Electrical Panel Upgrade Cost: Homeowner Pricing Guide
This Old House says an electrical panel upgrade typically costs $800 to $4,000, depending on panel size and the complexity of the installation. Fixr gives a national average range of $1,500 to $4,500. The amperage you need is the biggest variable, as the table shows.
Electrical panel upgrade cost breakdown
| Upgrade | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 100 amp service | $1,200 to $1,800 | Fixr |
| 150 amp service | $1,500 to $2,800 | Fixr |
| 200 amp service | $1,800 to $4,500 | Fixr |
| 100 to 200 amps | $1,300 to $3,000 | This Old House |
| 100 to 200 amps | $750 to $2,000 | Family Handyman |
| 300 amp service | $3,500 to $7,500 | Fixr |
| 400 amp service | $8,000 to $12,000 | Fixr |
| 400 amp panel | $1,500 to $4,000 | Family Handyman |
Fixr says its prices depend on your current amperage and the age of your panel and wiring. Angi reports $1,300 to $2,000 to install a 200-amp service in St. Louis, MO. Sources disagree most on 400 amp panels, so get local quotes for any large service. Also check whether a published figure covers only the panel swap or the full service upgrade, because the same label can describe different scopes.
Labor vs. materials
Fixr says it is not uncommon for labor to be 40% to 60% of the total cost. Forbes Home puts electrician rates at $50 to $150 per hour and says installations usually take four to eight hours. Angi lists St. Louis electricians at $35 to $130 per hour.
Related components and add-ons
HomeGuide says replacing a fuse box with a breaker panel averages $1,100 to $4,000, depending on the capacity of the new panel. Meter box replacement is $200 to $500 on average per HomeGuide, and Forbes Home gives $100 to $650 depending on type and number of circuits. Forbes Home puts trenching, if underground service lines are involved, at around $6 per linear foot.
Specialty breakers add to the bill: This Old House lists arc-fault or ground-fault breakers at $35 to $60 each, while HomeGuide says having a pro install an AFCI or GFCI circuit costs $130 to $180. Moving a panel costs $800 to $3,000, according to This Old House, and a subpanel runs about $400 to $1,750.
Permits
Angi says replacing your electrical panel requires a permit, typically $50 to $300 depending on your location.
DIY vs. hiring a pro
Work on the main service panel carries electrical shock and fire risk and is not a homeowner project. Hire a licensed, insured electrician, and ask who will pull the permit and arrange any inspection or utility coordination that your area requires before the new panel is energized.
Ways to save
- Right-size the service: Fixr’s 100 amp upgrade costs less than its 200 amp upgrade, so confirm how much capacity you need.
- Keep the panel where it is: This Old House lists moving a panel at $800 to $3,000.
- Consider a subpanel: This Old House says a subpanel adds capacity in specific areas without upgrading the main panel.
- Compare bids: Ask licensed electricians for itemized quotes so you can compare labor and hardware.
How to get an accurate quote
Ask for a written quote that names the panel brand and amperage, the breakers included, permit and inspection fees, and who repairs any drywall opened during the work. Confirm the electrician’s license and insurance before signing, and keep a copy of the permit paperwork. See our other electrical cost guides for related jobs.
What changes the price
- Panel amperage capacity
- Condition and age of existing home wiring
- Need to replace an exterior electric meter box
- Trenching distance for underground utility service lines
- Local building permit and inspection fees
- Need to replace an outdated fuse box
Frequently asked questions
How long does a panel upgrade take?
Forbes Home says installations usually take between four and eight hours.
How much does it cost to move an electrical panel?
This Old House lists $800 to $3,000, depending on distance and rewiring needs. Family Handyman gives an average of $1,500 to $2,500.
How much does it cost to replace a single circuit breaker?
HomeGuide lists $150 to $200, labor and materials included.
Sources
Related cost guides
Figures are estimates based on the sources above and vary by region, home and contractor. Get at least three written quotes before you hire. See our disclaimer and how we research.