How Much Does Adding an Electrical Outlet Cost in Philadelphia, PA? [2025 Data]

Thinking about adding a new outlet to your house? An outlet can provide new convenience, solve a problem that extension cords can’t tackle, and more. But this project must be done by a certified electrician near you. In Philadelphia adding an electrical outlet costs around $228 on average, with costs ranging from $155 to $320. Read on to find the most important things to think about when planning your new outlet.

Cost Factors

Most Philadelphia outlet projects will cost hundreds of dollars—but what makes some outlets significantly more expensive? To get a clear idea of how much your new outlet will cost, it’s best to bring in an electrician for questions and an official estimate. However, we can explain some of the most important factors involved.

Distance from Wiring

The farther away from existing wiring, the more the new outlet tends to cost. More distance means more wiring materials and more work for the electrician. The type of circuit can also affect overall costs, if the electrician needs to do extra work because of wiring quirks that older homes, in particular, can have.

New Circuit/Breaker Requirements

Sometimes a new outlet won’t fit on a nearby circuit because of a far-away location or because the nearest circuit already has enough electronics to handle. In these cases, electricians may suggest adding a new circuit for the outlet, upgrading wiring and breakers to handle more circuits, or similar solutions. That can add significantly to the cost of the project.

Special Locations

The typical outlet sockets in a wall shouldn’t cost you anything extra unless they are in a particularly awkward place. But some locations will incur higher prices. A floor outlet, for example, needs much more work and may cost three times as much, depending on the flooring you have. Recessed outlets will also be more expensive, which is why it’s important to give details when you hire your electrician.

Appliance Outlets and Dedicated Circuits

If you want to add a new outlet for a large appliance like a washing machine or something similar, there are a few things to keep in mind. Appliance outlets are larger and have higher-grade wiring, 220V to handle big machines. That also makes them more expensive to install. They may also need a dedicated circuit or a single circuit with their own breaker in the electric panel, which can also add to the costs.

Extra Features

The standard double-socket outlet is usually inexpensive, around $10 to $15, with most of the costs lying in the labor. But extra features will add a bit to the price. Options like GFCI protection, LED lights, extra ports for cables, and more will lead to a pricier outlet.

Number of Outlets

So far, we’ve focused on the costs for a single outlet. Adding more outlets will, of course, raise the cost of the project, but you can save money by having all the outlets done at once. Each consecutive outlet you add tends to cost a bit less, since you’ll save on labor costs and usually some of the necessary wiring work, too.

Indoor/Outdoor

Our cost averages came from studying indoor outlet additions. Outdoor outlets are another type of project altogether. Not only do they need special outdoor-ready receptacles and covers, but they also involve more remodeling work as holes need to be cut in external walls and specialized wiring routed to unusual locations. Because of all this work, it’s not uncommon for outdoor outlets to cost up to $1,000, depending on where you want one.

Electrician Pro Costs

If you’re adding a brand new outlet, you’ll probably need the help of a professional electrician. Installing an outlet is a very difficult DIY project that requires knowledge of electrical codes and safe home wiring installation, so it’s usually best left to the experts. Here are a few things to expect when hiring an electrician:

Licensing and Insurance

Electricians must be properly certified and insured in Pennsylvania to do work, which typically means a company that has operated for at least four years. Licensing has several levels, and must be maintained through exams and renewal fees (usually around $200). Always make sure your electrician has these certifications.

Hourly Rates and Taxes

Electrician rates in Philadelphia typically range from $40 to $90. Lower-level electricians, like journeyman, are typically paid lower on the scale, while electricians with the most experience, especially masters, are paid toward the higher end. Expect somewhere in the middle range for outlet work, with electricians usually charging for an hour to two of labor.

Tipping

Electricians don’t generally expect a tip, and you don’t have to feel obligated to tip them. You can add 10% to 15% to the bill if you want to show appreciation, but it’s not necessary.

Permits

Certain types of outlet installation will require a low-level electrical permit because of the wiring required, which in Philadelphia starts around $60. In some cases, an electrical inspection is also necessary, which costs around $100. Electricians typically take care of the details, but the final costs may be part of your bill.

Does Adding New Outlets Increase Home Value?

A new outlet may be exactly what your home needs—but that doesn’t mean it will increase in price. Buyers don’t tend to give outlets much monetary value, even more expensive versions like outdoor outlets. It’s simply not a big enough project to affect market prices, not unless it’s combined with other larger renovations like a new room or a big remodel of existing 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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