Most homeowners pay $400–$1,000 per basement window for a same-size replacement, or about $700 on average. Converting an opening to a code-compliant egress window with excavation and a new well costs about $2,700–$5,900 (Angi, Fixr and This Old House data, as of October 2026).
Updated October 8, 2026. Source: Angi + 3 more. National US estimates.
Basement windows take a beating: they sit near grade, collect water in the well and often have rusted steel or rotting wood frames. Swapping old single-pane hoppers for sealed vinyl units cuts drafts and leaks, and adding an egress window can make a finished basement bedroom legal.
Below you'll find prices for straight replacements, the line items on a typical bill and what changes when you need egress, excavation or concrete cutting. For above-grade windows, see our main window replacement cost guide.
Average cost
Installed prices per basement window, national averages as of October 2026:
| Scenario | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small hopper or glass block, same opening | $300–$700 | Prefab vinyl or glass block; quick install |
| Standard slider or casement, same opening | $400–$1,000 | Most common job; Angi average about $700 |
| Egress window with excavation and new well | $2,700–$5,900 | Concrete cutting, well, drainage and permits; can reach $7,000 |
Basement window cost by type (unit only)
Window price before labor, prefab vs. custom (Angi, October 2026). Add roughly $150–$600 per window for installation.
| Window type | Prefab | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Hopper | $100–$300 | $125–$450 |
| Glass block | $100–$400 | $125–$600 |
| Awning | $100–$600 | $125–$900 |
| Sliding | $250–$625 | $325–$950 |
| Casement | $100–$750 | $125–$1,125 |
| Egress-rated window | $100–$750 | $125–$1,125 |
Basement window cost by frame material (unit only)
| Frame material | Prefab | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $100–$650 | $125–$975 |
| Wood | $175–$800 | $225–$1,200 |
| Fiberglass | $250–$800 | $325–$1,200 |
| Steel | $275–$800 | $350–$1,200 |
| Aluminum | $300–$675 | $375–$1,025 |
Cost breakdown: materials, labor, permits and extras
Line-item estimate for replacing one standard vinyl basement slider or hopper in the existing opening (no egress, no excavation). Ranges are national, as of October 8, 2026.
| Cost item | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Window unit (materials) | $150–$550 | Prefab vinyl hopper or slider, double-pane glass |
| Labor | $150–$350 | Removing the old window, setting, shimming, insulating and sealing |
| Old window removal & disposal | $0–$200 | Often included; billed separately at about $200 by some installers |
| Permits & inspections | $0–$100 | Usually not needed for same-size swaps |
| Contingency (about 10%) | $40–$100 | Rotted buck or deteriorated mortar around the frame |
| Estimated total | $340–$1,300 | Before any discounts or rebates |
Labor stays modest for same-size swaps; it's excavation and concrete cutting for egress that multiply the price.
What affects the price
- Size and material. Small prefab hoppers start around $100 for the unit, while large custom fiberglass or steel windows can reach $1,200. Custom sizes cost 25% to 50% more than prefab, which matters in older homes with odd openings.
- Egress requirements. A bedroom in a basement needs an egress window with a clear opening at least 20 inches wide and 24 inches tall and a sill no more than 44 inches above the floor. Meeting that usually means a bigger opening, and the whole job typically costs $2,700–$5,900.
- Window well excavation. Digging out a below-grade egress well costs about $1,500–$3,000 per window, and a basic well liner runs $100–$500 (decorative wells $500–$2,000+). Wells deeper than 44 inches also need a ladder or steps.
- Frame work. Rotted wood bucks or a rusted steel frame add cost. Enlarging an opening runs about $500–$1,000, and cutting a foundation wall for egress about $1,500–$3,000.
- Installation. Labor for a basement window runs about $150–$600 per window, or $70–$150 per hour. Multi-window jobs often earn a lower per-window rate.
Ways to save
- Order prefab sizes whenever the opening allows; custom basement windows cost 25% to 50% more for the same type.
- Replace all basement windows in one visit to get a lower per-window labor rate.
- Keep the existing opening and well when you don't need egress; that avoids $1,500–$3,000 in excavation per window.
- If you're finishing the basement, plan the egress window with the rest of the remodel so excavation, drainage and drywall happen once.
- Choose vinyl frames: they're among the least expensive and don't rust or rot in damp wells.
How to get an accurate quote
Get at least three written quotes from window installers or basement contractors. Share the same details with each:
- The rough opening size of each window (width × height) and the wall type: poured concrete, block or wood framing.
- Whether you only want same-size replacements or need an egress window for a bedroom, plus whether a window well already exists.
- Any water problems in the wells, rot or rust in the frames, and how easy it is to reach the work area.
- Ask whether the price covers removal and disposal, interior trim, well drainage, permits and the warranty.
FAQ
Do I need a permit to replace a basement window?
Usually not for a same-size swap, but enlarging an opening or adding an egress window normally requires building and sometimes excavation permits, which run about $50–$500.
How long does it take to replace a basement window?
A same-size replacement often takes a few hours. Egress projects with excavation and concrete cutting usually take 1–2 days for simple jobs and 3–4 days for complex ones.
Is glass block a good choice for basement windows?
Glass block is secure and inexpensive at about $100–$400 for a prefab unit, but most panels don't open and can't serve as egress. Use it only where you don't need ventilation or an emergency exit.
For the big picture, start with our complete window replacement cost guide.
Related cost guides
Sources
- Angi — How Much Does Basement Window Replacement Cost? (updated Oct 1, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- This Old House — How Much Do Egress Windows Cost? (2026 Pricing) (updated Jun 12, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- Modernize — What's the Cost of a Basement Egress Window in 2026? (accessed Oct 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- Fixr — Basement Windows Replacement Cost (updated Dec 13, 2023). Checked October 8, 2026.
Prices are estimates and vary by location and provider. See our methodology and editorial policy. Browse all exterior cost guides.