How much window replacement costs per window in 2026, and whether your quote is fair
On window replacement permits that state a window count, the median declared value per window runs from $1,250 in Cleveland to $1,660 in Seattle. That is from 2,623 permits in Buffalo, Cleveland, Baltimore and Seattle, adjusted to today's dollars. Enter your ZIP, the number of windows and your total quote.
Reviewed by Matt Kovalik, licensed Minnesota journeyworker electrician. License AJ703617 (verify). Updated October 2026. Based on 2,623 permits in Buffalo, Cleveland, Baltimore and Seattle.
Window replacement per window checker
Fair.
Your quote sits in the middle half of what these permits show.
Your quote works out to $1,250 per window.
What 1,742 permits in Cleveland show.
Middle half: $940 to $1,700.
Across regions, the median permit value runs from $1,250 in Cleveland to $1,660 in Seattle.
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- Northeast$1,330Buffalo
- Midwest$1,250Cleveland
- South$1,340Baltimore
- West$1,660Seattle
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
Lowest regional median per window
The lowest median permit value per window of any region.
- $1,660
Highest regional median per window
The highest median permit value per window of any region. The bar above shows each region.
- $1,700
Top of the middle half in Cleveland
A quarter of Cleveland per-window values sit above this. 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 | $1,020 to $1,940 | 37 | October 2026 |
| Cleveland | Midwest | $940 to $1,700 | 1,742 | October 2026 |
| Baltimore | South | $1,040 to $1,760 | 666 | October 2026 |
| Seattle | West | $1,290 to $2,330 | 178 | 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 per window?
On permits that state a window count, the median declared value per window runs from $1,250 in Cleveland to $1,660 in Seattle. Window size, style, material and the install method can all move a quote. Enter your total quote and the number of windows, and the checker compares the per-window figure with your region.
How is the per-window value worked out?
We take window replacement permits whose description gives a window count, such as replacing a stated number of windows, divide each declared value by that count, and adjust it to today's dollars. Permits without a count stay in the total range on the window replacement calculator but are not used here.
Should I compare my quote per window or in total?
Both help. The total range tells you whether the whole job is in line. The per-window figure helps when your job is larger or smaller than a typical one. A few large or custom windows can sit high per window even when the total looks fair, so ask the contractor to price each window type separately.
What should a window quote say about each window?
The size and type of each window, the frame material and glass package, insert or full-frame install, trim and flashing, disposal of the old windows, and the permit. Ask whether lead-safe practices apply to your home. The questions list on this page covers what to get in writing before you sign.