Copper wire typically costs more per foot than aluminum, but the right comparison depends on wire gauge, insulation, and electrical capacity. For common residential materials, buyers may pay about $0.20-$0.60 per foot for copper branch-circuit wire and $0.50-$2.50 per foot for larger aluminum wire; installation can add substantially to the project total.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 AWG copper THHN | $0.20/ft | $0.35/ft | $0.60/ft | Single conductor, material only |
| 4 AWG aluminum XHHW | $0.50/ft | $0.90/ft | $1.50/ft | Single conductor, material only |
| Residential wire installation | $300 | $900 | $2,500 | Small to moderate accessible runs |
| 100-foot feeder materials | $150 | $350 | $700 | Size, conductor count, and cable type vary |
Typical copper and aluminum wire prices by size
For general material budgeting, copper THHN commonly runs about $0.20-$0.60 per foot for 12 AWG, $0.35-$0.90 for 10 AWG, and $1.50-$4 for 4 AWG. Aluminum XHHW is more often used in larger feeders: 4 AWG may cost $0.50-$1.50 per foot, while 1/0 AWG can range from $1.25-$3.50 per foot.
These are material-only ranges, not direct same-size comparisons. Aluminum has lower conductivity, so a code-compliant aluminum conductor generally needs a larger cross-section than copper for comparable use. Prices also differ between single conductors, multi-conductor cable, and jacketed service-entrance cable.
Assumptions: U.S. retail pricing, standard copper or aluminum conductors, before tax and installation.
What wire, termination, and labor add to the quote
A contractor’s price can include more than the conductor itself. The table shows common cost categories; actual quotes depend on access, run length, local rates, and whether the job is new wiring or a replacement.
| Quote item | Copper range | Aluminum range | Typical pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conductor or cable | $0.20-$4/ft | $0.50-$3.50/ft | Gauge, insulation, and cable construction |
| Electrician labor | $75-$150/hour | $75-$150/hour | Often 2-8 hours for a small run |
| Compatible lugs or connectors | $5-$30 each | $8-$40 each | Type and number of terminations |
| Conduit and fittings | $1-$8/ft | $1-$8/ft | Material and route requirements |
| Permit or inspection | $50-$300 | $50-$300 | Local rules and project scope |
Labor and compatible terminations can outweigh the wire-price difference on short projects. Aluminum connections require equipment rated for aluminum conductors and careful preparation to reduce oxidation and loose-connection risks.
Gauge, amperage, and run length change the total
Wire size is selected for load, installation conditions, and electrical code—not simply to match a cheaper price per foot. A 100-amp feeder may use different copper and aluminum gauges, and the exact choice depends on equipment terminals, insulation temperature rating, conduit fill, and other code requirements.
Long runs and higher loads can quickly increase both material and labor costs. A 25-foot circuit may need little extra wire, while a 150-foot feeder can multiply conductor costs and require larger conductors to manage voltage drop. Runs over roughly 100 feet are worth having an electrician evaluate for voltage-drop requirements.
Site conditions matter too. Finished walls, attic access, trenching, or a route that requires new conduit can add several hundred dollars or more. For underground work, trenching and surface restoration are separate expenses from wire.
When aluminum feeder wire beats copper on budget
Aluminum is often a cost-effective choice for service entrances and larger feeders, where its lower material price can offset the need for a larger conductor. Copper is common for branch circuits and may be preferred where smaller wire size, compact terminations, or equipment specifications make it practical.
Compare conductors with equivalent approved ampacity and installation conditions. A 4 AWG copper wire should not be compared with 4 AWG aluminum as if they were interchangeable. The panel, breaker, terminals, and conductor type must all be compatible; an electrician can verify the permitted combination.
Three installed-wire quotes show the budget range
These examples illustrate how the same basic material comparison can produce different totals. They assume ordinary access and standard residential work; local labor and permit charges may shift the quote.
| Project | Material estimate | Labor and extras | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50-ft, 12 AWG copper branch circuit | $15-$35 | $300-$650 | $315-$685 |
| 75-ft, 4 AWG aluminum feeder | $40-$115 | $450-$900 | $490-$1,015 |
| 100-ft, 1/0 aluminum service feeder | $125-$350 | $700-$1,500 | $825-$1,850 |
In these examples, access and electrician time drive the installed total more than raw wire cost. A quote that includes panel work, trenching, drywall repair, or a service upgrade should list those tasks separately.
Regional electrician rates widen installed-price gaps
Wire material prices may be broadly similar across the country, but labor and permitting vary. Large coastal metro areas can run about 15%-35% above a national midrange estimate, while lower-cost rural markets may be 10%-20% below it. Remote locations can reverse that pattern if travel or delivery fees apply.
Request local quotes for the same wire type, length, and scope. A labor rate of $75-$100 per hour is more plausible in some smaller markets; $110-$150 or more is common in expensive cities. These ranges are broad estimates, not fixed regional tariffs.
Removal, trenching, and panel work can add fees
Replacing an existing conductor may involve tracing circuits, disconnecting equipment, removing old wire, and restoring access points. Electricians may charge a $75-$200 diagnostic or service-call fee, sometimes credited toward approved work. Difficult removal or disposal can add roughly $100-$500, depending on the route and job size.
Ask whether the estimate includes permits, testing, and restoration. A new underground run may need trenching priced around $5-$20 per linear foot, excluding difficult rock, pavement, or landscaping repair. Panel replacement or code corrections are separate scope items and can add hundreds to several thousand dollars.
Control wire costs by matching scope to code
Keep the quote focused on the actual load and route. Have the electrician confirm conductor size, insulation, and terminal compatibility before buying materials; an undersized or incompatible wire can create costly rework. Compare at least two itemized bids using the same length, cable type, and included tasks.
Choose aluminum only where the equipment and code allow it, and avoid paying for unnecessary upgrades. Bundling several accessible runs may reduce repeated setup charges, while doing safe access preparation—such as clearing storage from an attic—can limit labor time. Electrical terminations and installation should be handled by a qualified professional.