14/2 Romex, commonly used for 15-amp residential circuits, typically costs about $0.35-$0.85 per foot for the cable alone, with bulk rolls usually cheaper per foot. The 14/2 Romex price depends on roll size, brand, copper pricing, location, and whether the quote includes installation.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14/2 NM-B cable | $0.35/ft | $0.55/ft | $0.85/ft | Retail cable price; short cuts may cost more |
| 100-foot purchase | $35 | $55 | $85 | Before tax |
| 250-foot roll | $90 | $140 | $210 | Brand and seller affect price |
| Professional wiring work | $6/ft | $10/ft | $18/ft | Labor and cable; access and scope vary |
What a 14/2 Romex roll usually costs
For cable only, a practical budget is $35-$85 for 100 feet, $90-$210 for 250 feet, and roughly $250-$500 for a 1,000-foot coil. The low end generally reflects bulk purchasing or sale pricing; the high end can reflect a small-quantity purchase, a higher-priced retailer, or local supply limits. Prices are estimates, not fixed national rates.
For many household projects, budgeting around $0.55 per foot for the wire is a reasonable starting point. That estimate assumes standard 14/2 copper NM-B cable, ordinary retail availability, and no delivery charge. Assumptions: standard indoor residential cable, U.S. retail pricing, cable only.
How copper, packaging, and labor appear on quotes
A materials quote may include more than the cable itself. Installation estimates can also include time to route, secure, and connect the wire, plus costs for access or project setup. The following ranges are planning estimates; contractors may group charges differently.
| Quote item | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14/2 NM-B cable | $0.35-$0.85 | Per foot | Roll size, brand, copper market |
| Electrician labor | $75-$150 | Per hour | Local rates and job minimums |
| Routing and installation | $4-$12 | Per accessible foot | Wall access and route difficulty |
| Boxes and connectors | $2-$12 | Per connection point | Box type and number of locations |
| Wall repair or fishing | $100-$600 | Per project | Openings, patching, and finish work |
Installed pricing is not the same as the per-foot price of the cable. A short run can cost more per foot because setup, panel access, and testing take time regardless of length.
Run length, circuit load, and access change the estimate
Length affects material quantity, but layout and access can matter more to the final bill. A straight 40-foot route through an open basement is usually simpler than a 40-foot route through finished walls, ceilings, or crowded framing. Installers may also need extra cable for turns, vertical drops, and connections.
14/2 cable has two insulated conductors plus a ground and is commonly used on 15-amp circuits. If the planned load or local code requires a 20-amp circuit, 12-gauge cable is generally needed instead; its material price is often higher. A long run approaching or exceeding 100 feet may also warrant an electrician’s review for voltage drop and circuit design.
Confirm the circuit rating before buying cable. Using a smaller gauge than the circuit requires is a safety issue, not a cost-saving substitution. Local code, installation method, and appliance requirements can change the appropriate wire type or size.
What electricians charge to pull 14-gauge cable
For a straightforward accessible route, labor may take about 1-3 hours for a small run, with electricians commonly charging $75-$150 per hour. A simple, larger installation can take 4-8 hours, while fishing cable through finished walls may require more time and separate patching work. Many companies have a minimum service charge of about $100-$250.
Electricians may price by the task, hourly time, or a combined project quote rather than a strict per-foot rate. Ask whether the estimate includes cable, boxes, connections, testing, permit costs, and wall repair. These details make quotes easier to compare.
Why 14/2 wire prices vary across U.S. markets
Local retail prices and contractor labor rates differ. Urban areas with higher operating costs may run 10%-25% above a lower-cost rural market, while rural buyers may face delivery charges or limited stock. Regional differences in electrical labor can be larger than differences in the cable itself.
Copper prices, retailer promotions, and roll availability also shift material quotes. A 1,000-foot coil may have a lower unit price than a 100-foot package, but it only saves money if the remaining cable will be used appropriately and stored safely. Compare the total roll price and the per-foot rate, not just the shelf price.
Three common 14/2 Romex purchase examples
A 60-foot repair using cable bought by the foot might cost $30-$51 for material at $0.50-$0.85 per foot, before connectors or labor. This small purchase can carry a higher unit price than a full roll.
A 150-foot open-basement run might use a 250-foot roll costing $90-$210. If installation takes 2-4 hours at $75-$150 per hour, labor adds about $150-$600, excluding boxes, permits, or other work. The unused cable remains with the buyer if the electrician does not supply it.
A 300-foot project using bulk cable may require a 1,000-foot coil priced around $250-$500. Labor could range from $300-$1,200 for 4-8 hours, depending on access and connection work. These examples are estimates, not bids, and assume no major panel changes or extensive finish repair.
How to lower a 14/2 wiring project quote
Measure the route carefully and ask the electrician to account for slack, bends, and connection points before ordering. Buying a larger coil can lower the cable rate, but only when the project will use enough of it or the leftover wire has a legitimate future use. Avoid choosing wire solely by price if its rating or type does not match the circuit.
For accessible areas, clearing stored items and coordinating multiple small electrical tasks in one visit may reduce labor or minimum charges. Request itemized estimates from at least two licensed electricians, and compare the same scope. Keep savings focused on efficient routing and accurate quantities, not skipped testing, code work, or required repairs.