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Tankless Water Heater Cost in San Francisco [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $1,850 - $4,284
A tankless water heater in San Francisco, CA costs $3,067 on average. Depending on size, fuel type, quantity, and on-site issues, you could spend between $1,850 and $4,284.
How we get this data
Ian Tuttle / Angi
Ian Tuttle / Angi
Highlights
Homeowners installing new tankless water heaters in San Francisco should budget for the fact that this job must be performed by a plumber licensed through both the state and the city.
Permit fees for tankless water heaters in San Francisco average between $50 and $450.
When determining the cost for this project, a local plumber will help you find the right type of tankless water heater based on your household usage.
The average tankless water heater cost in San Francisco is $3,067. However, a homeowner might pay anywhere from $1,850 to $4,284 for different options that meet their household needs. Keep reading to see what you might expect to pay for this project.
Angi Tip
We highly recommend inspecting your water heater annually for signs of degradation. If you spot any potential warning signs, consider contacting a local plumber.
Tankless Water Heater Cost Factors
When you reach out to a local plumbing pro in San Francisco for help with this project, the first thing they'll do is help you decide between tankless water heater vs. tank based on your household needs and budget. The number of people in your household and your usage habits will determine the model that's best for you.
Single-Point Tankless Water Heater vs. Whole-House System
You can choose between single-point and whole-house tankless water heater systems. Some homeowners mix and match, installing a whole-house unit to handle the primary heating duties and placing a single-point system in an additional bathroom. This allows multiple people to shower at once.
| System Type | Capacity in Gallons per Minute (GPM) | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Point System | 1–2 GPM | $650–$2,100 |
| Whole-House System | 3–10 GPM | $2,200–$6,000 |
Fuel Type
Wondering how much you can save (or spend) on a tankless water heater? One of the best ways to calculate your expenses is by the type of hot water heater you choose. There are multiple types of tankless heaters to consider:
| Fuel Type | Average Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural gas | $2,000–$5,700 | Consistent and dependable | More expensive installation |
| Electric | $650–$2,800 | Simple, less expensive installation | Performance isn’t as powerful |
| Solar | $3,000–$6,900 | Energy efficient, cost savings | Complex, more expensive installation |
Size
A primary cost factor is the size of the water heater. Larger heaters service a higher volume of water than smaller heaters, so count on increased costs. The amount of energy the heater can handle is one indicator of size. For tankless gas water heaters, the amount of energy they can handle is measured in the British thermal unit (BTU); electric water heaters use kilowatts (kW). When comparing gas, electric and solar water heater systems, another measure of capacity is gallons per minute (GPM).
| Gallons per Minute (GPM) | Usage | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 GPM | Point of use | $650–$2,100 |
| 2–4 GPM | Whole house (small) | $2,200–$3,500 |
| 5–7 GPM | Whole house (medium) | $3,600–$5,500 |
| 8–10 GPM | Whole house (large) | $5,600–$6,000 |
Gas Water Heaters: Smaller water heaters of 120–140 BTUs cost $500 to $1,200, which is enough for a one- or two-bedroom home. Larger water heaters of 180–200 BTUs or more cost $900 to $2,200, and these appliances handle enough volume to service a home of five or more people. Gas water heaters have an average flow rate of up to 5 gallons per minute (GPM).
Electric Water Heaters: Smaller water heaters of 5–8 kWs cost $100 to $250, though this is just enough for a one-bedroom apartment or small home. Keep in mind that electric water heaters only have a flow rate of up to 2 GPM. Mid-sized electric water heaters of 10–24 kWs cost $210 to $630 and can efficiently service a two-bedroom home. Large heaters of 27–36 kWs cost $420 to $800 and can handle enough volume for an expansive home.
Solar Water Heaters: While adding solar as a backup to an electrical water heater system in San Francisco will utilize the same sizing as a traditional electric unit, homeowners can also select solar water heaters that are available from 60- to 80-foot collectors with average pricing ranging from $4,200 to $6,000.
Tankless Water Heater Pro Costs
Be sure to hire San Francisco tankless water heater installers to ensure this project is completed properly and in accordance with code. When providing an estimate, a local plumber will assess your home's needs in terms of household size and water usage to help you determine the most cost-effective and reliable option. A pro will also help you decide if you feel more comfortable paying more for installation of a high-efficiency model to enjoy greater long-term energy settings.
When providing an estimate, a local plumber will assess your home's needs in terms of household size and water usage to help you determine the most cost-effective and reliable option. A pro will also help you decide if you feel more comfortable paying more for installation of a high-efficiency model to enjoy greater long-term energy settings.
Labor Costs
Average rates for plumbers in San Francisco range from $90 to $145 per hour. If you're having a gas tankless water heater installed, this project is more likely to require a master plumber charging closer to $115 to $145 hourly. The higher rates for San Francisco plumbers reflect the fact that they need to obtain a C-36 Plumbing Contractor's license issued by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and be registered as a licensed contractor within San Francisco in order to perform work.
Permits
Prior to installing or replacing a water heater in San Francisco, a permit must be obtained from the Department of Building Inspection (DBI). With permit costs varying based on the scope of the project, the average homeowner might expect a permit for this project to cost between $50 and $450.
Accessibility
If the desired location of the new tankless system is difficult to access or narrow and harder to work in, this can raise the labor costs to up to 10% to 15% of your project total. Prices will vary based on the home and setup.
Current Heating System Removal
Removing an existing hot water heating system can cost $500 or more, depending on the unit's size and accessibility, as well as the contractor's hourly rate. When looking for an installation quote, make sure the quote includes the removal and disposal of your current water heater.
Does Installing a Tankless Water Heater Increase Home Value?
In general, a new high-efficiency tankless water heater increases home value by as much as 1.2%. Homeowners who upgrade to an ENERGY STAR model may see energy bills tied to hot water dip by 50% or more.
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.
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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