Double hung aluminum windows typically cost $450-$1,050 per window installed, with an average near $700 for a standard replacement. Window size, thermal performance, custom colors, removal work, and local labor rates can move the final price substantially.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Window, materials only | $250 | $450 | $900 | Standard sizes; custom or thermally improved units cost more |
| Installed replacement window | $450 | $700 | $1,300 | Per window, including typical removal and installation |
| Ten-window project | $4,500 | $7,000 | $13,000 | Assumes standard openings and ordinary access |
| Installation labor | $150 | $275 | $500 | Per window; complex framing raises labor |
What a standard double hung aluminum window costs installed
For a common 36-by-60-inch replacement window, buyers generally pay $450-$1,050 installed. A practical national planning figure is about $700 per opening, based on a standard-color aluminum unit, ordinary ground-level access, and no major framing repairs. Higher-efficiency models, custom dimensions, and premium finishes can reach $1,300-$1,800 installed.
Most straightforward replacements fall between $550 and $900 per window. The low end usually means a stock-size unit and uncomplicated installation, while the upper end may include better thermal performance, custom ordering, or more involved trim work. New construction openings can have different labor and finishing requirements.
For a whole-house budget, ten standard replacements commonly total $5,500-$9,000 before unusual repairs or upgrades. A smaller five-window project may cost $2,750-$4,500. Contractors may apply a minimum charge, so a one-window job can cost more per opening than a larger installation.
Assumptions: U.S. standard replacement opening, midrange aluminum frame, typical access, and no structural damage.
How aluminum frames, glass, and installation shape the quote
A written quote should distinguish the window itself from labor and project charges. Aluminum window prices vary with frame construction, glass package, dimensions, and whether the quote includes removal, disposal, flashing, trim, and finish repairs. Comparing a product-only price with a full replacement estimate can give a misleading picture.
| Quote component | Typical price | What it covers | Common cost change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum window unit | $250-$900 each | Frame, sash, hardware, and standard glass | Custom size or color may add $100-$400 |
| Labor | $150-$500 each | Removal, fitting, fastening, and sealing | Upper floors or difficult access add time |
| Removal and disposal | $40-$150 each | Old unit handling and haul-away | Heavy or damaged assemblies cost more |
| Trim and flashing | $50-$250 each | Weatherproofing and interior or exterior finish | Rot repair or custom trim raises charges |
| Permit or inspection | $0-$250 per project | Local application and inspection fees | Depends on jurisdiction and scope |
Installation and finish work can account for roughly one-third to one-half of a basic installed price. Ask whether the estimate includes sales tax, disposal, interior casing, exterior trim, and sealing materials. If a contractor lists a low unit price but excludes these items, the final invoice may be substantially higher.
For example, 2-4 labor hours at $75-$125 per hour equals $150-$500 in direct labor per opening, before crew minimums or overhead.
Which window size and glass specifications raise the price?
Dimensions are among the clearest price drivers. A stock opening around 24 by 36 inches may cost $350-$750 installed, while a 36-by-60-inch unit commonly lands around $450-$1,050. Units wider than 48 inches, unusually tall windows, or openings requiring custom sizing can cost $800-$1,600 or more installed.
Glass selection also changes the estimate. Standard insulating glass is often included in entry-level units. Low-emissivity coatings, argon-filled double panes, laminated glass, or tempered glass can add about $50-$250 per window, depending on size and manufacturer. Triple glazing, where offered, may add $150-$400 and is not necessary for every climate or opening.
Custom sizing and upgraded glass can add $100-$500 per opening before labor changes. Check the product label or quote for U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient rather than relying on phrases such as “energy efficient.” A lower U-factor generally indicates better insulation, but the best specification depends on local climate and exposure.
Frame details matter too. Basic aluminum frames conduct heat more readily than vinyl or fiberglass. Thermally broken aluminum uses an insulating barrier between interior and exterior frame sections and may add $100-$350 per window. Dark exterior finishes or nonstandard colors can add another $50-$200, particularly on made-to-order units.
How replacement-window prices differ across U.S. regions
Labor markets and housing conditions create meaningful regional differences. A similar standard replacement can cost about 10%-20% less in many lower-cost rural markets than in high-demand metropolitan areas. Dense cities and coastal markets may run 15%-30% above a national midrange estimate because of higher wages, access restrictions, parking, and contractor demand.
In the Midwest and much of the South, a basic installed unit may commonly fall around $450-$900. In the Northeast, West Coast, and major urban centers, $600-$1,300 is a more realistic planning range for comparable work. These are broad estimates, not fixed regional price lists; local quotes can differ based on the window brand and project timing.
Use regional percentages as a budgeting adjustment, then verify with local bids. A townhouse requiring stair or lift access may cost more than a detached home in the same city. Conversely, a contractor already working nearby may offer a lower mobilization charge for several openings completed together.
Climate and code requirements can affect product selection. Cold regions may favor better-insulated glass and thermally broken frames, while hot, sunny locations may prioritize solar control. These upgrades can add $100-$500 per window, but the appropriate configuration depends on exposure, existing wall conditions, and local requirements.
How long aluminum window installation takes and what labor includes
A straightforward replacement usually takes about 2-4 hours per window for a trained installer, including removal, setting, fastening, sealing, and basic cleanup. A two-person crew may complete 5-8 standard windows in a day if access is simple and openings are sound. Custom work, upper floors, or extensive interior finishing can extend the schedule.
Labor commonly runs $75-$125 per hour per installer, but many contractors price by the opening. The project total may include crew travel, setup, insurance, and business overhead rather than a simple hourly calculation. Ask for the number of windows, included tasks, and any minimum service charge to understand the effective rate.
Replacement labor is usually faster when the existing frame is suitable for an insert installation. A full-frame replacement removes more of the assembly and may require new flashing, insulation, and trim. That scope can add $150-$500 per opening, but it may be appropriate when the old frame is damaged or the opening needs correction.
Timing also matters for scheduling. Contractors may have longer lead times for custom aluminum sizes or colors, often several weeks, while stock units can be available sooner. Rush ordering or a short-notice appointment can add $100-$400 per project, depending on supplier and crew availability.
When removal, frame repair, and permits add extra charges
Old-window removal is usually priced separately when the quote does not bundle it. Expect about $40-$150 per opening for removal and disposal. Lead-safe handling in older homes, difficult-to-remove frames, or bulky assemblies can increase that charge. Disposal may also be billed as a project fee of $100-$400 when many units are involved.
Hidden water damage is one of the biggest sources of change orders. Minor sill or jamb repairs may add $100-$350 per opening, while substantial rot, damaged sheathing, or structural correction can add $500-$2,000 or more. A contractor may not be able to confirm the full repair scope until the old window is removed, so the estimate should explain how concealed damage is priced.
Permits are not required for every like-for-like replacement, but local rules vary. Fees commonly range from $0-$250 for a small residential project; larger projects or required inspections can cost more. Changes to opening size, structural framing, or historic exterior details are more likely to trigger review. Buyers should check local requirements before ordering custom units.
Other possible charges include lift or scaffold rental at $150-$600 per day, interior repainting at $100-$400 per room, and new casing at $50-$200 per opening. These items are not always part of a window installer’s contract, so confirm who will complete and warrant the related finish work.
Three realistic aluminum double hung window project estimates
Project totals depend on opening count and scope, not just the price of each window. The following examples illustrate common quote patterns using installed prices; actual bids vary by product specification, region, access, and repair needs.
| Project and specifications | Window and labor basis | Added work | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| One standard 30-by-54-inch replacement | 1 unit at $425; 3 labor hours at $95, or $285 | $80 removal and disposal | $790 |
| Six standard 36-by-60-inch replacements | 6 units at $450, or $2,700; 18 labor hours at $90, or $1,620 | $480 removal and trim allowance | $4,800 |
| Eight custom thermally broken units | 8 units at $850, or $6,800; 32 labor hours at $110, or $3,520 | $1,200 finish and flashing work | $11,520 |
In the single-window example, a contractor minimum could raise the total by $100-$250, especially if the job requires a separate trip. The six-window estimate assumes standard openings and no major frame damage. The custom project includes a more expensive frame specification and finishing allowance, but not extensive structural repairs or permit fees.
When reviewing bids, compare identical dimensions, glass options, frame type, removal scope, and warranty coverage. A $500 difference between quotes may reflect different glass or installation methods rather than a simple markup. Request a line-item estimate if product details or exclusions are unclear.
Aluminum versus vinyl and fiberglass replacement prices
Aluminum can provide a slim frame profile and durable exterior finish, but basic models may insulate less effectively than comparable vinyl or fiberglass products. Standard vinyl double hung windows commonly cost $400-$900 installed, while fiberglass often ranges from $700-$1,400. Aluminum typically falls around $450-$1,050 for a standard installation, with thermally broken models at the higher end.
The lowest initial price is not the only useful comparison. Ask for the same size, glazing, hardware, and installation scope across material options. In climates with hot summers or cold winters, compare frame thermal performance and glass ratings. An aluminum window with a thermal break may narrow the comfort gap, while a basic non-thermal-break model may be less suitable for some conditioned spaces.
Repair can be less expensive than replacement when the frame is sound. Replacing a balance, latch, or sash component may cost $100-$350 per window, while insulated-glass replacement can run $200-$600 depending on dimensions. Full replacement is more likely to make financial sense when several parts are damaged, air or water intrusion is widespread, or the frame itself has deteriorated.
Warranty terms affect value but do not guarantee that every labor expense is covered. Confirm coverage duration for frame, glass seal, hardware, and installation, and ask whether service calls or labor are included. A longer product warranty may not cover damage caused by improper installation or building movement.
How to lower the aluminum window price without cutting essential work
Standard sizes and colors usually cost less than custom units. Before ordering, have the installer measure each opening and identify whether an insert replacement is suitable. Choosing a stock white or bronze frame can avoid a $50-$200 custom-finish charge, while keeping the original opening size may prevent substantial framing work.
Control the scope before choosing the cheapest bid. Bundle several windows into one visit to spread setup and disposal charges, but avoid replacing sound units solely to qualify for a discount. Ask contractors to price necessary repairs separately from optional trim, paint, and decorative upgrades.
Compare at least three written estimates with matching specifications. Check whether each includes removal, disposal, flashing, insulation, interior casing, exterior trim, permit fees, and cleanup. A quote $150-$300 below others may exclude one or more of those tasks. Confirm the window model and glass package so a lower bid is not based on a different product.
Scheduling during a contractor’s less busy period may improve appointment availability, though seasonal discounts are not guaranteed. Avoid rushing measurements or installation to save money: incorrect sizing can lead to gaps, water entry, and additional labor. Keep a contingency of about 10%-15% for concealed repairs, especially in older homes or openings with visible staining.
Assumptions: Estimates are broad U.S. ranges for residential work and may not include unusual structural repairs, major interior remodeling, or local taxes.