United States calculator
Water Heater Replacement Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost to replace your water heater. Adjust the number of heaters, the heater type, and whether you upgrade venting, gas, or electrical to code or remove the old tank to see an itemized low-high range for your project.
How this calculator is built
Unit costs with sources
This model cites 5 sources across line-item unit costs, regional labor data, and tax references.
Regional labor adjustment
The state table applies local labor indexes only to labor-heavy line items.
Published methodology
The methodology page lists the formula, size drivers, labor model, and source links.
Estimate your project
Change the default inputs to match your scope. The breakdown updates by line item.
Water Heater Replacement Cost by state: typical ranges
Each range applies that state's labor index to the labor-share line items of the default project; materials stay at national prices. Select a state for its full local breakdown and calculator.
| State | Typical range | Labor index | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,208–$2,013 | 75% | Likely |
| Alaska | $1,481–$2,469 | 123% | Likely |
| Arizona | $1,293–$2,155 | 90% | Likely |
| Arkansas | $1,225–$2,041 | 78% | Likely |
| California | $1,464–$2,440 | 120% | Likely |
| Colorado | $1,356–$2,260 | 101% | Likely |
| Connecticut | $1,379–$2,298 | 105% | Likely |
| Delaware | $1,327–$2,212 | 96% | Likely |
| Florida | $1,236–$2,060 | 80% | Likely |
| Georgia | $1,219–$2,032 | 77% | Likely |
| Hawaii | $1,538–$2,564 | 133% | Likely |
| Idaho | $1,265–$2,108 | 85% | Likely |
| Illinois | $1,475–$2,459 | 122% | Likely |
| Indiana | $1,344–$2,241 | 99% | Likely |
| Iowa | $1,282–$2,136 | 88% | Likely |
| Kansas | $1,299–$2,165 | 91% | Likely |
| Kentucky | $1,259–$2,098 | 84% | Likely |
| Louisiana | $1,230–$2,051 | 79% | Likely |
| Maine | $1,327–$2,212 | 96% | Likely |
| Maryland | $1,379–$2,298 | 105% | Likely |
| Massachusetts | $1,470–$2,450 | 121% | Likely |
| Michigan | $1,322–$2,203 | 95% | Likely |
| Minnesota | $1,390–$2,317 | 107% | Likely |
| Mississippi | $1,208–$2,013 | 75% | Likely |
| Missouri | $1,344–$2,241 | 99% | Likely |
| Montana | $1,299–$2,165 | 91% | Likely |
| Nebraska | $1,259–$2,098 | 84% | Likely |
| Nevada | $1,384–$2,307 | 106% | Likely |
| New Hampshire | $1,339–$2,231 | 98% | Likely |
| New Jersey | $1,407–$2,345 | 110% | Likely |
| New Mexico | $1,282–$2,136 | 88% | Likely |
| New York | $1,441–$2,402 | 116% | Likely |
| North Carolina | $1,219–$2,032 | 77% | Likely |
| North Dakota | $1,282–$2,136 | 88% | Likely |
| Ohio | $1,322–$2,203 | 95% | Likely |
| Oklahoma | $1,213–$2,022 | 76% | Likely |
| Oregon | $1,396–$2,326 | 108% | Likely |
| Pennsylvania | $1,327–$2,212 | 96% | Likely |
| Rhode Island | $1,339–$2,231 | 98% | Likely |
| South Carolina | $1,259–$2,098 | 84% | Likely |
| South Dakota | $1,225–$2,041 | 78% | Likely |
| Tennessee | $1,247–$2,079 | 82% | Likely |
| Texas | $1,225–$2,041 | 78% | Likely |
| Utah | $1,259–$2,098 | 84% | Likely |
| Vermont | $1,316–$2,193 | 94% | Likely |
| Virginia | $1,259–$2,098 | 84% | Likely |
| Washington | $1,470–$2,450 | 121% | Likely |
| West Virginia | $1,219–$2,032 | 77% | Likely |
| Wisconsin | $1,344–$2,241 | 99% | Likely |
| Wyoming | $1,293–$2,155 | 90% | Likely |
Common questions
How much does it cost to replace a water heater?
Replacing a standard 50-gallon tank water heater, installed, typically runs about $1,300-$2,300, with a national midpoint near $1,800. A basic 40-gallon tank costs less, while a tankless or high-efficiency unit runs roughly $1,400-$5,600 installed. Use the calculator above for a range matched to your heater type.
Is a tankless water heater worth the extra cost?
A tankless unit costs more up front - often two to three times a standard tank installed - but delivers endless hot water and lasts longer, and gas models can need new venting or a larger gas line. Choose 'Tankless / high-efficiency' under Heater type to scale the estimate.
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater?
Most jurisdictions require a plumbing or mechanical permit and an inspection of the gas venting or electrical connection for a water-heater replacement, typically $50-$500 depending on the area. The region notes below summarize the local situation and sales tax for your state.