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

Electrical box replacement cost in Philadelphia averages around $1,490, but can range anywhere from $720 to $2,235 or more. Living in Philadelphia isn’t quite as expensive as other major cities on the East Coast, but the cost of living is around 3% higher than in other local areas. You can expect a slightly higher out-of-pocket cost for home repairs, including electrical upgrades.

Let’s explore what factors affect the service price and if replacing your electrical box can help increase the value of your Philly home.

Electrical Box Replacement Cost Factors

The cost to hire a professional electrician to install a new electrical panel depends on several factors, such as the type of box, amperage, and the job's complexity. Since the cost of living is higher, you can expect to pay more for the installation or replacement labor.

On the low-end, costs begin at $150, but for more complex installations and higher amperage electric boxes, it can reach as high as $4,000. 

Electrical Box Replacement Cost by Type

The term electrical box may be used as a general term, so the price depends on which one you need to replace. Here’s the average cost you can expect to pay for different types of electrical boxes:

Amperage Needed

Another factor that will impact the cost of an electrical box is the amount of amperage your home needs. Most homes that are under 3,000 square feet have 100 amp or 200 amp panels, but if your home has a lower amp electrical box and the circuit breaker is constantly flipping, it means you need to install a panel with higher amperage.

Complexity of Installation

A simple electrical box replacement will cost much less than a more complex job. For instance, if the box needs to be relocated for renovations or other purposes, that will be more expensive than replacing the existing box. Relocating an electrical panel can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000.

If you are upgrading from a 100-amp to a 200-amp panel, the job will also entail upgrading other components, such as the wiring. Upgrading to a 200-amp panel can cost between $1,300 and $2,000. As you can see, the price can vary drastically depending on what is involved with replacing your current electrical box. 

Permits and Inspections

The price of a permit to replace an electrical panel runs between $50 and $300. The City of Philadelphia states, “The permit fee is $25 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of estimated electrical construction cost.” When receiving a quote from your electrician, ensure it includes permit and inspection expenses so you know how much to budget for the project. 

Accessibility and Home Layout

The city of Philadelphia is known for its rowhouses, which typically means the electrical box is located in the basement or garage. In some smaller or older homes, electrical boxes may be located in a lower-level hallway or closet. If the panel is difficult to access in these confined spaces, you can expect an additional fee from your electrician.

Add-On Services

An electrical panel upgrade is a great opportunity to tackle other home improvements, like finding a better location for the electrical panel. Your local electrician may recommend these upgrades to increase both your electrical system’s 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

Cost to Hire an Electrician in Philadelphia

The good news is that although hiring an electrician in Philadelphia is slightly higher than the national average, it’s not as costly as in other major cities. The average price is around $380, but it can range between $170 and $585. However, the final cost depends on the size and scope of the replacement service.

That’s why it’s best to contact a professional electrician to get a quote to determine what you can expect to pay. You should also discuss additional fees with them, such as the cost of permits required for electrical work. 

Does Replacing the Electrical Box Increase Home Value?

There are many benefits to replacing your electrical panel, and the fact that it can increase your home's value is one of them. Typically, the return on investment for replacing an electrical box is around 53 percent.

Since the Philadelphia real estate market is hot, updating the electrical panel may be worth the investment, as it can make the home more attractive to buyers. In addition to the ROI, it also makes the home safer and increases electrical efficiency. 

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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