
This guide will help you determine the true cost of installing garage door openers. You’ll need to consider type, horsepower, and other factors.
Replacing a garage door in San Francisco, CA costs $1,502 on average, but ranges between $1,030 and $2,017 depending on the type of door used.


Garage door replacement costs in San Francisco range from $1,300 to $9,000, depending on the type.
Wood garage doors can exceed $7,000 due to maintenance needs in San Francisco’s foggy climate.
Labor costs $300 to $800, with city permits averaging $150 to $400 for structural modifications.
Homeowners in San Francisco, CA, should budget carefully for a garage door replacement in this high-cost coastal market. Garage door replacement in San Francisco costs $1,502 on average, but prices range from $1,030 to $2,017. With the city’s steep hills, salt-laden air, and mix of historic and modern homes, durable materials and expert installation are essential.
Steel or composite doors with rust-resistant finishes perform best in the Bay Area’s foggy climate. Door size, insulation, and opener upgrades also influence total cost, so take a look below at what you can expect to pay for your project.
Several key factors affect garage door replacement costs in San Francisco, CA, including door type, material, and size—each influencing durability, insulation, and curb appeal for the city’s mix of historic and modern homes.
The type of garage door you choose will influence the total project cost, with standard options (such as sectional and roll-up doors) costing less than custom ones (such as French or carriage house doors). Like most projects, the further you move away from common materials and styles, the more expensive it will be.

| Door Type | Average Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sectional (steel, insulated) | $1,300–$3,000 | Most common choice in San Francisco; efficient installation; good durability in coastal conditions |
| Tilt-up (one solid panel) | $1,200–$2,600 | Simpler mechanics; heavier; somewhat less space-efficient in tight San Fran garage layouts |
| Carriage-house/carriage-style | $2,800–$6,500 | Higher cost for curb appeal and custom finishes |
| Roll-up/sheet metal coil | $1,700–$3,500 | Good option when space is constrained (e.g., hillside garages); compact track; strong performance in urban settings |
| Glass roll-up (frameless/full-view) | $4,000–$9,000 | Premium visual style (glass/aluminum); often used for high-end homes or converted garages; elevated cost for materials, sealing, and finish |
| French doors (dual swing doors) | $2,100–$5,000 | Adds architectural character; requires extra structural/hinge work in older homes |
| Walk-through (pedestrian door built-in) | $400–$1,000 extra | Increased hardware and structural costs |
San Francisco’s cool, foggy climate and salty ocean air make corrosion resistance essential. Steel or aluminum insulated garage doors with rust-proof coatings perform best, preventing moisture damage and maintaining energy efficiency in the city’s variable coastal weather.
If you’re wondering how much a new garage door costs, take a look at this breakdown by material type.
| Material | Average Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | $1,300–$3,000 | Durable; widely available; good for standard-size openings | May dent; can rust over time in salty air if not coated properly |
| Aluminum | $1,500–$3,500 | Lightweight; naturally corrosion-resistant (great for fog/salt air); good for wider openings or custom shapes | Less insulating; can dent more easily; fewer color/finish options |
| Wood (solid hardwood) | $3,000–$7,000 | Premium look (fits many historic homes); excellent curb appeal | High maintenance (needs sealing/painting); vulnerable to moisture; can warp in humid/misty climate |
| Fiberglass/composite | $2,200–$4,500 | Moisture-resistant; lightweight; lower upkeep; well-suited for coastal conditions | Can be more expensive; fewer style finishes compared to wood or steel |
| Glass/full-view (with aluminum/steel frame) | $4,000–$9,000 | Ultra-modern aesthetic; lets light in; suits contemporary homes | Lower insulation value; higher cost; may require more maintenance around seals/frames |
| Insulated versions (any material with insulation) | Add 15%-40% above base material cost | Improved energy efficiency (important for attached garages or converted spaces); quieter operation | Higher upfront cost; insulation may be less critical if the garage isn’t a conditioned space |
Still comparing types and materials? Read through these tips for buying a garage door to help narrow your options.
The standard single-car garage door in an American house is between seven and 10 feet wide and seven to eight feet tall. As you can expect, two-car garage door replacement costs will be higher, and the same goes for three-car garage doors. Opting for multiple single garage doors (instead of double doors) will also raise your price tag, as these require more labor and materials to install.
Some homeowners choose garage doors that aren’t a standard size. Garage doors with custom measurements will be more expensive to replace.
| Size (Feet) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Single-car (8×7) | $1,000–$2,800 |
| Double-car (16×7) | $1,800–$4,500 |
| Three-car (24×7) | $3,000–$6,000+ |
| Oversized/custom size | $4,000–$8,000+ |
Hiring a professional in San Francisco ensures your new garage door meets safety standards and local building codes. Labor, permits, and taxes tend to run higher here due to the Bay Area’s elevated cost of living and the city’s unique mix of steep lots and older homes.
Professional garage door installers in San Francisco charge $300 to $800 for standard replacements, with complex or custom projects reaching $1,000 or more. Steep driveways, narrow garages, and limited parking access can raise costs. Many pros also include haul-away and setup fees, which are common in the city’s dense residential areas.
Basic replacements often don’t require permitting, but projects involving framing or electrical upgrades may need approval from the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection. Permit fees range from $150 to $400, and local sales tax on materials and labor is 8.625%, slightly above California’s statewide average.
Tipping isn’t required, but it is a courteous gesture for quality workmanship or difficult installations. In San Francisco, homeowners often give $20 to $50 per technician when crews handle steep driveways, custom fits, or extra cleanup, especially in older properties where access and removal can be challenging.
San Francisco’s fog, salt air, and humidity accelerate corrosion on springs, rollers, and tracks. Annual maintenance helps prevent rust and improves longevity. Homes near the coast or fog-heavy areas like the Sunset and Richmond districts benefit from more frequent lubrication and weather-resistant sealants.
Replacing your garage door in San Francisco offers impressive returns in the city’s competitive housing market. Nationally, new garage doors deliver an average 194% return on investment (ROI). Beyond curb appeal, upgrades improve safety, energy efficiency, and functionality—key selling points for San Francisco’s mix of historic and modern homes.
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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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