Water heater replacement cost
Water heater replacement costs about $800 to $3,500, with a typical price around $1,400 (as of June 2026).
Replacing a standard tank water heater, gas or electric, installed.
Replacing a standard 40–50 gallon tank water heater typically runs about $900–$1,800 installed, averaging around $1,400. Electric tanks and simple same-spot swaps run lower — often $800–$1,200 — while gas units, larger tanks, and harder installs run higher.
Estimate your water heater replacement
Adjust for your water heater and install. The estimate starts from our published range.
Adjusts the estimate to local cost levels. Pick a metro or leave on national.
How we got this
Starts from our published water heater replacement range of $800–$3,500, adjusted for:
- Type & fuel: Gas tank (40–50 gal)×1
- Tank size: Standard (40–50 gallon)×1
- Installation: Straight swap, same location×1
These figures are planning estimates compiled from public cost data on the dates shown — not quotes, bids, or guarantees. Real prices vary widely with your home, location, materials, permits, and contractor. Always get itemized written quotes from licensed local pros before budgeting or hiring.
Where the money goes
- ≈ 35%–60%
Water heater unit
About $400–$1,600 for a standard tank — gas costs more than electric.
- ≈ 40%–65%
Labor, permit & install
Install labor plus a $25–$300 permit; more for venting, gas, or code upgrades.
What changes the price
Fuel type — Varies
Electric tanks are usually cheapest to install; gas needs venting; switching fuel types adds cost.
Tank size — Raises cost
Larger tanks (75–80 gal) cost more than standard 40–50 gallon units.
Tankless vs. tank — Raises cost
Tankless units cost more to buy and install but last longer and save space.
Code & permit upgrades — Raises cost
Bringing venting, gas, or seismic strapping up to code adds cost.
Relocation / venting — Raises cost
Moving the unit or adding venting raises labor.
Get real quotes for your water heater replacement
Our ranges are for planning. The only way to know your real price is itemized quotes from licensed local pros — always get at least three before you hire.
Tip: search for licensed, insured water heater replacement contractors in your area, check reviews and references, and compare written itemized bids — not just bottom-line numbers.
Water heater replacement cost — FAQ
- How much does it cost to replace a water heater?
- A standard tank water heater runs about $900–$1,800 installed for most homes, averaging around $1,400, within a national range of roughly $800 to $3,500. Gas tanks cost more than electric, large or tankless units cost more, and a simple same-spot electric swap is cheapest — often $800–$1,200.
- Is a tankless water heater worth the higher cost?
- Tankless units cost more to buy and install (often $1,400–$5,600) but last 20+ years and heat water on demand. The energy savings are real but modest for most homes; the bigger draws are endless hot water and freeing up floor space.
- Gas vs. electric water heater — which is cheaper?
- Electric tank units are usually cheaper to buy and install; gas units cost more upfront and need venting but often cost less to run. Your existing hookup usually decides it — switching fuel types adds significant cost.
- How long does a water heater last?
- A tank water heater typically lasts 8–12 years; tankless units can last 20+. If yours is leaking from the tank itself, replace it — tank leaks can't be repaired.
Water heater replacement cost by city
Costs vary by metro. See water heater replacement pricing adjusted to local levels:
Cost data compiled June 13, 2026.
Sources (4)
- How Much Does Water Heater Replacement Cost? [2026 Data] — Angi
- How Much Does Water Heater Installation or Replacement Cost? (2026) — HomeGuide
- Water Heater Cost in 2026 — NerdWallet
- Cost to Replace Hot Water Heater 2026 — Homewyse
Range synthesized from the editorially-independent cluster (Angi $882–$1,817, avg ~$1,340; HomeGuide $600–$3,100). A lead-gen source (HomeBuddy, $1,900–$9,000) was treated as a high outlier and dropped from the anchor — its inclusion is what inflated the earlier draft. Metro-level breakdowns are coming as we verify local data.