How Much Does It Cost to Install a TV Antenna Near You?
If you want a rough idea of how much it’ll cost to purchase and install a TV antenna where you are, the averages below illustrate how prices can differ across the U.S.:
| Location | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $310 |
| Georgia | $355 |
| California | $225 |
| Mississippi | $310 |
| Florida | $595 |
| New York | $350 |
| North Carolina | $315 |
| Ohio | $175 |
| Pennsylvania | $240 |
| Texas | $280 |
TV Antenna Installation Cost Breakdown
The final cost for a working antenna comes down to materials and labor.
Materials
The cost of purchasing the antenna can vary from as little as $20 to over $200 for large, advanced outdoor antennas.
Labor
Labor costs vary depending on the type of antenna, its position, and how accessible the location is. However, on average, expect to pay between $200 and $300 for outdoor or attic antenna installation by a TV antenna installer near you.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a TV Antenna by Type?
The type of TV antenna you select will depend on your location, the terrain, the nearest broadcast tower, the building you live in, and the planned setup.
Indoor, Attic, or Outdoor
You need to decide if you plan to have an indoor TV antenna or one installed in the attic or on the roof. You can purchase a decent indoor antenna for as little as $20—considerably less than outdoor varieties. Plus, they’re the easiest and safest to install without the help of a pro, as you can mount them on top of your TV. However, they aren’t as powerful and aren’t a good choice for rural areas.
The price of attic and outdoor TV antennas is similar. Expect to pay anywhere between $30 and $300 for the antenna itself and an additional $200 to $300 for installation. If the best location for mounting the antenna is difficult to access, the labor costs could be even higher.
Amplified or Non-Amplified
If you live close to a signal (within around 20 miles) you can opt for a passive, non-amplified antenna. These don’t need a power source and are common in an indoor setup. They typically cost anywhere from $20 to $150.
Amplified antennas pull in the signal from a further distance and produce better results if you’re running a long coaxial cable, but they require a power source. They’re more expensive than non-amplified antennas, costing around $50 to $200, and you may need to hire an electrician to set up the power source.
However, amplified antennas aren’t perfect. They can amplify noise and distortion, and strong signals can block out weaker ones. It’s possible to turn the amplifier off in these situations.
Directional or Multidirectional
Multidirectional antennas are common indoors and outdoors and receive signals from all directions. Typically, they cost more than outdoor directional antennas, which need careful adjustment to point towards a specific signal source.
If you want to target one signal source from a far-off location and achieve a clear picture, this is when a directional antenna works best.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a TV Antenna Yourself?
For most savvy DIYers, installing an indoor antenna yourself won’t be too tricky. Even installing an attic antenna may be within some homeowners’ capabilities. On average, you can save around $200 to $300 by installing a TV antenna yourself.
However, installing an outdoor antenna is generally best left to professionals. There are security risks that come with antenna installation on a roof, and if it isn’t secure, strong winds could pull it off. There’s even the possibility of damaging the integrity of your roof, which can lead to costly repairs and even water damage clean-up. Plus, if you hire a professional, they will understand how to best position the antenna for optimal reception.
What Factors Influence the Cost to Install a TV Antenna?
Along with the type of antenna you purchase, various other factors can affect the cost to install a TV antenna.
Location of the TV Antenna
Installing an indoor TV antenna yourself is less expensive than hiring someone to install an outdoor mounted antenna. Plus, the price to install an outdoor mounted antenna can vary depending on the ease of access for the contractor and the height.
Additional Features
Sometimes additional accessories can maximize your tv antennas signal strength. A pole or mast means you can elevate outdoor antennas anywhere on your property. Expect to pay $50 to $200 for the pole itself, but there could also be additional labor costs to install it.
Interference filters remove radio wave signals that impact reception quality, and they typically cost $5 to $25.
If you’re using a directional antenna, mounting this on a motorized, remote-controlled rotor can help you adjust its position when you want to focus on a signal that offers the best reception for a particular channel. Expect to pay around $100 to $300.
