Window replacement in Philadelphia costs $5,233 on average, and most homeowners spend between $2,495 and $8,197. A properly licensed window installer will help you choose the right material for your budget, the age and look of your home, and Philadelphia’s varied climate.
Philadelphia has many old homes that can add to the complexity of window installations.
Clad wood and fiberglass windows are the best materials for Philadelphia’s climate.
Homeowners on a tighter budget may opt for vinyl or composite window frames.
A permit is not required unless the window installation involves structural changes.
The average cost of a window replacement project in Philadelphia is $5,233, roughly on par with the national average. Most projects range from $2,495 to $8,197, depending on the number of windows and the type of home involved. Philadelphia is a historic city with home designs ranging from colonial row houses to modern construction. The biggest cost factors at play are the window material used, the age of the homes, and the type of installation. Dig into the details and learn what to expect when renovating your Philadelphia home.
Many factors can influence the final cost of a window replacement project in Philadelphia. This includes the material you choose, the window's style, the home's age, and the project complexity.
One of the biggest cost factors for window replacement is frame material. Philadelphia’s humid summers and snowy winters require a window frame that can withstand all types of weather.
Material | Average Cost | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
Clad wood | $150–$1,300 | Traditional look suited to historic Philadelphia homes | High-maintenance and susceptible to moisture damage |
Fiberglass | $500–$1,500 | Durable, long-lasting, and warp-resistant | Highest cost |
Vinyl | $100–$900 | Low-maintenance, rot-resistant | Lower ROI and deteriorate more quickly if low quality |
Windows come in various styles, each with a different look and function. Some popular styles in Philadelphia include:
Roof Type | Average Cost Installed | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
Double-hung | $150–$650 | Great ventilation, easy to clean, classic look for old row homes | Complex installation |
Casement | $150–$1,000 | Great ventilation and water resistance | Wears easily and is susceptible to strong winds |
Sliding | $250–$1,200 | Good for wide openings and newer construction | Lower efficiency and less ventilation |
Bay | $900– $7,100 | Adds interior space and curb appeal | High cost |
Bow | $1,500–$6,500 | Maximizes views | High cost |
Picture | $65–$700 | Lots of natural light and views | Inoperable, no ventilation |
Philadelphia is one of the oldest cities in the country, and many of its homes are quite old as well. It costs more to replace windows on an older property for many reasons, including:
Complex installations in tight spaces
Repairs to existing window frames
Custom-made pieces for non-standard window openings
Hidden problems such as lead paint or asbestos
All of these extra tasks add time and labor that will increase your final bill.
When getting quotes from local window companies, many contractors will include removing an old window and cleaning up after the project in their total replacement cost. In some cases, however, they charge an additional fee for removal. In these cases, expect to pay the standard rate of $55 to $65 per hour.
Window replacement pros in Philadelphia charge between $36 and $72 per hour for labor alone. Labor costs increase with the complexity of the installation. Contractors must have a valid license from the city's Department of Licenses and Inspections.
You don't typically need a permit in Philadelphia for window replacements in the same location and of the same size as the original opening. The exception to this rule is if the home is a historic building. For residential buildings in Philadelphia, a permit for window replacement costs about $65.
Philadelphia has a competitive housing market, and window replacement can increase a home's resale value. Outdated windows can cause problems, and energy-efficient window upgrades are attractive to many home buyers due to the potential energy savings over time.
The look of updated windows can also help a home stand out while it’s on the market. You can expect to recoup between 70% and 80% of your investment in replacement windows upon the sale of your home.
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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