How Much Does a GFCI Outlet Cost to Install? [2025 Data]

A GFCI outlet costs between $130 and $300 to install for most homeowners, with an average price of about $210. If you simply want to replace an existing GFCI outlet or upgrade your standard outlet to a GFCI outlet, you might spend as little as $100. 

Safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to your home's electrical system. A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) electrical outlet is a safe option because it protects against electric shocks in wet areas. Below, we cover the costs of installing GFCI outlets, so you know what to expect.

GFCI Outlet Cost Factors 

Luckily, only a few main cost factors are associated with installing a GFCI outlet. Considerations like the number of outlets you install, whether you’re replacing or adding a new outlet, and where it’s installed, all impact your final price. Speaking with an electrician near you will help you determine the best place for your outlets and the correct number of outlets you need.

Materials

GFCI outlets cost between $15 and $50 each for materials alone. So, materials make up a very small proportion of the cost of this project, with labor being the bulk of the cost. While the materials cost for installing or replacing a GFCI outlet are small, you might be tempted to DIY this project. Unless you have extensive electrical experience, we advise you to hire an electrician to ensure proper installation and safety. 

Size of Outlet

Different projects require GFCI outlets of different sizes. For example, the amperage needed for a home office differs from that required for a garage. And if you want to get fancy with a night light or light switch, you’ll end up paying a little more for the upgrade.

Number of Outlets

The number of outlets you need will be the biggest factor in the cost of your GFCI outlet project. Luckily, your electrician might offer a discount if you install several GFCI outlets at once. And remember—since GFCI outlets protect other outlets that receive power from them, you’ll only need to install the GFCI on the first outlet on each circuit, not every single one. 

Labor Costs

A professional local electrician typically charges between $50 and $100 per hour, depending on their expertise and the cost of living in your area. Some electricians charge per outlet instead of by the hour. There’s usually a minimum fee of at least $100 to $200 per visit, making it cost-effective to have them tackle several electrical projects at once. 

Replacing vs. New Outlet Installation

If you’re replacing a grounded outlet with a GFCI outlet, the job is straightforward and takes a matter of minutes if you know what you’re doing. If you’re installing a GFCI breaker in your panel or putting in a new outlet altogether, you’ll need to hire an electrician to do the job.

Indoor vs. Outdoor GFCI Outlet Installation 

In general, standard outlet installation costs $210, while outdoor outlets cost anywhere from $300 to $1,400 per project. Outdoor outlets need a waterproof electrical box and may require drilling into the side of your home or running new electrical lines if they are installed away from the house. 

Permits and Inspection Costs

Before installing a new outlet, you (or your electrician) may need to apply for an electrical permit. Check your local building code before doing any electrical work to see if you need a permit. In general, electrical permits cost anywhere from $50 to $400, depending on what you’re tackling. 

If you’re just adding or replacing outlets, inspections for code compliance are often free and included in your electrician’s work. If you have concerns about your electrical system, consider having an electrical inspection done, which costs an average of $150. 

Tools Needed

If you're starting from scratch and don't have the tools for the job, you may need to spend about $100 on wire strippers, a voltage tester pen, a screwdriver, and so on. However, if you don't have the basic tools for the job, it's probably not something you should do on your own. Contact an electrician in your area and get a quote.

Access to Wiring 

If your wiring is in a place that is more difficult to access, like in a ceiling, you can expect to pay a little more for labor. You should factor the extra time it would take an electrician to access your outlet into your budget. Additionally, unless you are already a skilled DIY expert, accessing more difficult locations is a job for a pro.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

We do not recommend installing a new GFCI outlet yourself due to the high safety risk involved with electrical tasks. It’s best to hire a local electrician with the proper skills, tools, and experience to install a GFCI properly. It’s well worth the cost of hiring a professional for this essential task to give yourself peace of mind that your household members are protected from electrical shocks and other electric hazards.

If you are replacing an existing electrical outlet with a GFCI outlet, you can DIY this project, but only if you have electrical experience. You’ll need to ensure you have the proper tools at your disposal, including wire strippers, a voltage tester pen, and a screwdriver, among other things. While this task is not as labor intensive as adding an entirely new outlet to your home, you still risk personal or property injury.

Where GFCI Outlets Are Required 

You will need to meet the following code requirements for installing a GFCI outlet in the following rooms:

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 extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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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