How Much Does It Cost to Move an Electrical Panel? [2026 Data]

The average cost to move an electrical panel ranges from $1,500 to $3,500. The total price depends on factors like the panel type, necessary permits, and labor costs, averages around $2,000. Whether for practical reasons or code compliance, moving an electrical panel to a new location in your home is sometimes necessary. Here’s a look at how to budget for relocating an electrical panel.

Cost Factors for Moving an Electrical Panel

The cost to move an electrical panel depends on a few key factors. These are the main aspects that will play into your budget.

Types

Costs to move an electrical panel can vary depending on whether you’re moving a fuse box, breaker box, or subpanel. The main difference between a fuse box versus a breaker box is that circuit breakers offer built-in protection against short circuits, while fuse boxes do not. With that in mind, a fuse box isn’t as complex as other systems and it’s the least expensive to relocate. Here are the average costs for these electrical panels.

Distance

The distance you’re moving an electrical panel can affect your cost. For example, moving the electrical panel to a different spot in the same room will cost less than moving it to another part of the house or a different house entirely. You’ll likely need to pay for more wiring and additional labor costs. It’s a good idea to get a rough idea of the distance you'll need to move the panel before you begin calling electricians for quotes.

Permits

Most electrical work requires a permit, with fees varying based on your state or municipality. Your electrician will typically handle pulling the necessary electrical service upgrade permits for you and include the fees in your total project cost. 

Upgrades

Upgrading an electrical panel costs $1,200 to $2,000 on average. If you have an older home with a 100-amp service panel, you may want to consider choosing between a 100-amp versus a 200-amp service panel. Upgrading to 200 amps is the standard for modern home running lights, HVAC systems, and multiple appliances simultaneously. Consult your electrical panel pro to determine whether you should upgrade your current model during the relocation process.

Labor

Hiring an electrician costs $50 to $100 per hour on average, depending on their skills and experience level. You should always hire a local electrician who specializes in electrical panels for this service to ensure your installation is safe and up to code. Your labor costs will also include factors like trip fees, hourly minimums, and required inspections.

Repairs

Relocating your electrical panel will require removing drywall to access the inner wiring. The average drywall repair cost is between $300 and $950, depending on the square footage in question. Painting a room typically costs $2 to $6 per square foot, which you’ll need to complete after reinstalling the drywall.

Cost of Common Add-Ons When Moving an Electrical Panel

With one-time trip fees and many pros offering discounts for bundled services, it’s a good idea to consider getting other electrical services done at the same time. Here are a few to think about:

• Cost to install a subpanel: $400–$1,750

• Cost to add a new electrical outlet: $75–$485 per outlet

• Cost to install a light switch: $100–$200

• Knob and tube wiring replacement: $12,000–$37,000

• Cost to rewire a home: $1,500–$10,000

• Installing a new electrical meter box: $200–$500

• Replacing your service entrance cable: $200–$300

Tips to Save on the Cost to Move an Electrical Panel

You should always prioritize safety and compliance with local regulations when relocating an electrical panel. Here are the best ways to save money on your project while still ensuring your new panel is safe and up to code:

• Opt for an electrical panel location that requires minimal structural alterations or wiring extensions.

• Ensure the area around the existing and new panels is easily accessible and free from obstacles to save time for the electrician. 

• If the main panel meets electrical panel location requirements, consider installing subpanels to avoid a full relocation.

• If undertaking renovations or other electrical work, combine the electrical panel relocation with these projects to reduce labor and setup costs.

• If it’s feasible, reuse existing conduit runs or wiring pathways to minimize the need for new materials and labor-intensive installations.

• Ask your electrician if they offer cost-saving options, such as discounts during specific times of the year and bundle services.

• DIY drywall repairs and other post-service repairs wherever possible.

Why You Should Hire a Pro Electrician 

Other than perhaps replacing a light bulb, electrical work should be left in the capable hands of a professional electrician near you. It’s tempting to save money by moving an electrical panel on your own, but an inexperienced DIYer will put both their home’s electrical system and—most importantly—their personal safety at risk. It’s a much better idea to hire an experienced pro to do the work safely and in compliance with local building codes.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a pro electrician to move your electrical panel

To avoid risking your personal safety, it’s better to hire a pro electrician to relocate your electrical panel:

• They can do the work safely and in compliance with local building codes.

• They can make recommendations that are more efficient and affordable.

• They can handle other necessary wiring projects in your home, often for a discounted bundled rate.

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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