Moving an electric meter box typically costs $1,000-$4,000, with an average near $2,200 for a straightforward residential relocation. The final price depends on how far the meter moves, whether the service is overhead or underground, utility-company work, permits, and repairs to siding or landscaping.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential meter relocation | $1,000 | $2,200 | $4,000 | Typical electrician and utility coordination |
| Electrician labor | $500 | $1,200 | $2,500 | Depends on wiring changes and access |
| Utility and service work | $0 | $500 | $2,000+ | May be billed separately by the utility |
| Permit and inspection | $50 | $200 | $500 | Varies by local jurisdiction |
What a Typical Residential Meter Move Costs
For a standard house with accessible wiring and a relocation of a few feet, expect a total estimate of about $1,000-$2,500. More involved projects, such as moving the meter to another wall or changing the service entrance, commonly reach $2,500-$4,000 or more. A practical planning budget is about $2,200, before unusual utility, trenching, or wall-repair charges.
These figures generally assume a licensed electrician, standard meter socket and conduit, ordinary access, and no major electrical-panel replacement. Utility charges can be billed directly to the property owner or included in a contractor’s quote. Assumptions: typical U.S. labor rates, residential service, standard materials, and no extensive underground excavation.
How Electrician Labor, Conduit, and Utility Fees Add Up
The quote should identify who handles the meter disconnect and reconnect, permit, inspection, and any utility-required service changes. The utility controls the meter and usually must de-energize or reconnect the service; an electrician should not break utility seals or move an energized meter.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes the charge | Common billing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician labor | $500-$2,500 | New wiring route, panel access, and service size | $75-$150 per hour |
| Meter socket, conduit, wiring | $150-$700 | Material rating, length, and code requirements | $5-$20 per linear ft for conduit and conductors |
| Utility disconnect or service work | $0-$2,000+ | Utility policy and service-line changes | Flat fee or utility estimate |
| Permit and inspection | $50-$500 | City fees and scope of electrical work | Per permit or inspection |
| Wall, siding, or yard repair | $100-$1,000+ | Finish type and excavation restoration | Separate trade quote |
Labor is often the largest controllable contractor expense. A small, accessible move may take 4-8 electrician hours, while a complicated service reroute can require 12-20 hours plus utility scheduling.
Why Service Type and Relocation Distance Change the Quote
Moving a meter 3-6 feet along the same exterior wall is usually less expensive than transferring it to a different side of the house. Longer conductor and conduit runs, framing obstacles, finished interiors, and a panel that must also move increase labor and materials. A panel relocation is a separate scope and can add thousands of dollars.
Overhead service may require changes to the mast, attachment point, or clearance from the roof. Underground service can involve trenching, locating buried utilities, and restoring paving or landscaping. A trench longer than about 10-20 feet or a service change from overhead to underground can push a quote above $4,000. Service capacity also matters: 100-amp and 200-amp installations may require different equipment and utility approval.
How Long the Electrician and Utility Work Usually Takes
On-site electrical work commonly takes one day, but the full project may take several weeks because the utility, inspector, and contractor must coordinate the shutoff and reconnection. Some utilities require an application or site review before approving a new meter location. Homeowners should ask whether the price includes temporary power, reconnection, and a return trip if inspection timing delays the work.
For comparison, an electrician’s labor rate often falls around $75-$150 per hour, with higher rates in costly metro areas or for emergency scheduling. Confirm the utility appointment before paying for a crew to make a scheduled cutover.
How Metro and Rural Rates Affect Meter Relocation Prices
Local labor and utility rules can shift the estimate substantially. Large coastal or high-cost metro markets may run roughly 15%-35% above a national-style estimate because of higher labor rates, permit costs, and limited contractor availability. Smaller markets may be about 5%-20% lower, although long travel distances or a utility’s fixed service fee can offset the savings.
These percentages are comparison ranges, not guaranteed regional rates. Ask local electricians whether their bids include the same utility work, permit allowance, materials, and surface restoration before comparing totals. A low contractor price may exclude a utility charge that appears later.
Three Sample Quotes for Different Meter Move Scopes
| Project example | Labor and materials | Other charges | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Move 4 ft along same wall, overhead service | 5 hours at $100-$130 per hour; $200-$400 materials | $100-$250 permit and utility coordination | $900-$1,600 |
| Move 12 ft around a corner, 200-amp service | 10 hours at $100-$145 per hour; $400-$800 materials | $200-$600 utility and permit fees | $1,800-$3,200 |
| Move to opposite side, underground service | 14 hours at $110-$150 per hour; $600-$1,200 materials | $500-$1,500 trenching, utility, and restoration | $3,000-$5,500+ |
Examples assume ordinary residential access; actual utility charges and restoration needs vary by location.
Ways to Keep an Electric Meter Move Within Budget
Keep the new location close to the existing service entrance when code and utility rules allow. Before requesting quotes, identify the preferred wall, clear stored items near the panel, and ask the utility whether the proposed location meets its access and clearance requirements. Avoid paying for a panel upgrade, underground conversion, or cosmetic work unless inspection or the utility requires it.
Get at least two written bids that separate labor, materials, utility fees, permits, and repairs. Compare the same scope, including meter socket, conduit length, shutdown coordination, reconnection, and cleanup. Clarify exclusions and request a not-to-exceed allowance for unknown utility or wall conditions. If the box is damaged rather than badly located, ask whether replacing the socket in place is permitted; that may cost less than relocating the service.