How Much Does Adding an Electrical Outlet Cost in San Francisco? [2025 Data]

In a city where classic Victorians and modern smart homes coexist, San Francisco homeowners often need to add electrical outlets to meet today’s energy demands. Adding an electrical outlet in San Francisco costs $169 on average, with most homeowners paying between $116 and $229.

Final costs depend on outlet type, access behind finished walls, and whether upgrades are required to meet California’s strict electrical code. Use this guide to plan your outlet installation budget in the Bay Area.

Adding an Electrical Outlet Cost Factors

These are the main factors that impact your cost to add an electrical outlet in San Francisco.

Outlet Type

Outlet types range in complexity and price. For example, the cost to install a GFCI outlet is higher due to added safety features, but it's a smart investment where code requires it or extra protection is needed.

Number of Outlets

Bundling outlet installations into one project tends to be more economical than scheduling them separately. Here’s a breakdown of estimated costs for installing up to 10 new outlets in San Francisco.

Location

The placement of your electrical outlets can play a big role in pricing. If the electrician has to navigate tight corners, lath-and-plaster walls, or antique cabinetry, labor costs may rise accordingly.

Current Wiring

Older homes are common in the city, and many have outdated or unsafe wiring, such as knob-and-tube wiring. If your system needs upgrading before the outlet can be added safely, it could cost between $550 and $2,500. These upgrades can add to the project timeline and the complexity to the job.

Faceplate Materials

Electricians will often include a basic plastic cover with your installation, or the charge will be under $10. But for those prioritizing aesthetic, decorative faceplates in finishes like brushed nickel or antique bronze can cost over $100.

Switches vs. Sockets

Some outlets in San Francisco homes double as switches, especially in rooms where wall switches were retrofitted later. These can be more expensive than basic sockets due to extra wiring requirements.

Advanced Technology

Modern tech demands have made advanced outlets more popular in the Bay Area. Whether you want smart outlets, USB charging ports, or GFCI protection, expect a bump in your total cost for these upgraded models.

Electrician Pro Costs in San Francisco

Hiring a licensed electrician in San Francisco comes with a few aspects to consider. Here’s what to know before you start the hiring process.

Hourly Rates and Minimum Fees

Local electricians in San Francisco charge $50 to $100 per hour on average for labor. Installing one outlet may be a quick job, but most still have a minimum fee between $100 and $200 to cover travel and material costs.

Taxes

California taxes some forms of labor, but installation labor for adding electrical outlets isn’t included. However, materials such as wiring or receptacles are subject to San Francisco’s sales tax of 8.6725%.

Licensing and Insurance Requirements

In California, electricians must be licensed with a C-10 Electrical Contractor license through the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Licensed electricians should also carry both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation to cover property damage or injuries during the job. Be sure to verify an electrician’s credentials and coverage before moving forward with your project.

Permits

Most electrical work, including adding electrical outlets, requires a permit from the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (unless your work is limited to replacing existing switches or receptacles without changing wiring). Licensed contractors can apply online via the city's DBI portal, while homeowners of single-family dwellings may request a special homeowner permit if they demonstrate sufficient electrical knowledge. All wiring must pass inspections prior to being covered.

Does Adding an Electrical Outlet Increase Home Value?

Adding a few new outlets isn’t necessarily a detail San Francisco homebuyers will note, but it can enhance your home’s usability, especially in older Victorian or Edwardian homes. Many buyers in the Bay Area prioritize updated, move-in-ready spaces, and a shortage of outlets may suggest aging infrastructure or future electrical costs. Plus, if the home needs more outlets to meet electrical codes, this can raise red flags during the inspection.

While a single new outlet won’t boost your listing price, thoughtful upgrades like adding USB outlets in bedrooms or extra power sources in high-use areas can enhance everyday convenience. If you’re renovating anyway, adding outlets is a smart way to modernize without dramatically increasing your project budget.

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 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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