How much an electrical panel replacement costs in 2026, and whether your quote is fair
On permits to replace a panel or service at the same size, the median declared value runs from $2,420 in Baltimore to $5,330 in Seattle. That comes from 1,551 permits in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Baltimore and Seattle, adjusted to today's dollars. Enter your ZIP and quote to see where yours falls.
Written by Matt Kovalik, licensed Minnesota journeyworker electrician. License AJ703617 (verify). Updated October 2026. Based on 1,551 permits in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Baltimore and Seattle.
Electrical panel replacement checker
Fair.
Your quote sits in the middle half of what these permits show.
What 915 permits in Seattle show.
Middle half: $3,240 to $7,910.
Across regions, the median permit value runs from $2,420 in Baltimore to $5,330 in Seattle.
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- Northeast$2,610Buffalo and Pittsburgh
- Midwest$3,210Cleveland
- South$2,420Baltimore
- West$5,330Seattle
From the electrician: replacing a panel at the same size
On a same-size replacement the service stays as it is, so the box on the wall is the job.
I check the brand right away. A Federal Pacific or Zinsco panel gets a replacement recommendation from me every time, because I have watched breakers in both fail to trip under load. That comes from the field, not from internet scare stories. Bus bars that show heat damage, or moisture getting in near the service entrance, get the same response.
On a quote, I want the service size spelled out, the grounding work specified, the permit cost shown, and some mention of coordinating with the utility. "Replace panel as needed" usually tells me the contractor has not fully worked out the job.
Matt Kovalik, licensed Minnesota journeyworker electrician.
Questions to ask before you sign
Matt's list for this job.
- What service size are you proposing, and what loads did you use to choose it?Service capacity comes from the loads the house will carry, not a count of empty breaker spaces.
- Does this include the meter equipment, service wiring, grounding and bonding, and surge protection where your code requires it?The box on the wall may be new while the meter and wiring feeding it remain untouched.
- How will you coordinate disconnecting and reconnecting with the utility, and how long will the power be off?Disconnecting the service takes coordination. A missed utility appointment can leave the house dark longer than planned.
- What happens if you find damaged wiring or existing circuits that need changes to pass inspection?A panel swap can expose damaged wiring. Set the terms for approving repairs before the cover comes off.
- Will you trace the circuits and leave an accurate panel directory?When something trips, a directory that just says outlets leaves you guessing.
- What does your price cover for permitting, inspections, wall repairs, and hauling away the old equipment?Electrical completion can still leave drywall repair, debris, and inspection fees on your plate.
- What future equipment have you allowed for, and what would still require more work?A planned charger or workshop belongs in the sizing conversation now, while you can still shape the job.
What moves the price
- $2,420
Lowest regional median
The lowest median permit value of any region for a same-size replacement.
- $5,330
Highest regional median
The highest median permit value of any region. The bar above shows each region side by side.
- $7,910
Top of the middle half in Seattle
A quarter of Seattle replacement permits sit above this. A quote above it is worth checking against the scope.
Fair range by metro
| Metro | Region | Middle half of permit values | Permits | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo | Northeast | $1,880 to $4,150 | 201 | October 2026 |
| Pittsburgh | Northeast | $1,640 to $3,850 | 229 | October 2026 |
| Cleveland | Midwest | $2,400 to $6,030 | 100 | October 2026 |
| Baltimore | South | $1,500 to $3,800 | 106 | October 2026 |
| Seattle | West | $3,240 to $7,910 | 915 | October 2026 |
Declared permit values, issued October 2023 to October 2026, adjusted to 2026 dollars with CPI-U. Cities join a zone only if they pass the calibration check.
Questions people ask
How much does an electrical panel replacement cost?
On permits for a same-size panel or service replacement, the median declared value runs from $2,420 in Baltimore to $5,330 in Seattle. The meter, service wiring, grounding and access around the panel can all move a quote. Enter your ZIP in the checker for the middle half of permit values near you, then compare the scope line by line.
What counts as a replacement instead of an upgrade?
A replacement swaps the panel or service at the same size, for example an old fuse box or a recalled panel. An upgrade raises the service to more amps, so the meter, service wires and main breaker change size too. Permits are sorted by what they describe. If your quote raises the service size, use the panel upgrade calculator instead.
Does a panel replacement need a permit?
In most places, yes, where your code requires it, and many utilities will not reconnect power until the work passes inspection. The permit is also the record we use for these ranges. Ask whether the permit and inspection fees are in your quote, who schedules the utility disconnect, and how long you should expect to be without power.
What should a panel replacement quote include?
The new panel's brand and size, the breakers, any meter or service wiring work, grounding and bonding, labeling of every circuit, the permit and inspection, and wall repair around the panel. Ask what happens if they find damaged wiring when the old panel comes off. The questions list on this page covers what to get in writing.
Sources
- City of Cleveland building permits
- City of Pittsburgh PLI permits (WPRDC)
- City of Buffalo permits (Open Data Buffalo)
- City of Seattle permits (data.seattle.gov)
- City of Baltimore housing and building permits (Open Baltimore)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (CPI and PPI)
- How we build the numbers
- Data sources and licenses