Looking to size up your electrical system to cover higher usage and improve efficiency? Use this guide to see the cost to upgrade an electrical panel.
How Much Does Moving an Electric Meter Cost? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $400 - $1,000
The average price to move an electric meter is $675, but costs can range from $400 to $1,000 depending on how far you're moving the meter.
How we get this data
Photo: cookiecutter / Adobe Stock
Photo: cookiecutter / Adobe Stock
Highlights
Moving an electrical meter further than 10 feet will (at least) double the cost of your service due to the additional materials and labor required.
You can expect to budget based on factors like the distance you’re moving the electric meter, labor rates, and whether it’s a replacement.
Electrical labor costs don't include repairing the drywall or baseboards, which adds $60 to $125 per hour.
If you decide to upgrade your electric panel during this replacement, you can expect to pay $1,375.
Rarely are electric meters described as anything but an aesthetic nuisance. Luckily, the average cost to move an electric meter is $675, so its unfortunate placement on the road side of your home doesn’t have to be permanent. If you’re in the middle of a remodel, or you’re simply sick of looking at it, why not move your electrical meter to a more discreet location? The prices will fluctuate between $100 to $1,200, depending on labor costs and how far it’s moving.
Cost Factors to Move Electric Meter
When budgeting for the project of moving your electric meter, consider these essential cost factors.
Distance
Moving your electric meter a few inches on its existing baseboard typically won’t cost you anything. However, you’ll need to call your electricity provider to see if this slight adjustment is possible, as some providers have a limit on how much you can move before you get charged.
If you’re moving your electric meter within a 10-foot distance on the same wall, you should expect to pay around $450 on average. But if you need the electric meter relocated to a completely different wall, you’re looking at a fee of around $800 on average.
Beyond the actual move, you’ll need to consider labor costs, any repairs for the walls, and whether you need a new base or not.
Complete Replacement or Simple Move
Because you already have an existing electric meter, you don’t have to worry about the extra costs associated with a replacement. But on the off chance that your outside electric meter needs a complete replacement, be prepared to pay even more. On average, the cost to replace an outside electric meter is around $1,200.
Labor
If this is a larger move, then you might need to hire an electrician near you (after calling the electric company first). Electricians will charge $50 to $250 per hour on average. This comes down to the individual contractor, so it’s always best to get three quotes before finalizing your decision.
Additional Costs Factors
| Additional Factor | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Wall repair | $360–$1,200 |
| Repair labor | $60–$125 per hour |
| New electric meter base | $150 |
| Upgrading service | $500–$4,000 |
Wall Repairs
You might damage the wall while removing the base of the electric meter. If so, you need to address those repairs immediately. Depending on the severity of the damage, the cost to repair a wall costs $360 to $1,200. This is on top of the cost of a handyperson, which sits around $60 to $125 per hour.
New Electric Meter Base
Ideally, you’ll reinstall your old meter base at its new location. But if the electric meter breaks during the move, then you’ll need to tack on an extra $150 to the final cost.
Upgrading to 200-Amp Service
The average cost to upgrade to a 200-amp service is around $1,375. Most homes come with a 100- to 150-amp service. However, more people are upgrading to this higher-end service to accommodate more appliances and devices—especially if you work from home.
How Much Does It Cost to Move an Electric Meter Yourself?
You legally can’t move an electric meter yourself. Moving an electric meter without contacting your electric company means you’re using electricity without measuring how much. Always contact your electric company to learn the proper legal process for moving an electric meter.
Frequently Asked Questions
The homeowners guide to electrical services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
•Discover the cost to replace outlets in your home. Learn about price factors, labor rates, and tips to save on your outlet replacement project.
Find out how much it costs to install a cable outlet for TV or internet. Our expert guide breaks down the costs involved in installing a new coaxial outlet and explores how you can save and if you can do this project yourself.
Travelers are essential components in multi-way switches. So, what is a traveler wire, and how does it function? Find out more here.
When you need to figure out how to find what is tripping your circuit breaker, our guide can walk you through the possible causes and how to identify them.
Flickering lights and breaker trips can be a sign that it’s time to replace a circuit breaker. Find out the cost, safety tips, and how to replace a circuit breaker.