Tankless water heater costs depend on the size of your water heater, location, fuel type, and more. Keep reading to calculate your expenses.
How Much Does a Water Heater Replacement Cost in Los Angeles? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $1,140 - $2,410
The average cost for a water heater is $1,740 in Los Angeles, but it can range between $2,410 and $1,140. Your pro can discuss tank or tankless systems and if you need any additional plumbing upgrades.
How we get this data
Cost Insights
Water heater replacement costs are based on the size and type of heater, labor costs, and more.
Los Angeles’s warm, sunny climate makes solar and tankless water heaters popular choices that can increase your home’s resale value.
A qualified, licensed Los Angeles water heater installation pro can install your water heater safely and in compliance with local codes.
Replacing a water heater in Los Angeles costs an average of $1,740, with most homeowners paying between $1,140 and $2,410. The size and type of water heater will be the primary factors in determining how much you’ll pay, but Los Angeles’s high cost of living also means you’ll need to budget more for labor than in other parts of the country. We break down some things to consider when budgeting for this project.
Water Heater Replacement Cost Factors
The cost to replace a water heater in Los Angeles, CA, depends on multiple factors, including the heater size and type, labor costs, and more. Take a look at how these factors will affect the price of a new water heater.
Size
Hot water heaters come in different sizes, measured by gallons (for tank-style systems) or gallons per minute (for tankless systems). The total amount of your water heater replacement cost will largely depend on the size of your new water heater, and that will depend on the size of your household. Your water heater installation pro can help you determine what size you need.
| Hot Water Heater Size (Gallons) | Household Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 1–2 people | $925–$2,750 |
| 40 | 1–4 people | $1,050–$3,000 |
| 50 | 3–5 people | $1,050–$3,275 |
| 75 | 4–6 people | $1,450–$5,250 |
| 80 | 6 or more people, and households with high-demand appliances | $1,700–$9,825 |
Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters
A traditional tank-style water heater stores water in a large tank that holds anywhere from 20 to 100 gallons. If you’re like 90% of households, you have a tank hot water heater sitting on a concrete pad in a basement, laundry room, or utility room. In comparison, a tankless water heater is the size of a small suitcase, has a coil system for heating water, and is usually mounted on the wall.
Installing a tankless water heater costs, on average, around twice as much as a tank-style heater. However, it offers a much longer lifespan and higher energy efficiency, so it may be a good choice for your Los Angeles home despite the higher initial cost. Your water heater installation pro can help you decide which type of water heater is best for your replacement.
| Type | Average Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tank | $775–$3,275 | Cost-effective, larger range of fuel options | Shorter lifespan, less energy efficient |
| Tankless | $1,850–$5,100 | Long lifespan, takes up less space | Limited fuel options, may require new utility lines |
Types of Water Heaters
Most electric and gas water heaters cost between $550 and $1,500, but the type of water heater will significantly impact your cost. A light-duty commercial heater is more durable but costs about $1,000 more than a residential unit.
| Type of Water Heater | Average Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | $775–$4,600 | Small apartments |
| Gas | $925–$3,525 | Areas with high electricity costs |
| Propane | $925–$3,275 | Rural or inaccessible areas |
| High efficiency | $1,975–$3,925 | Energy savings |
| Indirect | $1,575–$4,575 | Flexible fuel source |
| Solar | $2,225–$7,200 | Energy efficiency in sunny climates |
| Hybrid heat pump | $1,575–$4,575 | Energy efficiency in garages or basements |
Plumber Pro Costs
Plumber Costs
Hiring a water heater installation pro in Los Angeles to replace your water heater will cost around $75 to $250 per hour in labor costs. Because of the safety risks involved in replacing a water heater, hiring a licensed, qualified pro is the best choice, and it’ll ensure you’re complying with Los Angeles’s safety and building codes.
Safety Warning
To prevent carbon monoxide exposure from a water heater, make sure it is properly ventilated. You should also have it inspected and cleaned every year and install a carbon monoxide detector nearby. If you smell gas—which can mimic the scent of rotten eggs—evacuate immediately and call your gas company.
Permit Costs
In Los Angeles, you’ll need a permit to install a water heater unless it’s being installed by a contractor who’s certified with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety as a Certified Licensed Contractor (CLC). Work that isn’t properly permitted can result in fines or citations, so be sure to clarify with your contractor whether you need to obtain a permit before beginning work.
Additional Pros to Consider Hiring
Replacing your water heater may require hiring additional pros. If you’re changing the type of water heater, you may need electrical rewiring—an electrician will cost $70 to $150 per hour in labor. If your water heater installation pro needs to open up your drywall during installation, hiring a drywall installer to repair the wall will cost $1.30 to $2.75 per square foot in labor costs in addition to the cost of materials.
Do Water Heater Replacements Increase Home Value?
Installing a new water heater can offer a return on investment (ROI) of 50% to 90%, depending on the type. In Los Angeles, a tankless water heater can be worth the investment, as this type of water heater is popular with prospective home buyers due to its long lifespan and energy savings.
Southern California’s warm, sunny weather also makes solar water heaters a good choice for increasing your home’s resale value. The higher initial cost can pay off when this energy-efficient option is reflected in your home’s asking price.
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’ve surveyed over 30,000 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.
The homeowners guide to water heater services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
While solar water heater costs are a bit higher than a standard system, this energy-saving option could pay for itself in a few years. Here’s what you need to know.
Servicing a tankless water heater can help it run smoothly and last for years to come. This guide explains all the factors that affect tankless water heater maintenance costs.
Learning how to replace a water heater in your home is a challenging task that most people will want to leave to the professionals. But if you’ve got expert-level skills, here’s what to do.
If your showers are lukewarm, you could have a water heater issue. This guide explains how to replace a water heater element to solve the problem.
Not sure who fixes tankless water heaters? In most cases, you’ll want to call a plumber.