Egress window installation costs $2,700 to $8,000 per window, with national averages of $4,216 to $7,000 depending on the reference.123 Permits add $100 to $500, and a basement window well adds $200 to $2,500 by material (Angi).1 Prices below are national averages* for 2026.
*National averages, not local quotes. Your price depends on window size, foundation type, excavation needs, window well, drainage, and local labor rates.
$4,236
national average, Angi
$6,000 – $8,000
average install, HomeGuide
$50 – $120
per hour labor, Angi
$200 – $2,500
window well, Angi
Quick math: a standard install takes 16 to 24 labor hours at $50 to $120 per hour = $800 to $2,880 of labor before materials, well, and permits, our arithmetic from Angi’s figures.1 Angi’s $4,236 and This Old House’s $4,216 averages sit $20 apart — the two draw on the same project pool, so treat them as one estimate; HomeGuide’s $7,000 average prices the full basement job with well and drainage, our reading.123
Cost by window size (Angi)
| Size (in) | Notes | Installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| 24 x 36 | Meets minimum code | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| 30 x 48 | Larger opening, better light | $3,500 – $6,000 |
| 36 x 60 | Oversized, maximizes daylight | $5,000 – $8,500 |
| Custom | Unusual shape or sizing | $6,000+ |
Cost by location (This Old House, installed)
| Location | Cost |
|---|---|
| Living room | $1,400 – $3,000 |
| Attic | $1,400 – $4,500 |
| Bedroom | $1,400 – $4,500 |
| Skylight | $1,400 – $5,500 |
| Basement (below ground) | $3,000 – $7,500 |
Basement installs cost the most because of excavation and the window well (This Old House).3
Window unit prices by type (This Old House survey)
| Window type | Average unit price | Egress note |
|---|---|---|
| Single-hung | $397 | Must be twice the code height — only half opens |
| Double-hung | $495 | Same height penalty as single-hung |
| Sliding | $507 | Must be twice the code width |
| Casement | $560 | Full opening swings out — most common egress choice |
Casements dominate egress installs because the whole sash opens, meeting code in a smaller frame, our reading of This Old House’s notes.3
Window wells, drainage, and extras (Angi)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Metal window well | $200 – $600 |
| Plastic window well | $250 – $800 |
| Concrete window well | $750 – $2,500 |
| Well cover | $50 – $500 |
| Drainage system | $500 – $2,000 |
| Permits + inspections | $150 – $800 total |
| Site prep / excavation | $500 – $2,000 |
| Interior/exterior finishes | $300 – $1,200 |
HomeGuide prices drainage higher, $1,000 to $4,000, reflecting full perimeter tie-ins rather than a simple well drain, our reading.2
Worked examples
Example 1 — code-minimum 24×36 casement, basement, metal well. $2,500 to $4,000 (Angi) + $200 to $600 well, our arithmetic; matches Angi’s $4,236 average mid-band.1
Example 2 — 30×48 with drainage and finishes. $3,500 to $6,000 + $500 to $2,000 drainage + $300 to $1,200 finishes = $4,300 to $9,200, our arithmetic (Angi).1
Example 3 — complex pour-cut concrete foundation. HomeGuide’s $10,000+ complex tier: 40+ labor hours, concrete cutting, possible plumbing/electrical rerouting (Angi).12
FAQ
Do I need a permit? Almost always: $100 to $500 plus $50 to $300 in inspections (Angi); skipping it risks penalties and forced rework.1
Why does a basement bedroom legally need one? Code requires an emergency escape opening in below-grade sleeping spaces (This Old House), its framing of the rule.3
Can I enlarge an existing basement window? Yes — enlarging the opening costs $150 to $200 in simple cases, more when structure or utilities are in the way (This Old House).3
Which window type is best for egress? Casement — the full opening counts, so a smaller, cheaper unit meets code (This Old House).3
What surprises people? The well and drainage: up to $2,500 for a concrete well and $500 to $2,000 for drainage on top of the window itself (Angi).1
DIY shopping: window well covers (plain link, no affiliate relationship) — a $50-$150 cover keeps debris and water out of an existing well.
Sources
- Angi, How Much Does Egress Window Installation Cost? (2026 data, 760 projects).
- HomeGuide, How Much Does Egress Window Installation Cost? (2026).
- This Old House, How Much Do Egress Windows Cost? (2026).
Related guides
Bay window installation
Window Well Cost
Basement Finishing Cost
Window Replacement Cost
Window Repair Cost
All cost guides