How much window replacement costs in 2026, and whether your quote is fair
On window replacement permits, the median declared value runs from $6,720 in Cleveland to $10,130 in Seattle. Those are the job totals contractors wrote on 2,783 permits in Buffalo, Cleveland, Baltimore and Seattle, adjusted to today's dollars. Enter your ZIP, your quote and the number of windows to compare.
Reviewed by Matt Kovalik, licensed Minnesota journeyworker electrician. License AJ703617 (verify). Updated October 2026. Based on 2,783 permits in Buffalo, Cleveland, Baltimore and Seattle.
Window replacement checker
Fair.
Your quote sits in the middle half of what these permits show.
What 1,759 permits in Cleveland show.
Middle half: $3,970 to $12,440.
Across regions, the median permit value runs from $6,720 in Cleveland to $10,130 in Seattle.
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- Northeast$9,280Buffalo
- Midwest$6,720Cleveland
- South$7,060Baltimore
- West$10,130Seattle
What to know before replacing windows
Before comparing window quotes, decide what you want the new windows to fix: drafts, noise, condensation or sashes that stick. Then ask each contractor how their window and installation method address it.
Window placement shapes daily life in ways beyond energy use. Daylight changes how a room feels, larger openings change where furniture can go, new bedroom windows can raise egress requirements, and motorized shades or smart blinds pull the project into low-voltage planning as well.
On the quote, look for how each opening will be flashed, what trim and interior finish work is included, and whether the new windows keep the same sightlines across the house.
Questions to ask before you sign
Matt's list for this job.
- Is this an insert replacement or a full-frame replacement, and why is that right for these openings?An insert keeps portions of the old frame, so their condition is central to whether that approach makes sense.
- Can you spell out the window models, glass, opening styles, and finishes on both sides?Glass, opening style, and trim choices can make similarly sized windows very different purchases.
- How much glass area or clear opening will change, and have you checked emergency escape requirements where your code requires them?A smaller usable opening can affect both daylight and an escape route, even if the outside frame fits.
- How will you flash the sill and connect the window to the wall water barrier?Sill flashing gives water a route out when it gets past the outer seal.
- What happens if you find rot, and who handles trim repair, insulation, patching, and paint?Rot repair and restoring the surrounding trim can add work beyond setting the new window.
- Who is responsible for final measurements, permitting, applicable lead-safe practices, and protecting the rooms during installation?Final measurements affect the order, while dust containment and lead-safe work affect the household during removal.
- What is the lead time, and who handles glass failures, leaks, and labor under the warranties?Glass coverage may leave removal and reinstallation labor for you to pay.
Also worth asking
- How will you protect the property and leave it clean at the end of each day?Flower beds, walkways, and household access deserve protection throughout demolition.
- Who is accountable for crew supervision, required permits, and getting a leak repaired after the job?A leaking installation needs a named contact who can arrange a repair without sending you between companies.
What moves the price
- $1,250
Per window in Cleveland
The median declared value per window on Cleveland permits that list a window count. Count your windows and compare per window, not just the total.
- $10,130
Highest regional median
Region moves the total a lot. The bar above shows each region's median permit value.
- $1,660
Per window in Seattle
Per-window values differ by city too. Our permits do not split full-frame installs from inserts.
Fair range by metro
| Metro | Region | Middle half of permit values | Permits | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo | Northeast | $5,840 to $15,060 | 88 | October 2026 |
| Cleveland | Midwest | $3,970 to $12,440 | 1,759 | October 2026 |
| Baltimore | South | $3,930 to $11,650 | 729 | October 2026 |
| Seattle | West | $7,780 to $16,020 | 207 | 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 window replacement cost?
On window replacement permits, the median declared value for the whole job is $9,280 in Buffalo, $6,720 in Cleveland, $7,060 in Baltimore and $10,130 in Seattle. Those are permit values, not receipts. The number of windows, the install type and the size of each unit can all move a quote. To compare one window at a time, use the window replacement per window calculator.
What is a declared permit value?
It is the job value the contractor or homeowner writes on the permit application. Cities use it to set permit fees. It is not a receipt, and each city's values are checked against the Census survey before we use them. We use declared values from 2,783 window permits in Buffalo, Cleveland, Baltimore and Seattle, drop outliers and non-residential work, and adjust each one to today's dollars before building a range.
Why is a full-frame window quote higher than an insert?
An insert window fits inside the existing frame. A full-frame replacement removes the old frame down to the rough opening, which means more labor, new flashing and new interior and exterior trim. It can be the right call when the frames are rotten. Ask which method the quote uses, and compare bids that use the same one.
Which cities do the window numbers come from?
Window permits come from Buffalo, Cleveland, Baltimore and Seattle. Each city's numbers join a regional range only after passing a calibration check against the Census survey, which tests whether that city's declared values track real job prices. If your ZIP is outside those cities, the checker tells you so and shows the range for your region instead.