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

If you’re considering an electrical upgrade to expand how many appliances your home can handle, it’s important to research the electrical box replacement cost in Chicago. The average cost of replacing an electrical box in Chicago is $1,410, but prices range from $620 to $2,210.

This is a major electrical project that requires the services of a certified electrician near you, so you can expect to invest in a professional service to ensure a safe and efficient swap. Let’s review the important factors that Chi-town homeowners should know when replacing an electrical box.

Cost Factors for Replacing an Electrical Box

The cost of installing a new electronic box in Chicago varies depending on several important factors, which you should consider before upgrading. 

Power Upgrades

A common scenario for replacing your electrical box is to upgrade your electrical service amperage. This electrical service number shows the total amperage load your home can handle, which is the combination of the amps your devices require. The higher the amp service, the more the electrical box will cost. For example, installing a 200-amp panel costs between $1,300 and $2,000. 300-amp panels start at $1,800 and cost as much as $4,000, including installation.

In Chicago homes built before the 1980s, amp services may be below 200 amps, which means they’re in serious need of an upgrade. If you live in a neighborhood known for its historic architecture, such as Old Town, Lincoln Park, or West Chatham, your home may have outdated electrical service, causing frequent shorts and other service blockers. 

City Electrical Codes

Occasionally, very old homes in Chicago may still use fuse boxes. Fuse boxes aren’t as safe or reliable as electrical boxes, as they blow easily when overloaded and have a higher risk of electrical fire.

If your home has a fuse box, it’s even more important to replace them with an updated breaker box for home safety and meeting Chicago’s electrical codes. Consult a local electrician to discuss next steps for your home’s electrical system to ensure it adheres to city codes.

Breaker Upgrades

It’s also common to upgrade breakers in a new electrical box, such as adding built-in short detection and protection, or simply moving to newer, more expensive models. This add-on service increases the price of the replacement, costing $500 to $2,000.

Moving the Electrical Box

When renovation is involved, replacing an electrical box also includes moving it. As the hub of the home electrical system, even moving the box a few inches can add significantly to the cost. Moving it to another wall or room may not be possible at all. If you want to move your electrical box to a different spot in your Chicago home, make sure you explain the plan when hiring an electrician and getting an estimate.

Extensions and Additions

If your home has grown (like with a finished basement or new addition) or has new electrical needs, your replacement electrical box may need to be expanded with new breakers, which can also add to the cost. Or in similar cases, you may want to add a secondary breaker box for a more independent room, like a basement you intend to lease as a rental. 

Government Incentives

To help offset the cost of replacing your electrical box, the city of Chicago offers rebates and incentives, particularly related to energy-efficiency.

Cost to Hire an Electrician for Electrical Box Replacement

The cost of hiring a Chicago electrician to replace your electrical box is $1,410 on average. However, you can expect costs to average between $620 and $2,210. Your final cost will depend on factors like service add-ons, age of home and electrical box, and more. Consult a local electrician to get an accurate estimate for your specific electrical needs.

Does a New Electrical Box Increase Home Value?

A new electrical box may not directly increase the property value in Chicago, but it can add value and make a home easier to sell. If a new electrical box expands the electrical capabilities of the home and allows for bigger or more appliances (like running a large AC system in summer), that’s something home buyers are interested in. Buyers will be less likely to buy a home if they realize they will need to pay for an electrical expansion because the electrical box is too old to meet building codes or not sufficient for their appliance needs.

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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