An electrical panel upgrade costs $520 to $4,500 in 2026
An electrical panel upgrade costs $520 to $4,500 in 2026, with a typical price near $1,300. HomeAdvisor lists an average of $1,300 and a normal range of $520 to $2,124. Fixr reports a higher average of $3,000 and a range of $1,500 to $4,500. The size of the panel, the work needed on the wires, and your local labor rates explain most of the gap.
What price guides say
We checked 4 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| Fixr | Fixr lists a $3,000 national average and a $1,500 to $4,500 range, with 200 amp upgrades at $1,800 to $4,500. |
| Bob Vila | Bob Vila lists a typical range of $522 to $2,082 and an average of $1,274, with $750 to $2,000 to go from 100 to 200 amps. |
| HomeServe | HomeServe lists $1,300 to $2,500 for a 200 amp panel and install, and $50 to $100 per hour for electricians. |
| HomeAdvisor | HomeAdvisor lists an average of $1,300 and a typical range of $520 to $2,124, with 200 amps at $750 to $2,000. |
Electrical panel upgrade cost by size
| Size or type | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Typical range, all upgrades | $520 to $2,124 | HomeAdvisor |
| Typical range, panel replacement | $522 to $2,082 | Bob Vila |
| 100 amp upgrade | $500 to $1,500 | HomeAdvisor |
| 200 amp upgrade | $750 to $2,000 | HomeAdvisor |
| 200 amp upgrade | $1,800 to $4,500 | Fixr |
| 200 amp panel and install | $1,300 to $2,500 | HomeServe |
| 400 amp upgrade | $1,500 to $4,000 | HomeAdvisor |
| 400 amp upgrade | $8,000 to $12,000 | Fixr |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Panel size | A bigger panel costs more. HomeAdvisor lists $500 to $1,500 for 100 amps, $750 to $2,000 for 200 amps, and $1,500 to $4,000 for 400 amps. |
| Labor | Electricians usually charge $50 to $100 per hour, says HomeServe. A job often takes four to eight hours, so labor is a large part of the bill. |
| Upgrade or swap | Moving to a bigger panel costs more than a swap at the same size. Bob Vila lists $750 to $2,000 to go from 100 to 200 amps. |
| Meter box and service line | Old parts may need to be replaced. HomeServe lists $200 to $800 for a meter box and $1,050 to $3,200 for a service line. |
| Your area and permits | Local labor rates, permit fees, and inspections differ by city. This is one reason Fixr shows a higher average than HomeAdvisor does. |
What the price includes
The price usually covers the new panel, breakers, wire hookups, and the labor to install and test it. The job often takes four to eight hours. A permit and inspection may cost extra. Work on the meter box, service line, or old wiring can add to the bill. HomeServe lists $200 to $800 for a meter box and $1,050 to $3,200 for a service line. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
DIY or hire a pro
Hire a licensed electrician for this job. A panel holds live power that can cause shock or fire, even when the main breaker is off. The power company often has to cut power at the meter, and the work usually needs a permit and an inspection. A pro knows the local code and can size the panel for your load. Doing it yourself would save the labor, which HomeServe puts at $50 to $100 per hour for four to eight hours. But a mistake can fail inspection and put your home at risk. Spend your effort on comparing quotes instead.
How to tell you need it
Signs of a panel that needs work include breakers that trip often, a burning smell, buzzing sounds, or warm spots on the panel. Flickering lights and an old fuse box are also warning signs. You may need a bigger panel if you add an EV charger, a hot tub, or a central air unit. A licensed electrician can check the load and tell you what size fits your home.
How to judge your quote
- The quote names the panel size in amps and the brand.
- It lists the permit and inspection and who pulls them.
- It says if the meter box and service line are included.
- The electrician is licensed and gives a written price.
- Compare the total with the range above: $520 to $4,500 per upgrade for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Get three written quotes from licensed electricians. Prices in the sources above range from $520 to $4,500 for the same type of job.
- Ask if you need the full upgrade. A swap at the same size costs less than a move to a bigger panel, so size the panel to your real needs.
- Bundle the panel with other electrical work, such as a new circuit or an EV charger, so you pay for one trip and one permit.
- Ask the electrician if your meter box and service line can stay. Replacing them adds $200 to $800 and $1,050 to $3,200, says HomeServe.
- Ask your power company and city if a rebate or permit discount applies. Book in a slow season if your electrician will give a better price.
Why this costs more in 2026
Trade labor now runs about $75 to $150 an hour in most of the US. Lumber, steel, copper, PVC and concrete all cost more than in 2024, and freight went up after the oil shock that began with the Iran war in February 2026. Panel upgrades often cost more in 2026 because more homes add EV chargers and heat pumps that need a bigger panel, and electrician labor is a large share of the bill.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from Fixr, Bob Vila, HomeServe and HomeAdvisor. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does a 200 amp panel upgrade cost?
HomeAdvisor lists $750 to $2,000. Fixr lists $1,800 to $4,500, and HomeServe lists $1,300 to $2,500 for panel and install. Get local quotes because prices vary.
How long does an electrical panel upgrade take?
HomeServe says the job often takes four to eight hours. Power is off in the home for part of that time. Ask your electrician for the exact plan.
What is the average cost of an electrical panel upgrade?
HomeAdvisor lists an average of $1,300 and Bob Vila lists $1,274. Fixr lists a higher average of $3,000.
How much do electricians charge per hour?
HomeServe says electricians typically charge $50 to $100 per hour. Labor is a large part of the total price.
Do I need a permit for a panel upgrade?
Most cities require a permit and an inspection for panel work. Ask your electrician if the permit is part of the quote.