Window Replacement Cost by Type: Every Style Compared

Single-Hung Windows: $300 - $700

Single-hung windows have a fixed upper sash and a lower sash that slides up to open. They are the most affordable window type because the simpler mechanism (only one moving part) costs less to manufacture. A standard vinyl single-hung in a 30x48 inch opening runs $300 to $500 installed, while fiberglass and wood versions range from $500 to $700.

The main limitation is cleaning. Because the upper sash does not move, washing the exterior of the top pane from inside the house is impossible unless the window has a removable sash design. For ground-floor installations this is rarely an issue, but for second-story windows, double-hung models with tilt-in sashes are far more practical. Single-hung windows are a smart choice for budget projects, rental properties, and rooms where the windows are rarely opened.

Double-Hung Windows: $400 - $900

Double-hung windows are the most popular replacement style in the United States, accounting for over 50% of all residential window installations. Both the upper and lower sashes slide vertically, and most modern double-hung windows feature tilt-in sashes that swing inward for easy interior cleaning of the exterior glass surface.

A mid-range vinyl double-hung in a standard size costs $450 to $700 installed. Fiberglass double-hung windows from brands like Marvin Infinity or Pella Impervia run $700 to $1,100. Wood double-hung units from Andersen or Marvin start around $900 and reach $1,500 for premium finishes and hardware.

Double-hung windows work in virtually every room and fit standard rough openings without modification. Their versatility and the enormous range of sizes, materials, and price points available make them the default choice for most replacement projects. If you are replacing windows throughout your home and want consistency, double-hung is the safest bet for both aesthetics and resale value.

Casement Windows: $400 - $1,100

Casement windows are hinged on one side and crank open outward using a handle mechanism at the base of the frame. When closed, the sash presses tightly against the frame, creating one of the best air seals of any operable window type. This makes casement windows a strong choice for energy efficiency, especially in cold and windy climates.

A vinyl casement window costs $400 to $750 installed. Fiberglass casements run $700 to $1,000, and wood or wood-clad casements range from $800 to $1,100. The crank hardware adds approximately $30 to $60 to the cost compared to a similarly sized double-hung window.

Casement windows provide 100% of the opening for ventilation (versus roughly 50% for a double-hung), which makes them excellent for kitchens, bathrooms, and rooms that need maximum airflow. The outward-opening design also means they can catch side breezes. On the downside, casement windows cannot be used with window-mounted air conditioners, and the crank mechanism can wear out after 15 to 20 years of regular use (replacement cranks cost $15 to $40).

Sliding Windows: $350 - $900

Sliding windows (also called gliders) operate on a horizontal track. One or both sashes slide left or right to open. They are essentially double-hung windows turned sideways, which makes them ideal for openings that are wider than they are tall, such as above kitchen sinks, in basements, or in modern floor plans with horizontal architectural lines.

Vinyl sliders cost $350 to $650 installed. Fiberglass and aluminum sliders run $550 to $900. Because the mechanism is simple (sashes ride on a track with rollers), sliding windows have fewer moving parts to fail compared to casement or awning windows. The tradeoff is that the seal between the sash and frame is not as tight as a casement, so energy performance is slightly lower.

Maintenance on sliding windows is straightforward. The track needs occasional cleaning to prevent dirt buildup that makes the sash stick, and the rollers may need replacement after 15 to 20 years ($10 to $25 per sash). Overall, sliders are among the most durable and lowest-maintenance window types available.

Awning Windows: $400 - $1,000

Awning windows hinge at the top and swing outward from the bottom, creating a canopy effect when open. This design allows ventilation even during light rain because the glass panel deflects water away from the opening. They are commonly used in basements, bathrooms, and as accent windows above or below fixed picture windows.

A standard vinyl awning window costs $400 to $700 installed. Fiberglass and wood versions run $600 to $1,000. Because awning windows tend to be smaller than double-hung or casement windows, the per-unit cost is moderate, but the cost per square foot of glass is higher.

Awning windows share the casement window's compression seal advantage, so they perform well in energy efficiency tests. The main drawback is that the outward-swinging sash can obstruct walkways, decks, or patios if installed at a low height on exterior walls. Most building codes prohibit awning windows in egress applications because the sash blocks the exit opening.

Picture Windows: $300 - $1,200

Picture windows are fixed (non-operable) glass panels designed to maximize views and natural light. Because there are no moving parts, no tracks, no hinges, and no weatherstripping to seal, picture windows cost less per square foot than any operable window type and offer the best energy performance since there is zero air infiltration through the unit.

A standard-size vinyl picture window costs $300 to $600 installed. Large custom picture windows (5 feet wide or larger) with premium glass packages run $700 to $1,200. Floor-to-ceiling picture windows in new construction or major renovations can exceed $2,000 per unit because of the glass size, structural support requirements, and the need for tempered or laminated safety glass.

The obvious limitation is zero ventilation. Picture windows are typically combined with operable windows (casements or double-hung units on either side) to create a window grouping that provides both views and airflow. Many homeowners use a large center picture window flanked by two narrow casements, a configuration called a three-wide mulled unit, which costs $1,200 to $2,500 depending on materials.

Bay Windows: $1,500 - $4,500

A bay window projects outward from the exterior wall, typically consisting of a large center picture window flanked by two angled side windows (usually casements or double-hung units) at 30 or 45 degree angles. Bay windows create additional interior space, a window seat or display area, and dramatically improve curb appeal.

The installed cost for a bay window ranges from $1,500 to $4,500 depending on size, material, and whether the existing structure can support the projection. A vinyl bay window with standard double-pane glass averages $2,000 to $3,000 installed. Wood-clad bay windows from Andersen or Pella run $3,000 to $4,500.

Much of the cost comes from the structural work rather than the window itself. Bay windows require a support bracket or cable system to carry the weight of the projection, a small roof section (called a head) above the bay, and proper flashing to prevent water intrusion. If the existing wall does not have an adequately sized header, the contractor will need to install one, which adds $500 to $1,500 to the project. The head roof is typically copper, standing-seam metal, or shingled to match the main roof, adding another $300 to $800.

Bow Windows: $2,000 - $5,500

Bow windows are similar to bay windows but use four or five equal-sized window panels arranged in a gentle curve rather than sharp angles. The result is a more gradual, elegant projection that suits colonial, Victorian, and traditional home styles. Because bow windows use more panels and require a curved support structure, they cost 25% to 40% more than bay windows of similar width.

A four-panel vinyl bow window costs $2,000 to $3,500 installed. Five-panel fiberglass or wood-clad bow windows run $3,500 to $5,500. The curved header, custom support cables, and more complex flashing details drive the labor cost higher than a standard bay window. The interior window seat is larger with a bow window, which many homeowners consider a selling point that justifies the premium.

Egress Windows: $800 - $2,500

Egress windows are required by building code in any room designated as a bedroom that is below grade (basements). The International Residential Code mandates a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet, with a minimum width of 20 inches, a minimum height of 24 inches, and a maximum sill height of 44 inches above the floor.

An egress window unit itself costs $400 to $1,000 depending on material and size. The total installed cost of $800 to $2,500 includes cutting or enlarging the existing basement wall opening, installing a window well with a step or ladder if the well is deeper than 44 inches, adding proper drainage at the bottom of the well, and waterproofing the new opening. In poured concrete foundation walls, cutting the opening costs $500 to $1,200. In block foundations, the cost is slightly less at $400 to $900.

Skipping egress windows in a finished basement bedroom is not just a code violation, it is a serious safety hazard and a deal-breaker during home inspections. If you are finishing a basement and plan to use any room as a bedroom, budget for egress windows from the start.

Choosing the Right Window Type