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Water Heater Replacement Cost Calculator
Replacing a water heater costs about $1,700 on average in the US, with a typical range of $1,300 to $5,500. A 50 gallon gas tank in an easy spot runs roughly $1,300 to $2,400 installed. Pick your type and size to get a range for your own.
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ESTIMATED COST RANGE
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National estimate from published 2026 cost guides, not a quote. Real prices depend on your region, site and contractor. See how we estimate below.
How we estimate water heater replacement cost
Installed prices come from InchCalculator's "Cost to Replace a Water Heater" guide (2026 prices, checked October 2026): national average $1,700, typical range $1,300 to $5,500, a 50 gallon electric tank at $970 to $1,300, a 75 gallon natural gas tank at $2,000 to $4,000, a whole-house tankless unit at $4,500 to $6,500 and a permit at $20 to $100. We use those figures as published.
Our own assumptions, not published figures: installed prices for the other tank sizes, 50 gallon gas, heat pump units and small or large tankless units; the unit share of the price (50% for tanks, 65% for tankless and heat pump, the rest is labor and parts); labor 15% higher in a closet or crawl space and 35% higher in an attic; a new gas line at $500 to $1,500, new electrical work at $500 to $2,000 (both $1,000 to $3,500); venting at $300 to $1,500; an expansion tank at $100 to $350; and haul-away at $25 to $150. We do not include rebates or tax credits because they depend on the model, your location and the year.
The typical figure is the midpoint of the low and high, not a statistical average. Prices vary by region and by installer. Figures are estimates for planning, not quotes, and we re-check the data yearly. Use a licensed plumber, and check with your local building department about permits.
Source
- InchCalculator: Cost to Replace a Water Heater (2026) – national average and range, electric 50 gallon, gas 75 gallon, tankless and permit prices. Checked October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much does water heater replacement cost?
InchCalculator's 2026 guide gives a national average of about $1,700 installed, with a typical range of $1,300 to $5,500. A basic tank water heater sits at the low end and a whole-house tankless or heat pump unit at the high end. The calculator shows low, typical and high totals for your type, size and extras.
How much does water heater installation cost?
Installation is the labor and parts to remove the old unit, set and connect the new one, and test it. We assume it is about 50% of the installed price for tank units and 35% for tankless and heat pump units, then add extras like venting, a new gas line or electrical work. Plumbers typically charge $50 to $250 per hour.
How much does a tankless water heater replacement cost?
The published installed range for a whole-house tankless unit, gas or electric, is $4,500 to $6,500. Small point-of-use or one-bathroom units can cost less, and large units for four or more bathrooms cost more. Switching from a tank often adds gas line, venting or electrical work. Pick tankless in the calculator to see the line items.
How much does it cost to install a 50 gallon water heater?
Published installed prices are $970 to $1,300 for a 50 gallon electric tank. We assume $1,300 to $2,400 for a 50 gallon natural gas tank and $2,800 to $4,800 for a 50 gallon heat pump unit. Extras like a permit, expansion tank, venting or a hard-to-reach location add to these figures.
What is the labor cost to replace a water heater?
Labor is the largest piece after the unit itself. We assume it is about half of a tank water heater's installed price and about a third of a tankless or heat pump unit's. Attic and other hard-to-reach spots add to labor. The calculator shows materials and labor separately.
Is it cheaper to replace a gas or electric water heater?
A 50 gallon electric tank is usually cheaper to buy and install. A gas unit can cost more up front, and InchCalculator notes electric water heating can cost $100 to $300 more per year to run depending on local rates. Switching fuel adds gas line or electrical work, so keeping the same fuel is the cheaper swap.
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater?
InchCalculator says a permit is usually required and runs $20 to $100. Rules vary by city and county, so ask your plumber or local building department. Use a licensed plumber for the install.
Is this a quote?
No. These are national estimates for planning. Region, access, the condition of existing pipes and venting, and the installer change the real price. Nothing you enter here is saved or sent anywhere unless you use the quote request form below.