Water Heater Replacement Cost Calculator (2026)
Estimate the installed cost of replacing a water heater by type and state, including removal of the old unit and code upgrades.
What type of water heater?
Cost by material / system
| Option | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Electric tank (40–50 gal) | $1,200 | $2,500 |
| Gas tank (40–50 gal) | $1,500 | $3,000 |
| Tankless gas | $2,500 | $5,500 |
| Heat pump water heater | $3,000 | $6,000 |
| Solar water heating | $4,000 | $8,000 |
What drives the price
Installed price covers the unit, labor, haul-away and basic code items (expansion tank, drip leg, venting). Tankless conversions often need gas line upsizing and new venting, which is why they cost 2–3x a tank swap.
Cost by state
Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming District of Columbia
FAQ
How much does a water heater replacement cost?
A standard 40–50 gallon tank runs $1,200–$3,000 installed. Tankless is $2,500–$5,500; heat pump units are $3,000–$6,000 before any utility rebate.
How long does installation take?
A like-for-like tank replacement is usually 2–4 hours. Tankless conversions can take a full day because of venting and gas line work.
Do I need a permit?
Most jurisdictions require a plumbing permit for a water heater replacement; the cost is typically included in these ranges.