, particularly if the job was complex or completed ahead of schedule. That said, many professionals value a positive review or referral even more than cash, especially in a competitive service area like Los Angeles.

Warranties

Most electricians offer standard warranties of 1 to 5 years on their work and any installed equipment. These warranties cover defects due to improper installation or faulty materials. For extra protection, some contractors also offer optional extended warranties, which may cover future diagnostics or service calls. Be sure to review the warranty terms and ask how they compare to manufacturer coverage, especially when upgrading to high-end or smart electrical panels.

Does Electrical Panel Replacement Increase Home Value?

Yes, updating your electrical panel can help your home fetch a higher selling price in Los Angeles, particularly if you upgrade an outdated 60-amp or 100-amp service panel. The difference between 100 vs. 200 amp service is substantial, and most modern households need at least 200 amps to meet today’s electrical demands.

While L.A.’s real estate market is highly competitive, buyers still prioritize homes with safe, efficient, and up-to-date systems they won’t need to upgrade after moving in. Given the city’s extreme summer heat, a reliable air conditioning system is essential, along with the electrical capacity to support it, plus an array of modern appliances, EV chargers, and smart devices. Investing in a panel upgrade ensures your home is move-in ready and appeals to buyers seeking a turnkey property.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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