Homeowners typically pay a combined price for the window unit and installation. The main cost drivers include frame material, sash design, glass type, size, and regional labor rates. This article lays out exact price ranges for single hung and double hung windows, helping buyers compare cost and plan a budget for replacement or new installs.
Assumptions: standard 3’0″ x 5’0″ opening, vinyl frames, mid-range glass, midwestern or southern labor rates, no special permits.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Hung Window (installed) | $350 | $600 | $900 | Vinyl frame, standard clear glass, mid-range labor |
| Double Hung Window (installed) | $500 | $850 | $1,100 | Vinyl frame, standard glass, mid-range labor |
| Per-Unit Glass Upgrade | $60 | $150 | $400 | Low-E, double-pane, arctic gas |
| Frame Material Adjustment (per unit) | $0 | $100 | $350 | Aluminum, wood, or composite adds cost |
Price Breakdown: what you really pay for each window type
Single hung installations average $600 per unit, with a typical range of $350–$900 depending on frame and glass choices. The main cost levers are frame material (vinyl vs. aluminum vs. wood), glass upgrade (tinted, Low-E, or argon), and labor complexity.
Major cost components in a window quote
Materials and fabrication often drive the base price, while labor governs the final total. A typical breakdown separates Materials, Labor, and Hardware/Accessories, with optional permits or disposal costs if applicable.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $250 | $500 | $800 | Frame, sash, glazing |
| Labor | $150 | $300 | $450 | Removal, fitting, sealing |
| Glass Upgrade | $60 | $150 | $400 | Low-E, gas fill |
| Hardware & Trim | $20 | $50 | $100 | Locks, fasteners, stops |
| Permits/Inspections | $0 | $0 | $250 | Local requirements vary |
Key variables that move the final price
Size and configuration have the biggest impact: a 3’0″ x 5’0″ single hung costs less than a 4’0″ x 6’0″ double hung with Low-E glass. Other drivers include frame material choice (vinyl vs. aluminum), number of units, and whether a retrofit or new rough opening is involved.
Regional price differences you should anticipate
In the Northeast and coastal regions, installed costs can be 10–25% higher than the national average due to labor and permit costs. The Midwest and Southeast tend to fall near the average, while the West may see higher material premiums in some markets.
Labor time and what affects install duration
Typical install takes 2–4 hours per unit, depending on opening condition and whether existing trim is reused. Complex installs or custom trim add-ons can push labor toward 6 hours or more per unit.
Popular upgrades and how they change price
Low-E coatings, argon gas, and triple-pane configurations increase costs per unit by roughly $80–$350 each, depending on size and brand. Grids, sash models with tilt-in features, and exterior foil finishes add further modest costs.
Strategies to reduce price without sacrificing quality
Choose standard-sized vinyl frames with basic Low-E glass and avoid premium finishes to reduce costs. Bundle multiple units with one contractor, schedule off-peak, and compare multiple quotes to lock in a competitive price.